FAQ – Getting Started
In what physical shape do I have to be to do Aikido?
Each student practices Aikido according to his or her ability, and you don’t need to be in good physical shape to start Aikido.
As part of the Aikido practice, students will learn how to fall properly and to roll safely. Over time, as with any kind of regular exercise, doing Aikido will improve your physical condition and stamina. Students will also improve their posture and learn to move more flexibly.
Am I too old or too little to learn Aikido?
Aikido can be practiced by all people, regardless of age or gender. You do not have to be strong or big to do Aikido. Aikido is not about the strength that you have, but about using the strength of the attacker (uke) to neutralize the attack.
Can Aikido be used for self-defense?
Aikido can be a very effective form of self-defense. Practising Aikido improves your self confidence and increases your awareness of your environment. However, as with any martial art, it takes time and a lot of practice to become proficient in Aikido and to be able to use it effectively in a self-defense situation.
Will I learn how to punch and kick in Aikido?
In Aikido, there is very little punching and even less kicking. While there are strikes (referred to as “atemi”) in Aikido, they are performed for the purpose of allowing a partner to practice a particular technique. There is no Aikido technique whose goal is to punch or kick an opponent. Aikido’s aim is to neutralize an opponent, and practitioners learn how to counter various attacks such as punches, thrusts and strikes.
Are there competitions in Aikido?
Aikido is a non-competitive martial art. When we train, we focus on working with our partners, rather than trying to overcome them. So it makes sense that we do not hold competitions like many other martial arts disciplines do. Instead, we hold Aikido seminars which offers students the chance to expand their Aikido experience.
What is an Aikido seminar?
An Aikido seminar is held over one or more days. There are a number of practice sessions, usually lasting about 2 to 3 hours each, with breaks in between each session. Each session is similar to a regular practice at your home dojo. Often, a seminar will take a theme and expand upon it with each successive practice session.
Usually, the dojo that is hosting a seminar will invite a guest instructor. The instructor is often a high-ranking Aikido practitioner from another area or organization. As the guest Sensei leads the practice, expect to gain new insight into techniques you thought you “knew”. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work with (and therefore learn from) a number of new partners throughout the course of the seminar. Slight differences in style or nuances in techniques exist from dojo to dojo, often based on the training and background of your chief instructor. The seminar gives an opportunity to experience and learn about and from these differences.
What is the ranking system in Aikido?
Adult Aikido students either wear a white or black belt during practice. There are five levels (or "kyu") of white belt, going from the fifth kyu to the first. Promotion to each level is done through testing once a student has met the number of practice days required for each level. After the first kyu, a student then tests to receive their "shodan" (first degree black belt). Practical testing is done until "sandan" (third degree black belt). Higher level black belts are earned through promotion.
The children have additional levels and wear coloured belts until they reach fifth kyu, from which they follow the adult testing requirements.
What is a hakama and who wears it?
A hakama is the blue or black skirt-like pants worn in traditional Japanese martial arts. At Naka Ima, after a student receives their second kyu, they can start wearing the hakama.
Do I need to get a uniform to practice Aikido?
When you come for a trial class, you can wear a t-shirt and long-fitting pants. Once you decide to sign up for regular Aikido classes, our beginner package includes the aikido "gi" that you should wear during practice.
I am interested in joining. Which classes should I attend?
We strongly encourage you to attend the beginner’s classes where there is a focus on basic techniques with more explanations aimed at newer students. Whenever you feel comfortable, you are also welcome to participate in all regular adult classes listed in the schedule.
Not sure if Aikido is for you? Attend any one of our regularly scheduled classes and try it out for yourself.