FAQ
What is aikido?
How is aikido different from other martial arts?
What cultural tradition does aikido come from?
What weapons are used in aikido?
How safe is aikido?
How old does my child have to be before I can enroll them in aikido?
Where can I get uniforms and equipment?
How do belt colors/student rank work in aikido?
How does testing work in aikido?
Can I watch the aikido classes?
Do you ever have any special events?
Is Aikido of Northwest Kansas affiliated with any other dojos or organizations?
What is aikido?
Simple answer: Aikido is a Japanese martial art based around samurai fighting styles that involves weapons work, weapons disarm, joint locks, throws, and minimal striking; it is also a philosophy that involves making peace with everyone (including our attackers) and a budo or martial way.
Complex answer: Aikido is broad enough that it is practiced quite differently in different groups; here at our school we focus on aikido as a system of resolving conflict back to where a conversation can be had or escape or detainment of the aggressor can occur. We also practice it as a system of self-development as a human being and as a system of internal physical development often known as internal power development.
How is aikido different from other martial arts?
Traditional aikido is non-competitive and promotions come through demonstrating understanding of basic exercises and techniques employed on an attacking partner or partners that become more demanding or difficult as rank increases. We frequently blend with an attack and redirect it back to the attacker rather than hard blocking or counter-attacking all while maintaining a calm mind under pressure. As more of a budo or martial way than simply just a physical art, many of our dojo trips to Japan or to national headquarters in Chicago have involved cultural experiences and personal growth components. As part of this personal growth, our testing requirements do include requirements on breathing practice and we do also discuss meditation options.
What cultural tradition does aikido come from?
Aikido is predominantly built from the Japanese martial art Daito ryu and from internal and philosophical understandings of Aikido’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba.
What weapons are used in aikido?
We use wooden staves, called jo staves, wooden swords, called bokken, and wooden knives, called tanto.
How safe is aikido?
In aikido we strive to protect our uke, or partner. Nevertheless, there is always a small possibility of injury in any physical martial art.
How old does my child have to be before I can enroll them in aikido?
Children 2-5 years of age can be with a parent or guardian in the parent and child class; children 5 years of age and older may participate in regular youth classes.
Where can I get uniforms and equipment?
Aikido of Northwest Kansas sells gis, belts, and other equipment in a range of sizes. You can also buy them online.
How do belt colors/student rank work in aikido?
Students advance from 8th kyu (white belt/unranked) to 1st kyu (brown belt with stripe) by practicing aikido and can continue to advance in rank through teaching aikido thereafter. There are additional ranks for children.
How does testing work in aikido?
Students are invited to test when the sensei, or instructor, feels that they are ready.
Can I watch the aikido classes?
You are welcome to watch at no cost, but please be respectful of students’ need to hear the instructor and do not talk.
Do you ever have any special events?
We hold week-long aikido camps in summer and winter as well as some special weekend workshops and a variety of special trips. Our dojo also tends to offer and/or recommend cross-training experiences with other martial arts.
Is Aikido of Northwest Kansas affiliated with any other dojos or organizations?
Aikido of Northwest Kansas has a satellite dojo in Blue Rapids, KS, a study group in Wichita, teaches the FHSU Traditional Martial Arts Alliance, and is a member of the Aikido Association of America.