Want to start martial arts.

[PatrickLB]

Well first of all Pleased to be here, I am new to this forum and pretty much the whole martial arts scene in general. I've been researching around the internet on styles and martial arts in general for quite awhile, so I believe that I atleast have a bit of basic knowledge about martial arts.


So yeah, I've been checking and researching about different styles that are taught close to my home and I've found I think a particulary good dojo where I could start martial arts.

The Dojo in question is called Académie Martial SEREI (I am a french canadian from quebec). They teach Aikido, Aiki Jujutsu, Lai jutsu, Judo, Karate, Kendo, BJJ, Kickboxing and Boxing.

For the information I am 5"11 and around 240 pounds and 17 years old but I have some muscles, I would be interested in joining the Aiki Jujutsu classes as this is the one that I am the most interested in right now, putting into account my weight/age/height would that be good?

My Senseis would be Pascal Serei (8th Dan in Aiki Jujutsu) and André-Jacques Serei (7th Dan in Aiki Jujutsu) so I would like to know if they are known and not just "Self proclaimed Dan" or something, I will of course try and attend one of their classes to see if I like what I see.


Another question I have is what exactly is Aiki Jujutsu, I've read quite a bit about Jujutsu in general but what would the difference be between Japanese Jujutsu and Aiki Jujutsu?

And last question is about competitions and seminar and what not, are they needed? I would like to learn Aiki Jujutsu but I don't necessarily want to show my "Skills" infront of everyone in competitions and what not, so are they mandatory or is it just a choice I can make if I want?

I would like to thank anyone in advance and to please excuse me for the frequent typos I might do sometimes as I am french.

[PASmith]

Welcome...your written english is better than some people that claim to speak it as a first language so don't worry about that.

Their website looks pretty good. They also have different instructors for different arts (kickboxing for example) which is a good sign.
They offer a fair bit so I'd try as much as you can to see what you like.
Don't worry about your size and weight. People of all sizes achieve success in all arts. It's more about making the arts work for you rather than picking an art that suits your build. The important thing is making a start and gaining enough knowledge to see where you want to take your future training.

Good luck with your training.

[tonyr1967]

Originally Posted by PatrickLB

Another question I have is what exactly is Aiki Jujutsu, I've read quite a bit about Jujutsu in general but what would the difference be between Japanese Jujutsu and Aiki Jujutsu?

Found this for you from:

http://www.jitsufoundation.org/JuJit...ujitsu_history

Aiki-jitsu
Ancient system of combat based on jujitsu; founded by Shinra SaburoYoshimitsu during the Kamakura period (1185 - 1336) in Japan. Also known as aiki-jujitsu, it is the art from which aikido has developed. Sometime during the 13th century, a school existed to the north of Mt. Fuji that specialised in the teaching of aiki-jitsu.

It was kept secret except to a few disciples, for the most part Japanese nobles of ancient lineage. This art had originated from Kenjutsu. The term aiki, like ju, indicates a principle, a way of using the body as a weapon of combat. The method of aiki is to use
the the co-coordinated power of ki in harmony with the circumstances of combat; by blending one’s strategy with an opponent’s, to attain full control over him and over the encounter.

Good luck!
Tony

[Aegis]

Originally Posted by tonyr1967

Found this for you from:

http://www.jitsufoundation.org/JuJit...ujitsu_history

Aiki-jitsu
Ancient system of combat based on jujitsu; founded by Shinra SaburoYoshimitsu during the Kamakura period (1185 - 1336) in Japan. Also known as aiki-jujitsu, it is the art from which aikido has developed. Sometime during the 13th century, a school existed to the north of Mt. Fuji that specialised in the teaching of aiki-jitsu.

It was kept secret except to a few disciples, for the most part Japanese nobles of ancient lineage. This art had originated from Kenjutsu. The term aiki, like ju, indicates a principle, a way of using the body as a weapon of combat. The method of aiki is to use
the the co-coordinated power of ki in harmony with the circumstances of combat; by blending one’s strategy with an opponent’s, to attain full control over him and over the encounter.

Good luck!
Tony

There are probably better resources for martial arts history than the Jitsu foundation website. I love the style, but as it's a modern jujutsu there's not an awful lot of exposure to koryu arts, and someone with that sort of background would probably have a lot more insight into the divergent history of aikijutsu and jujutsu.

Kogusoku is needed!

[aikiwolfie]

Originally Posted by PatrickLB

For the information I am 5"11 and around 240 pounds and 17 years old but I have some muscles, I would be interested in joining the Aiki Jujutsu classes as this is the one that I am the most interested in right now, putting into account my weight/age/height would that be good?

Part of martial arts training is conditioning you body. So barring any illness or injury you current physical condition is irrelevant. If your interested go along and try it out.

Look at the following link for the history of Aikijujutsu. I can't really vouch for it's authenticity. But it looks reasonable enough. Knowing the history however won't really tell you what to expect when you go to train.

http://www.aiki-buken.com/history.html

[Fusen]

Originally Posted by PatrickLB

My Senseis would be Pascal Serei (8th Dan in Aiki Jujutsu) and André-Jacques Serei (7th Dan in Aiki Jujutsu) so I would like to know if they are known and not just "Self proclaimed Dan" or something, I will of course try and attend one of their classes to see if I like what I see.

after looking here:

http://www.nintai.ca/en/historique.htm

it would sem that

''Their numerous meetings with contemporary masters of Judo, Karate, Ju-Jitsu, Aikido, Aikibudo and Kubodo, their ceaseless personnal quest, their understanding of combat, coupled with the necessity to increase their knowledge and comprehension of the underlined principles of martial arts have enabled them to devise a specific interpretation of Budo.
...............


Theirs is an adaptation of Aiki Ju-Jitsu. The name of their school is Nintai Ryu Aiki Ju-Jitsu''


but here
http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6378


''Nintai Ryu Aiki Ju-Jitsu (Pascal Serei Sensei) (this organization is only affiliated with Yoseikan Budo Federation )''


It would seem that there is a link to Daito Ryu through the Yoseikan Budo Federation.