About Aikido

The word Aikido in Japanese is made up of three characters, or kanji. The first and most important is "AI" which means "to meet, to come together, to harmonize". The second kanji is "KI", which means "the mind, the soul, the spirit." In the larger context, "KI" means "the spirit of the universe," and not just the spirit of human beings. The third and last character is "DO", which means "the way" to signify that the study of Aikido involves more than self-defense techniques, but includes positive character building ideals which a person can incorporate into his or her life. These three Japanese kanji "AI-KI-DO", therefore, mean the way of harmonizing with the spirit of the universe.

Some Philosophy

Aikido is riddled with paradox. We study conflict in order to understand harmony. We throw our partners down in the name of peace. We attack each other in the spirit of love. Yet life itself is successful contradiction, just as the rainbow is the blessed resolution of fire and rain. The task of a warrior is to reconcile the world of his/her dreams with the world as it is. We practice Aikido to pass through paradox, to find our own intuitively harmonious approach.

Rank

As in other Japanese martial arts, Aikido utilizes the kyu and dan system of ranking. Generally, the Aikidoist begins with sixth kyu and improves his/her standing upward through the kyu ranks until one reaches the first kyu. After passing the black belt test, the rank of shodan will be awarded (first degree black belt), and thereafter one works his way up through the dan ranks. The highest present rank in Aikido is tenth dan.

Ranking tests are held quarterly. Because the Aikido philosophy promotes harmony and non-conflict, tournaments in Aikido are nonexistent. Instead, the criteria for promotion are a well-executed performance of the arts. In addition, consideration is given to the Aikidoist's character and attitude, seriousness and diligence in practice.

A common question is "How long will it take me to reach shodan?" It is, of course, impossible to predict accurately at the outset when a person will reach the lowest black belt level, since what is offered by the dojo (school) is not a "package course," but a general program for lifelong process. Factors such as age, physical conditions, natural ability, open and humble attitude, diligence in practice all affects one's progress. However, it is not uncommon for many dedicated students to reach shodan status in three to six years.

Aikido Movement and Technique

The movements of Aikido emphasize a flowing flexibility and maintaining a stable balance. The aim of the Aikidoist is to be in complete control of his/her mind and body, to maintain a calm, alert posture. The continuous and flexible motion centered at the waist is like a dance, a graceful spherical motion. Much of the beauty of Aikido movements derives from the coordinated motion of the entire body, with each movement of the body part contributing to the integrated sequence of movements.

When Does The Next Course Begin?

When one is born into this world, his or her life on earth begins. This does not mean, however, that the rest of the world stops and a new "course" begins. Aikido, like life, moves according to the natural law, and therefore is a continuous stream. We ask the beginner to view Aikido not as a course, but as a lifelong experience. There is no new course beginning. You simply start by stepping into the stream when you feel ready,

A Shared Learning Experience

But how do I do basic practice when others in the class are obviously more advanced ... and doing the movements, which are already too complicated for me at this point?

Understandably, the new student is concerned, because the instructor does not start each class at ground zero for each beginner. Again, life does not start over each time there is a new baby. It is our experience that the new student reaches a higher level or advancement in a shorter period of time by simply jumping in and getting his or her feet wet. Simply do the practices that you feel you can cope with and observe those techniques you are not ready for. You will Immediately notice that the more advanced students are understanding and sincerely interested in helping you and very aware of the need to work gently with you. Please do not feel you are hampering their progress because you are a beginner. It is important to their progress that they share the knowledge.

Enjoy Being A Beginner

Feel a little clumsy and uncoordinated? Good, you are normal. Beginners are supposed to be a little "klutzy". It is not uncommon for some students to be overly anxious because they do not immediately grasp everything and excel. They try so hard that the very act of trying interferes with their progress. Relax. Approach your training with an open mind and sense of enjoyment. Don't be so concerned with accomplishing your goals that you fall to enjoy your training. Remember that you can be sincere and serious about your training and still enjoy yourself!