Aikido is for everyone so even if you are a bit older or your body no longer feels so young, you can still practice this beautiful martial art. At Ando, we offer Aikido classes for people over 55. Monday evenings, but you are welcome at all locations and times. Our dojo is characterised by a respectful atmosphere, with students of all ages. You work on balance, coordination and self-confidence in a relaxed way. Aikido is not a top-class sport, but a gentle martial art that connects body and mind - with attention, rest and movement at your pace.
Did you know that the average age of Aikidoka in Japan much higher than in the Netherlands? There are many practitioners there just the 60 passed when they start. Even great masters continue to train in old age. For instance, Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan - teacher of sensei Edo and Anne Slui - was still teaching when he was 84 years old.
“Our Aikido dojo is open to everyone,” says sensei Edo. “The other day we welcomed sensei Harvey (8th dan, 83 years old) to our class. His message was clear: you learn to train according to your age. Young and energetic? Then train dynamically. A bit older or injured? Then you learn refinement and efficiency. Aikido grows with you.”
In our classes training partners adapt to each other whether you are just starting out, a bit older or physically limited. Falling and standing up are part of the training, with paying attention to what your body needs. Aikido is thus a valuable Supplement to fall prevention and exercise programmes for 55+. You learn not only to move smoothly, but also to fall and get up with confidence.
Experience how Aikido helps you move stronger, more aware and relaxed at your own pace.
Aikido is not something you just practise in the dojo. You will see that when you get the hang of it. Sensei Edo and Anne explain that it works just like 'Omdenkenken'.
Getting your own experience is best. Therefore, we invite you to come to one of our dojo for a trial lesson, without any obligation. Feel free to bring a friend or partner to see if Aikido suits you.
Yes. We teach you how best to fall in the first training session. Thus, we offer more detailed ‘ukemi’ (read role training) in which we review all the various ways of falling. This is more comprehensive than a standard ‘fall prevention’ lesson. Of course, we include age in the lesson so you can work at your own pace.
No. Like all sports, injuries have to do with paying attention to yourself and your surroundings. Because Aikido has no competition, you are not trying to ‘overpower’ the other person but purely to perform the technique as well as possible. So injuries in Aikido are often rare, but cannot be ruled out.
In Aikido, you are senior or ‘senpai’ when you have more aikido experience. Start at the beginning and learn to listen to your body. Then you can join any adult Aikido class just fine. You are as old as your body feels.
Whether you have a Budo (collective name martial arts) background or not, it doesn't matter. Everyone's learning path is different. Of course, you will have some benefits. But is not a must to participate. We will build this together.
No. We think Aikido exams are important, but not compulsory. Exams show you that you have reached a milestone that you can be proud of! After all, you do Aikido for yourself. Also, exams are judged on someone's ability, an 18-year-old doing the same exam will have different expectations than someone who is older. So do it for yourself.
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