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FAQ

All you need to know about Aikido…

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us – Ask Any Questions – Watch a Class – Meet the Instructor – Register for trial Classes

For a beginner, loose sports type wear covering legs and arms is acceptable. This is mainly for safety and protects you against bumps and scrapes. Remove jewellery, watches, earrings, rings, hard hair clips, etc before class. Any cuts or wounds should be covered by adhesive tape. Hands and feet should be clean and washed, nails trimmed if necessary.

After a short period of time a training uniform or ‘do-gi’ will be needed. The ‘gi’ that we wear is a white or un-bleached Aikido or judo-style thicker woven uniform with white belt for beginners. This type of uniform is both hard-wearing and protective. Karate-style thinner uniforms are not recommended, however can be practical initially. 

Aikido uniforms along with other Aikido merchandise can be purchased on-line with links on our main page. Check it out! 

The class duration is around 45 minutes for beginners / kids or 1 to 1.5 hours for Adults. 

Class Training Generally Involves:

  • Respect for the training space and removal of shoes
  • Stretching and calisthenics or yoga type movements
  • Basic rolling and break-falls
  • Traditional hand to hand technique practice with training partners
  • More advanced Adult classes can involve using the weapons of Aikido: Bokken (wooden sword), Jo (wooden staff), Tanto (wooden knife)
  • Partner immobilisation and throwing techniques
  • Moving meditation
  • Misogi breathing
  • Kids classes offer respectful non-competitive practice and fun game strategies

Aikido is an excellent form of exercise and total body work-out. Movements flow in a natural direction and promote flexibility. Students can train at their own pace and depending on their level of intensity – can vary their aerobic, cardiovascular work-outs. Aikido enhances balance, flexibility and perception, along with providing a sense of well-being and self awareness. Discover for yourself…

Yes, Aikido can be used for self defence – however it can take a longer period of time to become proficient than with other martial arts.

 

You should progress at your own pace and should generally be in good health, being physically capable to train. 
Training may involve strenuous cardiovascular activity. It can also be vigorous and hard on the bodies joints.
 
If in doubt at any time, consult your medical professional.

 

Some dojo’s have beginner classes; however most general classes will provide a basic introduction for new students and give them the opportunity to ask questions and follow the more experienced students in the class.

 

Kids classes start from age 6 however parental assistance or supervision may also be needed. There is no maximum age and training can be adapted for seniors. Aikido training can also be vigorous. Speak to your instructor.