FAQ

(Frequently Asked Questions)

• Why Aikido?
• How do I say it?
• What should I do?
  • Dojo etiquette

Why Aikido?

It's different!

Unlike the kicking and striking martial arts, the goal of Aikido is not to injure an opponent. Aikido teaches how to resolve conflict as safely and peacefully as possible. Aikido uses graceful but powerful throws, pins, and joint locks to quickly immobilize an attacker. Effective self defense is then possible without the necessity of inflicting serious injury on the attacker.

Aikido trains students to move out of the way of an attack (avoiding the force of the attack), blend their body movements with those of the attacker, and take the attacker's balance. This approach is unique to Aikido. With proper training and understanding, a smaller person can effectively handle a larger and stronger opponent.

Training For Mind and Body

In an Aikido class, students practice techniques for blending with and neutralizing punches, grabs, and other assaults. Aikido develops balance, flexibility, and coordination, as well as concentration and self-confidence in the face of an attack.

Students train at their own pace. Aikido exercises more of the body than many other physical disciplines because of its emphasis on total, even bodily balance and physical harmony. The ultimate goal of Aikido training is to master a calm, alert, and confident approach to conflict... and to life itself.

Safe and Non-Competitive

There are no competitions, tournaments, or full contact sparring. Aikido's non-competitive philosophy fosters a mutually supportive environment among students of all levels. Much of the learning process in Aikido is based on the commitment of senior students to improving the training experience and techniques of junior students.

Students mark their progress by passing formal tests in which they demonstrate Aikido techniques, calmness under pressure, diligence, and an open attitude to learning.