AIKIDO FAQ

Q. What does Aikido looks like?
A. It is a very graceful art using circular motion, timing and focused power to throw, lock or pin an opponent.

Q. What does “Aikido” mean?
A. The Chinese character “Ai” can be translated as harmony , “Ki” as universal energy “Do” as the way , therefore it can be interpreted as the “way of harmony”.

Q. How much strength do I need ?
A. The aim is to unbalance an opponent and guide him using his own force and momentum, therefore, strength is more of a handicap than an edge.

Q. How young can a child start?
A. Seven or eight years old is a good time to start.

Q. I’m 50 years old – can I do Aikido?
A. Aikido can be practiced and enjoyed by anybody regardless of age or gender. In Japan many people still practice after 80 years of age.

Q. Is Aikido a religion, a philosophy ?
A . Although the founder, Morihei Ueshiba , was a very religious man, Aikido is not a religion. Its teaches “harmony in confrontation”, a non-aggressive and cooperative approach to enhance human spirit and personal development.

Q. How rough is Aikido?
A. There are different types of training in Aikido. Police officers in Japan for example are taught the more practical self-defense aspect of the art, therefore their training is more intense and can be very rough. However good Aikido is always smooth and students must practiced in a “joyful” manner.

Q. How many techniques are there?
A. There are about 150 basic techniques and hundreds of applications both kneeling and standing

Q. Does Aikido use weapons?
A. Yes. Aikido techniques use the principles of sword cuts, therefore, techniques are performed both bare hands and with a wooden sword. The wooden stick is also used as well as the wooden knife.  

Q. How long does it take to become a black belt?
A. A very dedicated and talented student practicing every day might become a black belt in two or three years. However it would generally take about five years for a regular student training two or three times a week.

Q. How often are competitions held?
A. There are no competitions in traditional Aikido. Students have to do their very best every day without any thought for “winning” or “loosing” in a competitive way. The aim being to conquer one’s self and defeat our ego.

Q. Is Aikido practical for self-defense?
A. Aikido has been selected for its non-aggressive, yet terribly effective techniques, by the Tokyo riot police and is compulsory for policewomen in Japan. It is an excellent self-defense tool.

Q. Is Aikido more traditional or more creative?
A. There is no creativity without a strong base. Tradition is the indispensable roots for creation. Aikido is a very creative art encored in the tradition.

Q. Do I need to learn Japanese to study Aikido?
A. Although much of the terminology used in Aikido is Japanese, the words are explained in English and easily understood, therefore, there is no need to study Japanese since all instruction are in the English language.

Q. I have studied Karate-will that help?
A. Although the basic principles are very different in Aikido and Karate, a Karate student would be familiar with the traditional aspect of the training and easily adapt to Aikido.

Q. Where can I watch Aikido?
A. Classes are held Monday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and on Saturdays at 2 pm to 4pm at Studio City Martial Arts; 12417 Ventura Blvd; Studio City, CA, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm to 9:30pm at Irvine dojo, 16782 Hale Ave, Irvine, CA 92606. Spectators are welcome any time to watch classes.

Q. How can I try Aikido?
A. The first class is free. Just wear comfortable training wear and enjoy the experience.

Q. How long does it take to get good in Aikido?
A. Aikido is a lifetime activity. However after a year or so of regular training you start to feel confident and have a good understanding of the basics.

Q. What makes Aikido different from other martial arts?
A. It is not a fighting art, not combat orientated. It is not competitive. Techniques are tools to develop a “focused power” in the center of the body and this strength is directed towards self-development to become a better person.

Q. Are there different styles of Aikido?
A. Yes. There are many different styles such as: Aikikai, Yoshinkan, Yoseikan , the Tomiki Aikido style, and many more. They all have some differentiation in their approach and techniques, but the principles stay the same.