Aikido Hints

To make your training the most enjoyable it can be, we have included the most common training hints here.

  1. Strive to always be early. Being on time is being late.

    If you do happen to arrive late, kindly sit quietly in seiza (kneeling position) on the edge of the mat until the instructor grants permission to join practice. Then, quietly warm yourself up in the corner until the instructor gives you permission to join the activities.

  2. When entering or leaving the dojo, it is proper to bow in the direction of O-Sensei’s picture, the kamiza, or the front of the dojo. You should also bow when entering or leaving the mat. This is a sign of respect for the dojo, the students, the teacher, and the art. Note that this is not a religious gesture, but a traditional Japanese way of respecting others.

  3. Kindly wear no shoes or socks on the mats.

  4. Please address the instructor as ‘Sensei’ or ‘Sir’ while in the dojo.

  5. If you need help while practicing, please raise your hand and look in the direction of the instructor. Say ‘onegaishimasu’ which means you are requesting something, in this case help.

  6. If you should have to leave the mats or dojo for any reason during class, please approach the instructor and ask for permission.

  7. Avoid sitting on the mat with your back to the picture of O-Sensei or the kamiza. Also, please do not lean against the walls or sit with your legs stretched out. (Either sit in seiza or cross-legged please.)

  8. Remove watches, rings and other jewelry before practice so as to not hurt yourself during practice.

  9. Please do not bring food or gum with you into the dojo.

  10. Please keep your finger and toe nails cut short to avoid scratching others.

  11. Please keep talking during class to a minimum. What conversation there is should be restricted to one topic — Aikido.

  12. Kindly keep your training uniform clean, in good shape, and free of distracting odors.

  13. Certainly do not change your clothes on the mat.

  14. Preserve common-sense standards of decency and respect at all times.

  15. Enjoy yourself, train hard, and be friendly and courteous to your Aikido friends.

  • Preventing Injuries


    Aikido is considered as the best martial art for preventing injuries. Since it inherits the power of Katachi training, Aikido prevents injuries in the best possible way. It comprises of various moves that can make the aikidoka win without getting injured nor hurting the opponent.

  • Aikido History in Japan


    The year 1942 is often cited as the beginning of modern aikido. It was at that time that the Dai Nihon Butokukai, desiring to achieve a standardization in teaching methodology and nomenclature for modern Japanese martial arts, reached an agreement with the Kobukai representative Minoru Hirai to call the jujutsu form developed by Morihei Ueshiba aikido. Thus, AIKI BUDO joined the ranks of judo, kendo, kyudo and other modern martial arts.

  • Aikido Facts


    Aikido was among the first martial arts freed from the ban imposed on their practice by the US government after World War II.

    In some areas, Japanese police officers are required to hold at least a Shodan (black belt) in Aikido.

  • Masa Kokoro Philosophy


    Learn the way of harmony in everyday living through the Japanese Martial Art of Aikido. Stretch your mind power to acquire a calm spirit and enhanced metal focus, to be at one with the universe. It places emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement. Use of the wooden staff (jo), the wooden sword (bokken), and the wooden knife (tanto) are included along with various hand techniques for blending with the opponent’s attack method.