You can. There are no special prerequisites. Aikido is a constant learning and developing process for body and mind. So no matter where you start, you will always be able to go on from that
point.
No, you're not. Aikido can be learned pretty much at any age. The focus is not on acrobatics or power but on efficiency of movement. That is a principal which never grows old.
You can join three trial classes without obligation to find out if Aikido and our group is right for you. Just drop in on one of our classes and bring comfortable sports wear (preferrably
long pants) - we train barefoot. We have several classes for beginner's, just check the schedule.
As soon as you have decided you want to stay, you'll need an Aikido dress. We will advise you on where to get a good one. Usually it's fair to calculate around 40-50 €. Later on, you might
want to get other equipment like wooden weapons. Don't hesitate to ask again when the time comes.
Aikido is a martial art. But the main goal is to deflect and neutralize the power of the attacker. So you don't learn techniques that are meant to harm your partner. Accordingly, it is
extremely rare that somebody gets hurt doing Aikido. It actually rather increases your well-being.
Since the main goal in Aikido is personal growth, the idea of fighting or competition was abandoned quite early in its development. Using the technique we strive to blend with what the
attacker throws at us. This would be impossible in a mindset of fighting against someone. To avoid the trap of unconsciously fighting the partner through comparison, competition and ideally
the entire competitive mindset were also abolished.
In its roots, Aikido is a very effective system for self-defense. So you can definitely defend yourself. Because the training comprises so many other ideas as well, self-defense will not be
the main focus of every-day training though. The highest goal of course is to become aware of ones surroundings in a way that actual physical conflict can be prevented beforehand.
