three Aikido dojos

[enhf94.livejournal.com]

Howdy,
I've been trying to decide which of the three Aikido dojos in Som'l to join. Near Davis includes:

• New England Akikai, nearest Davis
• Aikido Tekkojuku Boston, in Taza chocolate's building
• Shobu Aikido of Boston, near Union

I've observed classes at the NEAkikai and Tekkojuku, but am newb enough that I couldn't tell much difference. Folks at each place approached me to be welcoming and to tell me how much they liked their dojo. Prices are only slightly different. I also got the impression that NEAkikai considers itself top-of-the-heap.

I'm a total beginner, have never considered a martial art before, and am not seeking chest-thumping machismo. I wouldn't mind knowing a little boot to the head, but my priorities here are 1. not getting bored, 2. feeling supported, and 3. getting some exercise.

Wise DSLJ, care to chime in with Aikido recommendation/experience? Lyonesse? Others?



(This has been referenced in other DSLJ posts, but my request is Aikido-specific and 2011-focused. Boxing's cool, but not my thing. No jiu-jitsu, please. I already read that Oom Yung Doe is off-limits.)