: I started Aikido as a temporary diversion and stress reliever while in between jobs. Temporary has turned into four years. The diversion has now become something I do three, four, if possible five nights a week. Aikido, particularly Aikido as taught at this Scarsdale dojo, is addictive. If you want to learn a system of self defense that helps the student to be dynamic, strong yet compassionate, Aikido is worth checking out. It instills a sense of calm and confidence students bring to all areas of life. The practice of Aikido is not just about the physical moves- you learn to read the intent of other people. It shows you how to take negative, even violent situations and redirect things in a positive way. I've found many of these principles work just as well in the corporate world and within personal relationships. The teaching style and classroom attitude are very important to me. I was severely asthmatic as a kid which rendered practically all sports and physical activity dangerous. Though my asthma is largely under control those old memories of being carried from a field or collapsing in a gym corner never fully fade. Couple that with hearing loss and you have an adult very wary about joining in any type of exercise. At Scarsdale Aikido, I found compassionate instruction that brought me through those initial rough spots. Chief Instructor Steve Kanney was very attuned to my personal obstacles as well as my goals. The wonderful thing about Aikido is that it is non-competitive, you are seeking mastery of yourself, not another person. This philosophy, the instruction, and comraderie of both advanced and mid-level students, proved to be a key element in me finally doing and staying with something physically demanding for the first time in my life. Dues are reasonable. Every summer Scarsdale Aikido practices with tradition weapons (wooden sword and staff) at local parks. Hours are good and you can squeeze in practice even with a busy schedule. Oh - one more thing. The first six months - ten pounds melted off -- and have stayed off for four years. Aikido is a fantastic exercise for calorie burning.\r
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