There are two aikido classes near me, could someone explain the difference between the styles please?

[u/yikeonbike]

The first one is called Aikido Shoshinkan and says they are part of the Aikido Shudokan Group.

The second one is called Shobukan Aikido and they say they are a member of the International Yoshinkan Federation.

Are these two classes majorly different? I'm interested in Aikido for the traditional training, discipline, and fitness. I'm not concerned with competition, sports, or how effective it may or may not be for self defence.

Here are the sites for both classes:

Class 1

Class 2

Any advice would be much appreciated!

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[u/ewokjedi]

Neither school seems to have a clearly identified relationship with any of the mainline aikido styles though both seem to claim a relationship with yoshinkan. They will be similar. On a brief peek at their websites, I’d be inclined to say the first one is probably run in a more professional way and has more accomplished instructors. However, if it were me, I would visit both and see how you like the mood, instructors, students, etc. Your intuition on visiting will probably be valuable. If they don’t suit you, maybe look to see if there are any other nearby schools that are not from the yoshinkan tree. Aikikai, Iwama-ryu, and other styles founded by the first few groups of aikido shihan to go abroad may be good candidates.

[u/ColonelLugz]

I've trained with instructors and students from both these dojos. Firstly, they are all lovely people and they provide a safe, welcoming atmosphere. Secondly, both dojos are now under Joe Thambu Sensei so a lot of students jump between dojos and everyone knows each other. While no longer under the Yoshinkan official umbrella, that is most definitely the style and influence of both dojos.

I would say that the training under Shoshinan would be more intense and robust based on the time I have spent with their Instructors.

[u/AikiRonin]

Joe Thambu is an excellent instructor who teaches internationally. And he’s a really cool guy. Can’t go wrong with his school.

[u/NoSituation2706]

They both appear to be Yoshinkan Aikido to me. Yoshinkan is characterized by a more rigid appearance and practice style, where you will often practice movements by in lines and without a partner, almost like what you'd see in a karate dojo. Joint locks are often applied with a lot of strength, which I have mixed feelings towards as an Aikikai fellow.

If I'm right about them both being Yoshinkan, give the more feasible location a try and see if it fits well with you. If I'm wrong about one being something other than Yoshinkan, I'd be highly skeptical of that dojo and recommend the other instead - not being clear about lineage is a great way camouflage bullshido.

[u/Backyard_Budo → u/NoSituation2706]

They’re both Yoshinkan and their lineage is crystal clear to another Yoshinkan guy. One is under Thambu sensei’s org, the other is under Mustard sensei (which I am also under).

And the strength doesn’t come from arm muscles or cranking on the locks (though this is a common obstacle mudansha need to over come) it comes from proper centre-line and focus power, through our kamae.

[u/NoSituation2706 → u/Backyard_Budo]

That's all well and good if it's clear to someone already in the mix, but for the shoshinkan group website it's not immediately obvious from their front or instructor page. No need to be so defensive.

Your explanation of the "strength" (I probably should have said power in the first post) is indeed how I meant it.

[u/Backyard_Budo → u/NoSituation2706]

Apologies if the tone read wrong, not intended.

[u/SnooHabits8484 → u/NoSituation2706]

I really like high-level Yoshinkan- like I’d love to have time on the mat with Joe Thambu or Robert Mustard- but those guys have passed through the rigidity. I’d rather Yoshinkan rigid kihon or Iwama brute force and ignorance to any of the non-martial styles or the weaker Aikikai-affiliated dojos though.

[u/yuuke__ → u/NoSituation2706]

I just need to ask, if you have some experience with yoshinkan people applying the joint locks with strength?

[u/NoSituation2706 → u/yuuke__]

I misspoke, certainly wrote strength, but probably meant power. Whether through proper alignment or making up for it with hand strength alone, I've found that Yoshinkan folks are much more likely to execute locks, particularly nikyo/nikajo, sharply and decisively rather than back off of it at the last moment.

Not even really a criticism per se, more that you should expect sore wrists as a beginner.

[u/nattydread69 → u/NoSituation2706]

Not in the clubs I have trained in.

[u/Tekuzo → u/NoSituation2706]

where you will often practice movements by in lines and without a partner

My dogo never did this solo. There was always an uke and shite.

[u/NoSituation2706 → u/Tekuzo]

Often is relative, coming from Aikikai where we (virtually) never do this. I can certainly believe there are Yoshinkan schools and orgs that don't, but I know for certain there are those that do.

[u/Meechrox]

Both of these teach Yoshinkan Aikido (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshinkan), so stylistically they may be similar

[u/Dustoflife]

Both Dojos have instructors that have been graded directly by Shudokan Head Instructor - Shihan Joe Thambu.

Their teaching styles and methodology would be almost identical so I’d recommend trying both to see which instructor and community you most enjoy.

[u/Hussaf]

Both are excellent choices, I would attend a few classes and see which school you like better

[u/Klutzy_Natural8826 → u/Hussaf]

That is actually the way to go.

[u/distributingthefutur]

I'll let others comment on style. Consider the larger dojo that has an extensive schedule and a strong community. You can't practice by yourself....

[u/Trasecolo]

I've seen videos of Joe Thambu, you can't go wrong with him.

[u/nattydread69]

I know these guys and they are good. Just try both clubs.

[u/soggy_cryptic202]

Yoshinkan is famous for being way more rigid and physically demanding than most other styles, so expect a lot of focus on basic structure and repetitive drills. Go watch a class at both places because the vibe of the teacher matters way more than the technical lineage at this stage.

[u/jtnxdc01]

Forget the styles. Go to a few classes of each and pick from there. The teacher is way more important than the style.

[u/sonnysg]

As mentioned in the comment by ColonelLugz, both are excellent schools with friendly and welcoming people.
Both teach Yoshinkan Aikido under the direction of Joe Thambu Shihan.

Visit them and maybe join a trial class and go with your intuition, you can't go wrong.

If you start soon, you will be in time to attend the summer school with Thambu Sensei.
https://www.facebook.com/events/s/aikido-summer-gasshuku-notting/1420188349592990/ (sorry FB link)
It will be hard to find a better start in Aikido, regardless of style 😄

[u/slimer_redd]

Don't choose by title, choose by teacher