What is the Tetsu No Kokoro Aikido Association?

Tetsu No Kokoro Aikido Association is a not for profit organization geared to bringing the art form of Aikido to those whom otherwise couldn’t afford it but harbors the desire for practical training.

 

Why is it you can charge such low monthly fees?

We are a non-profit association and the dojo is located in my home. All of our instructors either have a job or own a business and they volunteer their time. The small fee of $5.00 per class covers the cost of paper and ink cartridges used to print certificates and other recognition documents.

 

Is the monthly cost of the class based on the quality of instruction I will get?

Most certainly not. The training you will receive is the  same curriculum as any other dojo offering instuctions in Karl Geis’ Fugakukai (KiHara) Aikido.

 

How do I know if I am getting a good instructor?

The instructor you choose should inspire you to train under him. We have always encouraged our students to check out other schools if they like. If we don't inspire and lead them we shouldn't be their instructor. This is also a good indicator of how good the instructor you are considering training under really is. If he doesn't want you to visit other schools for a variety of reasons, usually he bad mouths one or more of the other schools, chances are his instruction and leadership isn't very good or inspirational. Nothing is more laughable to me then an Instructor claiming you stole my student. First of all he doesn't own them and most importantly if he/she  really inspired them as their instructor and leader they wouldn't leave him/her would they?

 

Can Aikido be a street effective martial art?

Yes it can, however the vast majority of Aikido being taught today is not. Be sure that the instructor who represents himself as an Aikido instructor has received his black belt from a verifiable organization. Just because they may be affiliated with a legitimate organization and instructor does not necessarily mean “they” are a good instructor by any means. Most importantly observe a class or two and visit other schools before deciding to join.

 

How do I know what school to join?

First: When you observe the instructor does he/she articulate the explanation of each and every technique so that you can understand what he/she is teaching or do they simply say do it this way. Second: Ask the instructor do demonstrate Randori. Sense Aikido is designed to take on multiple attackers (3 or more) can the Instructor handle multiple attackers at full speed, not at half or slow speed. Third: Can the instructor execute the techniques he demonstrates at full speed with control and power. Any one can do a technique at slow speed and make it look good. Fourth: Be sure to check out some other schools in the area before making a decision.

 

Is an affiliation with a major federation or association important?

That depends on what you are trying to achieve. If all you want is a belt and bragging rights that you belong to such and such association then, yes. If you are learning a martial art to be able to defend yourself and protect your family then no. You must decide on what is your primary objective. There are dojos in the Orlando/Kissimmee Area where you can get both but they are very few and very far in between.

 

What about dojo websites that have these long lineage lines are they better then the others?

While lineages show who taught who, usually from O'Sensei on down to the current Dojo-Cho, this really means very little. When it comes to how good the instructor is that will be teaching you all the lineage in the world won't make him a good or bad instructor. You must evaluate the instructor for who he is not where his lineage traces up the line to. Many bad instructors have great lineage lines but little else. Again I recommend that you check out several dojos in the area before deciding on any one particular dojo.  Basing your decision to join a dojo because of their lineage is never a good idea.

 

What is Seijaku Tatsu Ryu?

Seijaku Tatsu Ryu or Silent Dragon School is a dojo, nothing more. Our basic Aikido draws heavily from Karl Geis Shihan's Aikido commonly referred to as KiHara Aikido Methodology. The atemi (kicks and punches) are based on Kinjote Taijutsu. We also draw upon some Aikijujitsu and Small Circle Jujitsu techniques as well. The over all mission of Seijaku Tatsu Dojo is to provide its students with the most practical form of street martial arts keeping some traditional values for good measure.

 

Which is better to study under a 1st degree or 5th degree black belt?

This is the most common of all mistakes a new or prospective student makes. Picking a dojo to train at based on what degree black belt the instructor holds. I recommend you consider and first read "How do I know if I am getting a good instructor?" Rank should be your last consideration. I personally can think of many cases around the Orlando and Kissimmee area where an instructor's rank completely misleads the prospective new student. In fact in the last 8 years I can personally think of only two times where an Aikido instructor’s ability definitely matched or in this one case exceed the rank he holds.

 

Recently I have seen some local dojos in the Orlando/Kissimmee area that do not post their monthly class fee, why is that?

The primary reason is that their monthly fees probably exceed $75.00 per month and people surfing the net looking for an Aikido school in Orlando/Kissimmee, or any other city and state, will not visit that dojo because of price. Price is always a concern but I still recommend that you check out the dojo (school) as well as several other dojos (schools) in your area before deciding on a school to train. However, if money is your number one concern then call for a monthly price quote and if they won't give it to you over the telephone find another school.

 

Home    Instructor    Lineage     Katas      Techniques      Contact Us     Links    Pictures    FAQ