Aikido internships are there to learn and grow in an environment without competition. Although Aikido has no competitions, internships offer a unique opportunity to train with others outside your own dojo. The great advantage is that everyone on the mat shares the same passion. In addition, you learn new perspectives and techniques from other teachers, which broadens your horizons. You get to know the Aikido Community, creating a sense of connection and inspiration.
In your own dojo, you often train with the same people. You know who trains pleasantly and who does not. The added value of internships is precisely the variety: you learn to deal with different energies and styles. This not only helps you understand the techniques better, but also how to deal with new situations mentally stronger.
All levels welcome during an Aikido stage. Beginners train with advanced students and vice versa. Aikido is inclusive: male, female, young, old... everyone trains with each other. There are also specific Yudansha-stages for black belters or above.
Normally, internships are given without weapons, such as the tanto, buck or jo. However, this depends on the trainer and the country where the internship is held. Trainers often take into account that travellers do not bring weapons. At many internships, if necessary, you can borrow a weapon through the organiser.
As in your own dojo, dojo etiquette also applies during an internship. In addition, there are a few things to bear in mind:
Most Aikido internships are open to everyone. Often dojos discourage participation in internships outside their own style, but at Ando we see it differently. Sensei Yoshimitsu Yamada taught us that Aikido is unique to each individual. Multiple perspectives enrich your perspective and help you understand techniques better. Another teacher can provide just that one insight that makes a technique suddenly click.
What is the difference between an Aikido internship and regular class?
During regular classes, you often work on ‘exam planning’, training for a specific level. An internship, on the other hand, is focused on inspiration and does not have to take this into account. The organisation or teacher chooses a theme designed to inspire everyone, regardless of level.
Grandmaster Donovan Waite explains why it is so important to do Aikido internships in the video below.
At Ando, we organise children's training courses every year. These low-threshold training sessions are a playful way To increase fun on the mat and make new friends. The aim is to give children more self-confidence and broaden their world.
Parents play an important role here. Encourage your child to participate in a placement, ride along or arrange for your child to go with an Aikido friend. Make it a fun experience, for example by taking something for the road, such as a Aikido puzzle book.
Foreign Aikido internships are at least as much fun as the national ones. Although a bit more planning is involved, it is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture and meet new people. You often share an instant connection with others because of the shared passion for Aikido.
For example, start with an internship of a teacher you already know, or go to a national internship you are curious about, even if you don't know anyone there. Contact the organiser if you have questions about accommodation or other practical matters.
An international internship also offers the chance to train with senseis you might follow via social Or that your teacher admires. This can be a valuable addition to your Aikido journey.
Most important is plan ahead, do you know a date... put it on your Aikido calendar. Because the earlier you have things booked, the cheaper you will be.
Make Aikido training courses even more fun!
Make an Aikido training course more fun by making a day of it. You can combine a trip to Belgium with eating real Belgian fries at a chip shop. But also by going together with a group of people from the dojo (your Aikido buddies), carpooling to the training course is of course much cozier than sitting in the car with a podcast in the background. Such fun memories are made together.
Wondering which internships we organise, check out which ones Aikido training course we are planning.
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