I started aikido training a few days after arriving. Currently, I'm training at night because that is the only time I can take back to back lessons. It takes about one and a half hours to get to the dojo (training hall) so even if I take two classes a day I still spend more time on the train than on the mats. Monthly fees are about half the cost of my train pass. Regardless of the cost and time it's definitely worth it because I get to train with some of the best in the world. I will try to train four or five times a week. Hopefully some of my nagging injuries won't get too much in the way of training.
Thats great what kyu level are you at now, and what level do you expect to be at when you return. If I was still young the live in 1yr program looks great
ReplyDeleteI'm sixth kyu right now. I'm not too sure about the testing schedule yet. I think tests will be held this month and in March but I'm not sure about between those dates.
ReplyDeleteIn Japan they only have white, brown and black belts. One of the instructors asked me during a class last week if I already have my shodan (black belt). That felt pretty good.
In some respects I'm starting back at the basics. Everything is based off of them so I have to make sure they are solid.
I'm looking forward to testing here...it will be a good experience.
There is a book called Angry White Pajamas. It was written by an English guy that did the one year course. It's the same coures that the Tokyo Riot Police do.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Angry-White-Pyjamas-Scrawny-Lessons/dp/0688175376