FAQs – 合気道至心会

Q: En-0. Will I not understand the Aikido practice unless I can understand Japanese?

It’s not a problem if you don’t understand Japanese. While Keiko(practicing), the instructor generally explains in Japanese*. Because of this, there may be many things that you do not understand. Please feel free to ask the instructor about things you need help understanding or are interested in. *The instructor will explain in English or use translation software when necessary. However, traditional arts in Japan (the “ dō (way)s”) emphasize “feeling” rather than “understanding through words” (this may be similar to music). Don’t worry too much about the language; try moving with an open heart.

Q: En-9. What are the benefits of practicing Aikido? Will I become strong?

Aikido is an excellent training method for using your mind and body. Through the practice, you will naturally acquire the “know-how for actualizing your fullest potential.” For this reason, you will begin to advance quickly in other activities as you advance in your practice of Aikido (As the saying goes, “Aikido applies to all sorts of martial arts”). Theoretical aspects aside, the physical exercise of Aikido is fascinating on its own (practitioners of Aikido tend to be fit). My answer to your question about whether you will grow stronger by practicing Aikido would vary depending on the content in which you would apply this strength or your definition of strength. (I will address this topic in “note,” although that page is only Japanese.)

Q: En-8. I want to start Aikido because I fancy the "hakama" (skirt-like garment) look. How much do I have to train before I can wear one?

There are no policies specific to donning the hakama. It seems the timing varies depending on the dojo and instructor (Men typically start wearing hakama once they receive a dan rank (black belt). This was the case for me, too.) At Shishin-Kai, the decision is left to the individual, so you could start wearing a hakama right from the start (except for Kids Class). All dan -holders (black belts) are expected to wear one. However, the hakama covers up the ashi-sabaki (movement of the feet), which is the most important part of Aikido. Because of this, kyu -ranked members (white belts) in our dojo practice with the hems tucked up for visibility. As a side note, according to Japanese customs, it was standard practice to wear hakama before Aikido became widespread. However, Japan was experiencing postwar shortages of goods at the time when more people began to practice Aikido. Therefore, it was impossible to oblige all members to wear a hakama. Still, consensus was made that at least the dan-holders would wear a hakama. This consensus somehow turned into the custom, "only dan-holders can wear hakama."* *Reference: Hiroshi Tada 2018, "Aikido ni Ikiru," Nippon Budokan, p63 [In Japanese only]

Q: En-7. I have a mystical impression of Aikido. Are there religious ceremonies in the practice?

There are no religious ceremonies in our practice. Movements and customs that might appear religious at first glance (such as “gassho” (holding hands together) or “rei” (bow)) have rational significance in our practice and progress of Aikido. The fact that the same basic moves and customs are carried out in dojos around the world also indicates that Aikido’s customs and way of practice are accepted regardless of race or religion. We will not force you to comply if a move or custom is uncomfortable.

Q: En-6. When I look up Aikido, I see many unapproachable words like “ki (energy)” and “universe.” Is this a religious martial art?

Our practice is not “religious” but “philosophical.” In addition to his study of various Japanese martial techniques ( bujutsu ), Aikido’s founder, Master Morihei Ueshiba (“O sensei”), pursued religious practices such as Shintoism and Shingon Buddhism. Indeed, many founders of Japanese traditional martial arts ( budo ) and techniques were religious practitioners. However, the second Doshu, Master Kisshomaru Ueshiba, along with other masters, gave Aikido its organizational structure and training methods. It has now spread worldwide, with Aikikai associations and organizations in 140 countries as of 2018 (*Aikikai website). In principle, dojos in all those countries and regions follow the same customs and practices as those in Japan. These facts alone indicate that Aikido is a martial art and way of practice that is universal across races and religions.

Q: En-5. I have the impression that traditional Japanese arts are extremely costly. Is this the case for Aikido?

The absolute necessity for Aikido is one set of practice wear (dogi). The rest are monthly dues and sports insurance (we have no registration fee). Fees for rank promotion exams and registrations are also low (Kyu rank fees are 1,000 JPY).

Q: En-4. I am afraid of injury.

Aikido is a martial art with few injuries because there are no matches, and hurting the opponent is not the goal. Nonetheless, we do use our bodies, and there are the challenges of a martial art. Therefore, it is not possible to fully prevent even small injuries. Therefore, we are very thorough in teaching not only ukemi (the technique to absorb the shock) but also the mechanisms of injuries and how to prevent them. We also flexibly incorporate tools to support and care for the body. We also ask that all members enroll in sports insurance in case of an accident. Please consult the following pages for more information on this topic. On the "Membership (subtopic: Fees)" page Sports Safety Association ( a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation ) (link in Japanese only) *To prevent serious injuries and consider emergency responses, etc., we ask that you communicate to the instructor at the time of registration if you have any concerns about your body.

Q: En-3. My build is small and I am not strong. Can I still do Aikido?

Aikido is a martial art where people can practice together regardless of age, gender, or physical size. I believe that those who are small and cannot rely on their strength are most likely to find Aikido interesting. These are my reasons: Larger people can indeed have more significant and stronger movements, so it may look good. However, larger people can get by with their "power" and "momentum." This means that there is less need for them to polish their "technique." In contrast, smaller people can only work on their "technique." If their technique works on partners larger or more potent than them, that is certain proof of the development of their "technique." As a side note, Aikido's founder, Master Morihei Ueshiba, was 155-156 cm (5ft. 1in.) tall. However, he is said to have been unrivaled in strength and weighed around 75 kg (165 pounds) from about 20 to his prime years*. *Reference: "Biography of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba [Aikido kaiso Ueshiba Morihei den]" (1999, edited by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, revised and edited by Moriteru Ueshiba, published by Geijyutsusha, p63)

Q: En-2. I don’t know the manners and customs of the dojo. It is a little intimidating.

There are not many customs that are unique to the dojo or Aikido. The rest will follow if you respect your partner, the dojo place, and objects. No one in the dojo will scold you for disobeying some custom you were unaware of. Someone who notices should gently let you know. We have also posted all of the common customs within the dojo in “About Shishin-Kai” (see: Dojo rules) https://aikido-shishinkai.com/about-en/#4

Q: En-1. I have no experience with Aikido (or martial arts). I wonder if I will be able to keep up.

Most people who practice Aikido encounter it as grown members of society. The age at which they start training and their past exercise or sports experiences vary. Yet, these do not seem to link clearly with their progress in Aikido. It seems that many people who do not enjoy competitive sports still find that Aikido is suitable for them. Also, the points of emphasis and practice content in Aikido vary depending on the instructor or dojo. Past experiences can even get in the way (especially in the case of bad habits). Alternatively, people with no experience will have no fixed ideas or bad habits about Aikido. They can start the practice with a blank state, which may actually be a strength.

En-0. Will I not understand the Aikido practice unless I can understand Japanese?

It’s not a

KenyaTERA2024-08-27T15:33:47+09:002023-05-16|English|