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Damn...such vehemence in a world where we first learn respect.
In response to this aikido slamming hijacked thread, I will give anyone with interest a small history lesson.
First of all, there are two very distinct approaches to aikido, firstly that which was developed by the founder, and that which has been turned to a celebrated martial dance by Koichi Tohei.
The Founder's aikido is VERY effective and is still a martial art. It utilizes those ju-jutsu moves that everyone is so enamored of, and does it with moving appendages, and not just grabs. I am a ballistic style martial artist that was convinced and OWNED in an aikido dojo that is true to the founder's teachings.
Sadly, when Ueshiba (founder) died, Tohei brought his style of aikido to America, and although he was very good and technically celebrated, he chose to explore the "ki" aspects of the art and eliminated the martial. This is why we have varying effectiveness of aikido styles.
If you want true aikido...avoid the dance studios.
But...
To answer Mr McCrafe's question...go to the class, participate. Even if you like the school, make sure you go to at least three different ones. Then, pick the best for your mentality. You may be a "softer" kind of guy...or you may want to rough it up each session. Personally, I like them both!
Good luck in your journey...
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The sad thing is... as you get older you come to realize that you don't so much pilot your life, as you just try to hold on, in a screaming, defiant ball of white-knuckle anxious fury 
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