How physically demanding is Aikido?
Physically, Aikido can be demanding, but not in the same way as Karate or many other martial arts, particularly aerobic/cardio kickboxing programs. While our classes do include exercises to promote good general health and fitness, our workouts are not cardiovascularly intensive. This means that Aikido can be practiced by young and old alike, and you needn’t worry if you feel you are currently out of shape. We do not push our students beyond their physical comfort level. The most difficult part of Aikido for new students is learning to fall properly. We pay close attention to new students and guide them carefully in this process. We fall in order to avoid injury, and we always use mats when practicing Aikido in the dojo. If you have a medical condition that you think might interfere with your ability to practice Aikido, we recommend you discuss it with your doctor before attending class. While we are certainly happy to explain what is involved in learning Aikido, we cannot help you come