Twin Cities Aikido Ctr

I briefly studied in this school on my 5th year of Aikido training many many years ago. I had my one most unpleasant experience on Aikido on this dojo. I travel a lot because of my job. I have experience with several dojo and disciplines of Aikido . I was working with a female high ranking member/teacher with a French braided blond(?) hair. The technique was "shiho nage" and I was applying it.
"Shiho nage" , the way it was done in "kihon" or basic (O' Sensei's way - video and photo documented) ; "nage" ends slightly at the back of uke.

She was doing it where she end in side-front of "uke" (henka-recent variation) curling the arms infront of them. I applied this technique to her . Apparently she was not familiar with the basic technique and tried to test and counter this very effective "kihon". She tried to pull back her arm thinking that she can make me fall to prove her point. I felt the strong tug as she tried to pull back her arm. I did not force the technique but continued with slow "nagare" (flow). The technique was firm and the tai-sabaki (body movement) gives this kihon its effectiveness without needing to apply force. She fell down flat on her back while desperately trying to resist the technique. Her ego was so hurt that she confronted me as if she is going to hit me. She screamed, saying "she could have been hurt or broken her arm".

I first trained in Asia. I grew up in Asian culture and taught to be always respectful and submit myself to my 'sempai' (senior).I knelt down, bowed and apologized over and over for about 4 minutes because she was a senior. I did this at least 5 times while my head was bowed down low, forehead,knees and palms touching the mat while sincerely apologizing and saying "Please, please forgive me !" over and over. She looked at me, trying to figure out if I was trying to humiliate her. She knew I was not. She was still fuming mad, clenching a fist, screaming that she could have been hurt because I made her fall, perhaps trying to provoke me. I knew she still wanted to hit me, but she can't because I'm non-confrontative in nature. If she did, I would have let her without retaliating to prove my sincerity.

Her mind was closed on what she knew. Her ego had manifested itself as an obstacle for her to be open and learn new things( I was not trying to teach her any). If she should have analyzed her thought ; It was 'shiho nage' ; She is 'uke' (receiver). She was supposed to fall down. She resisted to prove her point what ever it was. Her reflex was extremely slow for her level or because she was resisting. O' Sensei's kihon waza (basic technique) is better. I cared for her safety so I applied the technique slowly. I 've shown her proper respect. She lost her temper. She lost control.

In Asian martial culture, these qualities is of an individual who had "not yet begun" and should not be in the 'yudansha' teaching rank.

From then on I tried to avoid her. I left the 'dojo' within a week without getting my money's worth and with so much regret in joining the school.

Posted 04/21/08 | Report Abuse

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I've been studying at this dojo for about six years. Although I am in decent condition, I am over fifty years old and just over five feet tall. My perception is that this dojo is a wonderful place to train and that the (volunteer) instructors are knowledgeable and caring. I am slowly learning both the martial art of aikido and the spiritual lessons of this art.
The range of reviews point out some of the challenges in aikido training. There are a variety of skill levels in the classes and a range of motivations. Some practitioners are focused on the spiritual idea of blending with another person's energy and others on more rigorous self-defense. To practice with a variety of "uke" and "nage" partners requires communication and intuition as well as excellent instruction. Not only can ego get in the way, but an "uke" can be at risk if they are less able to fall, roll or respond to joint pressure than what a partner expects.
I love our classes. Some days I practice at a gentle, careful pace and sometimes we throw down and I go flying with momentum. Although it takes a long time to make progress, both the self-defense and the spiritual growth aspects of aikido are real.
I would highly recommend this dojo. I would also suggest, whether you are new to the art or a skilled practitioner, that you come to the mat with an open heart and communicate what is right for you in terms of speed and intensity.

Posted 06/06/07 | Report Abuse

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First off, if you are new to the world of martial arts, you should not volunteer to get thrown.

Second if you are out of shape and or your body has never been used to getting punish before, do not volunteer for anything.

Start off with watching and just micmicking the movements slowly as if you're in a Tai Chi course.

Third any fast movement or quick force can give a fat out of shape person or even an in shape person but someone that is not used to getting hammered a heart attack.

But in your defense, yes they might of been a little insincere, but if you're looking for sincerety try a college martial course Tai Chi.

My problem with MOST martial arts places are that they are created mainly for people like you.

I would like to join a club with HEAVY emphasis on sparring with very little padding. The ONLY way.......IS through PAIN.

Posted 12/16/06 | Report Abuse

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The negative review previously submitted should not be regarded as typical. First, the U of Minn club instructor is no longer affiliated with Twin Cities Aikido Center, although he is a very good instructor. No indication whether reviewer told anyone, nor if she was avtually known, by name, to all involved. I've spent over thirty years in various martial arts, and find the TCAC to be among the best and most caring dojos in any art. Several people, myself included, have traveled to Japan, and found that the excellent grounding in basics allows us to easily adjust to the even more traditional classes. The fact that TCAC is non-profit, with several volunteer instructors, make it one of the most economical and diverse places to train. As is true with any situation, especially one involving many beginners, the negative review reflects a rare, though unfortunate, incident. The majority of experiences no doubt our positive. TCAC has been at the same location for thirty years---something few dojos (or dojangs, or kwoons) in this country can claim.

Posted 10/03/06 | Report Abuse

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I started in the UMn branch of this school. Within the first month, I was seriously injured while being thrown by one of the young, strong, male members. I was unable to use my right arm at all, but I was sent off to the emergency room ON MY OWN. Have you ever tried driving a stick shift without a functioning right arm? anyway, turns out I tore every insertion out of my right shoulder, an injury that took over 5 years to heal. No one ever called me to see how I was, which hurt ever so much more than the actual injury. There is seriously something wrong with the leadership, and I recommend you stay AWAY from this place.

Posted 11/26/05 | Report Abuse

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