I am cautiously optimistic that we may be close to selling our Money Pit in Corndogland. What this means is that my return to martial arts may be before January! *If* all goes according to plan I could be visiting two schools this month and starting in November.
My shortlist:
- Dojang that offers a Krav Maga program
- Dojo that offers Aikido
Many variables to consider, however, the biggest are cost, quality of instruction, and what my old injuries can handle.
I do know from my limited experiences in Aikido and Self-defense Systems (aka buffet-style street defense) that the reality stuff bothered my old injuries more. Aikido not so much. (No comment concerning how Aikido impacted my 40-something knees!)
Monthly costs: Krav is $85 for twice a week whereas Aikido is $65 for three weekly sessions.
The only way to assess quality is to visit both schools which may happen shortly.
-BCP
A good diagnostic tip for Aikido schools: the importance they place on good rolls/falls.
When shopping for schools, I one observed the local university’s Aikido class. The beginner’s class was doing an easy throw, and the students were falling backwards onto their butts, catching themselves with straight arms. The instructor was making the rounds, and instead of pointing out the importance of correct falling, he fine tuned their **throwing**. I was just **waiting** for the student to sprain his wrist…
Yeah – complaint of the last place. Not enough 1-on-1 with us newbies. Only one school in town so we shall see…
Your choice is going to depend a lot on what you want to get out of training.