New to the martial arts. Some questions......

[DanH]

Hi, just started taking martial arts again (aikido).

 

I took Karate when I was younger and learned the basics .

 

I have a few questions

 

1. I'm 24. Is it too late to get to a point where aikido is 2nd nature? I noticed most guys that are very good started when they were younger. But then again, I dont think Seagal got very good until he was in his 30s right?

 

2. I read the post on Japan. Is training in Japan that much better than getting training here? My master is Japanese and is traditional but I still wonder sometimes. I even went and looked at the schedules of Japan dojos online. They are very similar to US dojo schedules (childrens classes, women's classes, etc). Do they just train more in japan? Train harder? Or can you find the same level of instruction if you look hard enough here?

 

3. Back in the old days of Japan, they trained from sunrise to sundown correct? Do any martial art STUDENTS, still do this over in Japan? Or is it more like a westerner schedule (ie: train after work)

 

Thank you

[TJS]

expect to devote a large portion of your life befor you can use the techniques succesfully under the stress of a real situation.

[DanH]

TJs, are you referring to aikido or any MA? I boxed and took karate when i was younger. Both for about a year. A few years later I got into a scuffle and used some of the moves on the attacker. I was surprised to say the least.

 

Also, what about my other questions? Thanks

[equaninimus]

Your Aikido will probably become more comfortable in three or four years. There are many on this board who would never use the adjective "good" to describe Seagal or his technique.

 

As for training in Japan, unless you do an instructor course (usually by invitation only) there is likely to be little difference between training in the US and training in Japan, with the exception of being able to understand the instruction.

[Hoju]

I dont think that it's ever too late to get to the point where its second nature in any activity or MA. When I started training, I was 23 (a whole year and some months ago). I'm finding that it comes relatively quick. I think there's even an advantage to the fact that we're through our growth spurts and puberty, so you've developed & are comfortable with your body.

 

I would say I'm learning a fast rate, but I've also fenced for so many years, that a lot of reaction times are relatively small and whatnots.

 

But, the moral of this ramble - 24 is not too late at all to start training in a MA.

[equaninimus]

Cool. What's your favourite event? Foil, epee, or sabre? I like sabre, but have also competed in foil. Epee bores me.

[WolverineGuy]

I've actually heard quite a few good things about Segal's technique...at the risk of sounding ignorant and getting flamed, what's the deal?

[Practice is the key _]

Yeah I heard they've got creamed.