What is Aikido?
Aikido
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art rooted in traditional kenjutsu and ju-jutsu styles. Aikido focuses on throws, pins, and joint locks together with some striking techniques. But, the main feature of Aikido is to blend with the power or motion of the attacker and redirect their force instead opposing it directly. This makes Aikido accessible to anyone regardless of age, gender, or physical conditions. Aikido is not a sport, a self-defence system or gymnastics. Aikido is budo, which means "the martial way". This implies that Aikido is a lifelong pursuit of martial discipline for character development. Aikido practitioners develop technical martial skills while striving to unify mind, technique, and body, build their character, enhance their sense of morality, and cultivate a respectful and courteous demeanour. Therefore, Aikido serves as a path to self-perfection. Aikido training is not only good for health but also naturally develops the self-confidence necessary for daily life.

Takemusu Aikido
The Founder considered Takemusu Aikido to be the highest form of Aikido. The word Takemusu contains two Japanese characters: Take (martial), and Musu (to be born). These two characters combine to refer to martial movement spontaneously created, without active thought, resulting in a pure Aikido technique. The Founder felt that one’s training went through four major periods of development: Basic Technique, Flexible Technique, Flowing Technique, and finally Takemusu Aiki. He considered this final form of Aikido to be attainable by anyone through practice.Takemusu Aiki refers to a state where techniques spring forth endlessly as a result of the study of the principles of aikido. In aikido training—which includes empty-handed techniques, and the aiki ken and jo—it is important to make clear distinctions. These include the distinctions between ikkyo and nikyo, omote and ura, basics and ki no nagare techniques, progressive level training, the study of related techniques, and applied techniques (oyowaza).
What Aikido can give you?
Physical benefits
Aikido is great for aerobic conditioning, increased strength and flexibility, improved posture, enhanced sense of timing, better reactions, coordination, and improved balance. You also will develop the ability to fall safely in any situation.
Greater body awareness
By practising Aikido, you can expect to experience a more relaxed and confident presence. You will also have a greater awareness of yourself and your environment. A lot of people deem this the most significant benefit associated with martial arts in general.
Improve your mind
Beyond all the incredible physical benefits of Aikido, there are many mental benefits such as increased relaxation, focus, and awareness. You will also have greater self-discipline and confidence and be able to deal with stressful situations more positively and calmly. A lot of people find that they can deal with conflicts with greater ease thanks to practising Aikido.
Personal testimonies
F. A. Q.
Everything you always wanted to know about aikido
(but were afraid to ask)
Is Aikido better than karate/judo/any other martial art?
Aikido is neither better nor worse than other martial arts. All martial arts are good. The question is what do you expect from a martial art? If you want to become an MMA fighter, then neither Aikido nor other traditional martial art will not help you. If you want to follow the path of the warrior enjoying the process, develop the sense of alertness, body coordination, self-confidence, learn how to blend with the opponent's intentions, then Aikido may be a good choice for you.
Can Aikido be used for self-defence?
Aikido is a tool that can be used for many purposes, including self-defence. However, it can take a considerable amount of time and efforts before Aikido (or any martial art) can be used effectively in a self-defence situation. But even the best martial artist or sportsman can be severely hurt on the streets if they are not mentally ready to apply their skills in a 'do-or-die' situation.
I do not have any experience in martial art, or I did not do any sport since school, may I practice with you?
You can join Aikido without any prior experience. All you need is enthusiasm and interest. As you practice, you will become more flexible, strong coordinated, balanced, and comfortable with the way the human body moves.
Are there any age restrictions?
The uniqueness of Aikido is in the fact that you can start practising it at any age. However, we set a lower limit for our regular classes: at the moment only people from 18 years and older may attend it. There are no upper limits. We know examples of 70 years old men who successfully practice Aikido.
Are there any pain or injuries that can be happened during training?
We do not intentionally hurt people, but Aikido is a martial art, so pain is sometimes unavoidable. But there is a clear distinction between the 'good pain' that helps you grow up as a martial artist and injuries that we try to avoid. Unfortunately, injuries can happen as well, so all members are advised to have sports insurance to cover such unpleasant cases.
What do I wear during class?
Usually, we wear traditional white pyjamas called 'dogi', literally 'clothes for the path'. Dogi or shortly 'gi' are made from rugged textile, which can last for years of training. But you do not need anything special for your first sessions: any comfortable clothes are good. We do not recommend (but it is always your choice) wearing shorts and T-shirts as exposed skin can be easily damaged when you fall on the mats. In addition, we will request you to leave all jewelry, watches, glasses, and other accessories out of the mat during the training session for safety reasons.
Can I train an additional martial art while training Aikido?
Some teachers discourage their students from cross-training. In our school, we have a completely different attitude: learn as many martial arts as you can, see as many teachers as possible. Aikido is universal budo. Its principles are often common with other martial arts. If you know different approaches to the same principles, you can understand Aikido deeper.
Why do we bow?
The bow in Aikido has no religious significance. It is a symbol of courtesy and respect to the art, teacher, and partners. In Japanese culture, bows are often served the same purpose as handshakes in the West.
Why do some aikidokas wear black skirts?
A black skirt is traditional pants of Japanese warriors called 'hakama'. In Aikido, hakama is an indicator of the skilful aikidoka. As a rule, only black belt holders are allowed to wear it.
How long will it take to get a black belt?
There is no single answer to this question. The time to black belt strongly depends on the student's talent, hardworking, diligence. Some people can get a black belt in 3 years, most in 5, some - 10 years. But the black belt is not the end of the way. The first level of the black belt is called 'shodan', literally, 'beginning degree'. It is an indicator that you successfully learned the basics of the art and are ready to begin an actual Aikido study.