Adult Aikido Classes at Still Mind Aikido Westchester

Martial Arts for Beginners

Why
Martial Arts?

The only way to achieve your goals is to know what they are.

Approaching the Practice for Beginners

Know
Thyself

The thread that connects all people is their wish to live and be happy. The genius of traditional martial arts is that through mental discipline, one practice can achieve both goals equally.

Martial arts are known not as merely a form of physical exercise or fighting, but as a way of life. The emphasis is in the understanding of profound principles. As we pursue any goal we choose, we sow the seeds of our own defeat even as we strive for success. Following principles enables us to cleanse the self-defeating tendencies from our approach and maximize our efficiency to achieve success in our goals. This is especially true in martial arts training.

Some people may have concerns about whether they are too old to start, out of shape, not coordinated, have injuries/health issues or any number of other doubts. Traditional martial arts training is meant to be a way of life for anyone, and is designed to bring each individual to their highest capacity. We work with you where you are and build from there.

Explore Some of the Benefits
Choosing a Style

Evaluate
the Alternatives

There is no such thing as a best martial art, only a best martial art for you. It was not lost on the great masters that people gravitate towards a particular practice based upon their disposition. They gave clues for the type of person for which their practice would work best. Which is best for you?

Example: Why Choose Tai Chi

Emphasis on Health

Why choose tai chi?
Example: Why Choose Aikido

Self-Defense without Harming

Why choose aikido

Explore Some of the Martial Arts

Combat Sport

MMA

MMA bout

MMA is a combat sport, not a martial art, with a rule set influenced by Helio Gracie of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) fame. Full contact in a combat sport can lead to higher injury rates. MMA does not formally include character development as traditional martial arts.

Striking Emphasis

Karate

Karate Founder

Karate was developed to focus on those who are very concerned about being victimized, and want to develop powerful strikes quickly for self-defense. They use competition and eventually learn to control the lethal force to avoid harming the attacker unnecessarily.

Grappling Emphasis

Judo

Judo Founder

Judo was devloped to learn martial principles of grappling and throwing in the context of competition. Later in the practice they focus on practical self-defense.

Emphasizes Multiple/Armed Attackers

Aikido

Aikido Founder

Aikido was developed for those who are very concerned about harming someone unnecessarily, so the skill of controlling an attacker without harm is taught first. In addition, aikido emphasizes defense against multiple and/or armed attackers throughout the practice.

Gold Standard for Health

Tai Chi

Tai Chi

Tai Chi was focused on improving health and longevity, along with self-defense. Adding Shaolin Kung Fu, as in our style, teaches the powerful strikes akin to karate.

Westernized

Krav Maga

Krav Maga Founder

Krav Maga was developed in Nazi Germany to protect Jewish victims by drawing on techniques from the other martial arts. It is designed for those who feel imminently threatened. It is practiced in western clothing and against western style weapons such as knives and guns.

Your First Class
Is Free.

No pressure. No contracts. We'll reach out within 24 hours to confirm your class.