Frequently asked questions 

What is aikido?  

 

Ai = meeting, harmony, join together, blend

Ki = spirit, energy, mind, soul, intention

Do = path or way

 

Any combination of these meanings can be used to divine the intention of the founder.

 

Note that the founder used the term aikido rather than aikijitsu.  Jitsu (jutsu) means technique, method, art or skill.  In defining aikido as a martial “way” rather than an “art” the founder emphasised the self development aspects of training. It can become a lifetime’s journey.

 

Although aikido techniques can be used to damage an opponent this is not its main aim.  Control and self preservation, preferably without injury to the attacker, is its martial goal.

 

A critical element of high level aikido is that the practitioner does not seek to oppose the energy of the attacker or impose upon them using brute force.  Instead they use movement to disrupt the attacker’s balance and then their co-ordinated momentum to lock, throw or pin the attacker.  This is subtle, creates a lot of power and requires a relaxed and co-ordinated body.

 

Are there competitions in aikido?

 

The founder decided that competitions should not be used in aikido because it results in  winners and losers which would turn aikido into a sport rather than a martial way.  Training in aikido therefore involves cooperation between training partners with one providing the attack and the other practising the technique.

 

I’ve heard a lot of criticisms of aikido from other martial arts, what’s your response to these?

 

The co-operative nature of training suggests to some that aikido will never work in a “real” fight.  This can indeed be true if the aikido school focusses only on collaborative training without developing martial awareness or the understanding of the principles that make it work.  Aikido is designed to work against an attacker who is really trying to injure or kill.  Their commitment to this provides the energy required for the aikido practitioner to take effective control.  Indeed the founder said that you should train as though your life depended on it and this applies to both the formal attacker and the formal defender.   When aikido practitioners have tried to apply techniques against other martial arts they often fail.  The main reason is that these trials do not represent a “real situation” where real self defence is required.  Both protagonists are looking for opportunities to “win”.  Neither truly commit to a full-on attack,  as a result it is difficult for the aikidoka to create the necessary imbalance in the attacker to enable effective application of technique.   Many senior teachers of aikido have warned against the danger of complacency, self-delusion and misguided confidence resulting from the co-operative nature of training.  

 

So how can I be sure that my aikido technique is effective?

 

As an instructor I believe that technique should be effective. Cooperative practice can easily result in ineffective technique and worse result in misplaced confidence in a practitioner’s ability.  These problems can be overcome through proper instruction. Key elements of this include correct distance and positioning, the use of strikes to create movement, awareness of threats and adopting stronger and faster attacks as students progress.

 

 

Why do people do aikido?

 

Some people do aikido for self defence. Others do it to enhance their physical fitness and abilities or self confidence . Yet others are attracted to the self improvement possible through self discipline, focus and the recognition that aggressive behaviour does not demand an aggressive response.   There are many benefits of doing aikido apart from the self-defence aspects.

 

Who can do it?

 

Technically anyone can do aikido although it is best started after the age of 16 because of the self discipline required and the fact that some of the techniques can impose stress on growing joints.  It is particularly appropriate for women as it does not depend on strength.

 

However, the full answer to this depends on what an individual is hoping to achieve through aikido,  their personal characteristics and their commitment to training.  Our classes are inclusive and individuals train within their capabilities. For some this means that a self defence objective may not be appropriate.  Our members include someone in the 80s who has had open heart surgery and someone with the after effects of a serious stroke. These people cannot engage in full-on training but nevertheless get a great deal of joy out of their sessions.

 

How long will it take for me to get a black belt?

 

This entirely depends on commitment to training, careful observation of the instructor, physical capability (by which I mean body awareness rather than fitness or strength), self discipline and focus.  Effective aikido can be a lifetime’s study as the art becomes more subtle as you become more knowledgeable. This means the longer you study with commitment, the better you will be. An instructor can only show you the way.  It is up to you to follow the path.  The more you understand aikido the less important external measures of skill, like coloured belts,  become. You should also remember that a “black belt” means that you know and can demonstrate a variety of basic aikido techniques. This represents only the first stage in your training and should not be considered as a final goal.

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Any other questions, don't hesitate to get in touch.