FAQ

Aikido is made up of three Japanese words. AI, KI and DO. Ai means 'harmony'; Ki means spirit or energy and Do means a way or path. Aikido means that it is a Way of Harmonising Energies.

Simply put, it is an art which uses throws and joint locks that are 'borrowed' from Jujitsu and other techniques traditional arts. It focuses not on using our partner's energy to gain control of them or throw them away from you. It is based on physical movements of the whole body, instead relying on muscular strength.

At first, loose fitting clothes without zips, studs or buckles will be fine that are strong enough to stand up to grabbing, twisting or pulling motions and don't matter if they get damaged or torn. When you decide that you would like to become a member, eventually you will need to find a 'keiko gi' - the white pyjamas and belt. If you need help or advice about buying a uniform, please talk to one of the senior students or sensei who will be able to recommend suitable shops or websites.

You can buy one from any martials arts store, but if you mean through gradings, then usually it takes anywhere between 8 and 10 years, depending on the student and how committed they are to their training. There is no rush though!

It depends on what you want from learning the art. If you want to defend yourself, yes, it can be very effective, but it takes a number of years before you become skilled in applying the techniques in this way. It has a number of other applications - health benefits, self development or even enlightenment - every martial art, style and instructor will emphasize different aspects. In the end it's up to you what you want to get from aikido!

There are some aikido schools where competition is a key feature but this is not the same within our 'aikikai' style of aikido. We follow the teachings of the original founder of the art who said that it was incompatible with aikido.