Greetings;

I know some have already posted on this subject (I've been ghosting the posts for several weeks, reading and not posting). But I'd like to submit one more applicable to myself.

I'm most likely going to be training in Aikido (but they also teach Judo / Jyodo / Iaido, so I can take Judo if interested and the others later). I've narrowed down my search to one particular dojo called the Windsong Dojo.

I've been invited by the sensei to come in for a few free lessons to get my balance of what I want. I posted this in the general MA forum, but I'd like some more narrow opinions (aikido goers only).

The Q. is, how do I evaluate this dojo / sensei when I go in? What are your individual tips? I'm going in tomorrow morning for the early Aikido class, and then after spring break for for a judo class.

My reasons for training are this: I'm in the process of becoming a police officer for the city I live in, and I would like to begin an MA focused on self-defense. I'm 22, male, good shape, etc. Here's a website I found with some info on my could-be sensei: http://www.aikido-world.com/archives/Articles%20Archive/Nick_Lowry.htm

I hope the link works. Anyways, I'm eager to hear your opinions on what I should look for, expect, etc. Thanks again for reading my post.

Guitalian

P.S. I'd especially like to get an opinion from Senseilou, Eyrie, etc. But I appreciate anyone's replies!

For what it's worth my first recommendation is always to be honest with yourself. Once you do that and you meet the sensei and work out in a couple of classes, youi'll know if that's the right palce for you.

If you are interested in self-defence, arresting techniques, hard training etc... and the sensei is teaching a more philosophical interpretation, then you'll know that it isn't a fit. If you really want to investigate the spiritual/philosophical concepts of harmony, but the class leaves you simply exhausted, bruised and sore, then again, you'll know that you are in the wrong place.

Chris