WHAT IS AIKIDO?

      Aikido represents the highest expression of Japanese Budo (or martial arts). It is not only an effective (if not the most effective) form of self-defense, it is also strongly based in a moral perspective almost unknown in the world today. The idea is that there two basic forms of thought in the Japanese martial arts - "satsujinken" and "katsujinken" (the sword that kills and the sword that preserves life). The SWORD? Yes, you will learn more about this later, but suffice it to say that almost all Aikido techniques are based on sword technique although Aikido is usually performed empty-handed. You will learn about this and much more in the classes.

WHAT DOES AIKIDO INCLUDE?

     Aikido - Refined Jujitsu style unarmed combat techniques against one or more opponents. Aikido's sharpness of body movement comes from the art of the Japanese sword, and it's flexibility and smoothness comes from the art of the Jo.
      Kenjutsu - Japanese sword techniques of drawing, cutting, timing, and strategy against one or more opponents.
     Jojutsu or Jodo - Japanese short staff techniques of thrusting, sweeping, striking, take downs and immobilizations against one or more opponents.
      These techniques are non-competitive, but you test in order to gain rank. These arts all come from Japan which held onto it's martial traditions into the modern age. Classes are structured according to Japanese tradition and techniques are taught using Japanese terminology. Techniques are also taught in a systematic manner with students learning both attack and defense. In the Aikido arts you learn how to take rolls and falls safely as well as how to throw and perform joint lock techniques. Basic techniques are used for testing but literally hundreds of moves are possible.
      In feudal Japan one could take a defense position to the extreme by dislocating bones or breaking a neck or back. Though techniques can be preformed this way today, our goal in training is to make oneself stronger (skillful) without injuring another. Towards this end safety is stressed at all times in class.
     As you can see, these arts are not a sport, since techniques are meant to end a confrontation not to prolong one.
     The best way to understand this style of training is step onto the mat and experience it firsthand. The classes interesting and challenging. But, you are able to work at your own pace. There is no rush and the senior students have a vested interest in making sure you learn and enjoy - their progress depends on it.
      When you enter, and periodically during your pursuit of Aikido, you will have the opportunity to consult with the instructors regarding your personal progress and how to achieve the most from your training. It's like having a personal trainer!

I DON'T LIVE CLOSE TO YOUR SCHOOLS, WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN AN AIKIDO SCHOOL?

There is more to a study of Aikido than simply finding the nearest dojo. Proximity alone cannot guarantee that you are getting the "real thing". There are several things we think you should consider that could be much more important than the fact that the school is convenient to you. 

• Are the Teachers Legitimate?

Believe it or not, there are people who teach without having had any formal training as "Aikido" instructors.

• Is the Teaching Really Aikido?
  Some martial arts instructors and schools use the questionable practice of telling people that they teach "Aikido" at the "higher" levels of their practice when in fact, they have no formal training in the art, and may have only taken a weekend course for certification. It should be noted that this is a practice in which no legitimate Aikido instructor or organization would engage.

• Are the Teachers "Direct-Line" from OSensei?
  It seems obvious, but if the head of the school does not ultimately trace his Aikido back to OSensei (Morihei Ueshiba), it may look like Aikido, but it is not Aikido. Only Aikido is Aikido. Also bear in mind that there is also a paper trail. If the teacher is real, he will have a rank certificate and perhaps a teaching certificate issued by a real school of Aikido based (usually) in Japan.

ARE THE TEACHERS "PROFESSIONAL"?

Do the teachers maintain a high standard of teaching? Do they teach Aikido as a complete art or as a supplement to another art? Do the teachers teach Aikido as received from the Founder, or do they push some other agenda? Only Aikido is Aikido. It is not a religion, it is not a political movement.

Copyright© 1997 - 2004 Aikido Seikikai Kenjutsu Jodo Seiki Ryu, S.C.