I need your help please Shakken...

[OICW]

I'm interested in aikido fairly soon. I might wait until the Christmas holidays to find a instructor that takes classes. However, I don't really know some of the things that you are supposed to do, like with the gi for example.

Do you have to have one before you start or does the instructor want to check you out first before you can join?

Also, I don't want to go to a place only to find its a black belt factory. What are the signs that a martial arts centre is a Black belt factory?

I am not fussed if the dojo's (is that the term used in Western countries?) instructor teaches a spiritual style or a self defense style (Preferably i would like someone who does a mix of both but it's not really importnant if I can't find someone like that.)

So Shakken, could you please help me out? Or if its easier, are there any websites that give you info about this? I might have a bit of trouble website wise since it may be slightly different in Australia.

Thanks very much.

"Hand to hand, is the basis of all combat. Only a fool trusts his life to a weapon."
Cyborg Ninja, Metal Gear Solid.

[ShakKen]

Goto the center first and ask the sensei where to get kitted out.

Nothing's worse than a newbie walking in with a hakama and getting his ass kicked inside out! (Hakama's in aikido are the equivilant of a black belt)

Aikido is one martial arts that hasn't changed allot and you won't get as many competitions if any compared to the more 'dynamic' arts. Thus, you'll find the philosophy and theory in abundance.

As for the blackbelt factory;
1. if you find allot of young buggers with hakamas in the dojo, forget it.
2. You ussually can't go wrong with oriental senseis.

ShakKen
Infiltration (http://www.planetunreal.com/infiltration)
3D artist

[Galaddin]

Well over here some girls are allowed to wear hakamas although they aren't black belts...

It is impossible for the glass to be half full or half empty for you see: there is no glass

[OICW]

Thanks Shakken. Now, I hope I don't mess up and make a fool out of myself when i go to the centre!

"Hand to hand, is the basis of all combat. Only a fool trusts his life to a weapon."
Cyborg Ninja, Metal Gear Solid.