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AIKIDO
🇯🇵 (合気道)

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AIKIDO FACTS

  • Translated means ‘the way of harmony and spirit’
  • Designed for defence while not injuring your attacker
  • Became its own distinctive style in the 1920s
  • Created by Morihei Ueshiba
  • The study of Ki, or 'Life Energy' is an important part of Aikido

WHAT IS AIKIDO?

Rather than punching or kicking, Aikido focuses on blending with an opponent’s energy and using it to gain control over them or throw them away from you. It is however, not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement.

In Aikido you do not need great physical strength or aggressive spirit so it can be practised by people of all ages. Meaning ‘the way of harmony and spirit’ Aikido does not look to meet violence with violence – it is largely based on circular natural body movements whereby an attacker’s aggressive force is turned against them.

The principal Aikido techniques are joint immobilisations and throws using an opponent’s momentum. Practices with bokken and jo (wooden training weapons) help to support the understanding of techniques and their development.

Traditional Aikido has always been non-competitive since it was first created, however several styles have developed which have introduced competitive elements.

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WHAT WILL I LEARN FROM AIKIDO?

The sport focuses on technique rather than fitness which makes it an ideal activity for beginners.

Beginners need to first learn how to safely fall or roll as much of Aikidos early teaching consists of throws and pinning as a defensive move. Both strikes and grabs are taught as an a attacking move.

After basic techniques are learned, students study freestyle defense against multiple opponents, and techniques with traditional weapons such as the short staff.

In Aikido a lot of focus is given to mental training and learning how to master your emotions and relax the mind and body in stressful situations.

WHAT ARE THE AIKIDO BELTS?

Most Aikido clubs only have two belts: White and Black.

White Belts are worn by those within the first 6 Grades: Sixth kyu is the lowest, up to First kyu – the highest.

Black Belts are worn by those who have reached Dan level. First Dan is the lowest up to Tenth Dan – the highest. 

White Belt - Kyu Grade 6 - 1

Black Belt - Dan Grade 1 - 10

WHO CAN TAKE UP AIKIDO CLASSES?

Children can start from the age of 4 years old, usually when they have developed enough self-control and focus. Aikido classes focus on technique rather than strength and fitness so anyone can take part regardless of their ability. Adults can be of any gender or experience level when starting Aikido classes. 

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