Can Aikido be used
for self-defense?
Yes, Aikido can be a very effective form of self-defense. However, it can take considerable time and effort before Aikido, or any other martial art can be used effectively in a self-defense situation.
Does Aikido take longer time to master and apply than other martial arts?
The simple answer is “yes”. A year in Karate/Tae Kwon Do/Kempo and you can probably fight much better than before.
The complex answer is “no” in the sense that one should never feel like they have “mastered” an art. If they do then they’ve stopped growing. Martial arts is a way of life.
Is Aikido suitable for Women?
Yes, and they are often quite good at it. Aikido succeeds not because of muscular strength or power, but with position, timing, blending and grace. As many men have learned to use their size and strength in moments of challenge, while women usually do not have this ingrained learning, aikido is particularly suited for women.
What should I wear to my first Aikido class?
Loose fitting comfortable clothing would be favourite, along with your most positive attitude. For safety reasons we ask that you wear no jewellery when training.
Is there a maximum age to start?
No. Speak to the instructor if you think you may be too old to start training. Obviously you need to have the physical capability to exercise vigorously.
Is Aikido better than karate/judo/any other martial art?
The answer to this question is very subjective. There are many different but equally valid reasons for studying a martial art, such as for self defense, spiritual growth or enlightenment, general physical health, self-confidence etc. Different martial arts, and different styles within a particular martial art, emphasize different aspects. It’s a personal choice.
Does Aikido have competitions?
Yes, Aikido can be a very effective form of self-defense. However, it can take considerable time and effort before Aikido, or any other martial art can be used effectively in a self-defense situation.
Does Aikido take longer time to master and apply than other martial arts?
The simple answer is “yes”. A year in Karate/Tae Kwon Do/Kempo and you can probably fight much better than before.
The complex answer is “no” in the sense that one should never feel like they have “mastered” an art. If they do then they’ve stopped growing. Martial arts is a way of life.
Is Aikido suitable for Women?
Yes, and they are often quite good at it. Aikido succeeds not because of muscular strength or power, but with position, timing, blending and grace. As many men have learned to use their size and strength in moments of challenge, while women usually do not have this ingrained learning, aikido is particularly suited for women.
What should I wear to my first Aikido class?
Loose fitting comfortable clothing would be favourite, along with your most positive attitude. For safety reasons we ask that you wear no jewellery when training.
Is there a maximum age to start?
No. Speak to the instructor if you think you may be too old to start training. Obviously you need to have the physical capability to exercise vigorously.
Is Aikido better than karate/judo/any other martial art?
The answer to this question is very subjective. There are many different but equally valid reasons for studying a martial art, such as for self defense, spiritual growth or enlightenment, general physical health, self-confidence etc. Different martial arts, and different styles within a particular martial art, emphasize different aspects. It’s a personal choice.
Does Aikido have competitions?
O-Sensei felt that
competition was
incompatible with Aikido, therefore the majority of Aikido schools do
not have any competition.
Most Aikido training is of a co-operative rather than antagonistic nature, with both thrower (nage) and throwee (uke) working as partners and trying to optimize the experience of the other. This working partnership is also necessary to minimize the chance of injury from practicing potentially dangerous aikido techniques, and to develop both partners’ capacity to “take ukemi”, to be relaxed and able to take care of oneself when responding to “falling” or being thrown in a martial situation.
Most Aikido training is of a co-operative rather than antagonistic nature, with both thrower (nage) and throwee (uke) working as partners and trying to optimize the experience of the other. This working partnership is also necessary to minimize the chance of injury from practicing potentially dangerous aikido techniques, and to develop both partners’ capacity to “take ukemi”, to be relaxed and able to take care of oneself when responding to “falling” or being thrown in a martial situation.