Aikido F.A.Q.

What can I expect during class?

A beginner can start classes at anytime. A typical class begins with a series of warm-ups and stretching exercises, followed by ukemi or falling practice. There may be some breathing exercises to help calm the mind. You will note that not a lot of verbal instruction or talking occurs during class. Aikido is transmitted by observing and doing. The instructor will give some verbal explanation, but for the most part progress is made through actual training. If you are a beginner you will receive extra help from the instructor or senior students.

During class students work out in cooperation with each other, learning when to lead and when to yield thereby increasing their sensitivity to varying attacks and attackers. The instructor will usually demonstrate a particular technique which the students then practice. Students switch roles between nage (person who executes the technique) and uke (person who receives the technique) after every forth execution of the technique. The students change partners throughout the course of the class with senior and junior students training together. The instructor will give specific and individual instruction as needed.

Classes are geared to different levels, please check the current class schedule.

What is Ukemi?

Ukemi can be literally translated as “to receive with or through the body.” If you are Uke, you are the one attacking and then being thrown or pinned. Ukemi thus involves learning how to take the throws and pins without being injured. Ukemi is strongly emphasized in this dojo not only for safety purposes (you must learn how to protect yourself and fall safely), but also because it is a way to learn Aikido techniques from the inside-out. Ukemi is about staying connected, engaged and committed. It cultivates a sensitivity to constantly shifting attacks and attackers. It helps you to develop a strong center. Ukemi is not easy to learn especially as one gets older, but if you hang in there the rewards will become quickly evident. For many students, taking ukemi on the mat helps them to deal with the constant demands of daily life off the mat.

What type of weapons training is taught in the dojo?

Some classes are dedicated to weapons training. Instruction is given in the Jyo (wooden staff), Boken (wooden practice sword) and tanto (wooden practice knife). This practice is not different from regular practice, however weapons’ training does intensify training in many ways. Proper distancing, lines of attack and defense, positioning and concentration are accentuated through this practice.
All students can begin weapons training. Instruction in Japanese Swordmanship (Iaido) is limited to students who gain permission from the instructor.

What are children’s classes like?

Aikido classes for children are taught similarly to adult classes, but there are no joint techniques taught that may be harmful to the not fully developed musculoskeletal system. Special conditioning exercises are done with the children in addition to basic ukemi practice. Aikido practice develops a variety of skills that contribute to a child’s ability to care for him/herself. Included among these skills are proper posture (developing a strong center and self), breath (maintaining a calm and quiet mental state) and awareness (being alert and observant). Safety and etiquette are strongly emphasized. Because there is no competition in Aikido, children help each other learn.

Our goal is to create a cooperative, caring and non-competitive environment where children can develop while learning the principles of Aikido. We also follow O-Sensei’s tenet that Aikido practice should be a joyful practice.

Your child should be at least 7 years old in order to attend classes. The first step to begin training is to watch a class. At that time, any questions you may have can be answered. After that, your child can start classes at any time since classes are ongoing.

How do I know if I’m progressing?

In Aikido, there are no competitions. Aikido is not a sport, but it is a Way, a path you choose to follow. Whether you are young or old, the path you take is your own.

There is a system of testing and ranking for both adults and children. The criteria for all tests are execution of specific techniques, a given number of training hours and a person’s commitment to training and understanding of all aspects of Aikido. We recommend that students attend class at least twice a week in order gain the maximum benefit from classes, but everyone progresses at their own pace.