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Discover the art of Aikido
Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art founded in 1925 by Master Morihei Ueshiba (O’Sensei). More than just a method of self-defense, Aikido is a path to harmonizing body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in the tactics of Samurai warriors, it embodies the principle of using an attacker’s energy against them, promoting balance and personal development rather than aggression.
Aikido's techniques, rooted in centuries-old strategies of Samurai warriors, have evolved into a discipline that goes beyond mere self-defense. Aikido aims to unify body, mind, and spirit through its core principles. The term "Aikido" translates to "the way of unity with the fundamental force of the universe," reflecting its focus on harmonious practice.
Central to Aikido is the concept of using whole-body movements to create spherical motion around a stable center. Despite appearances, even techniques seemingly using one part of the body involve coordinated movements of the entire body. Unlike aggressive martial arts, Aikido is purely defensive. Practitioners learn to evade and redirect attacks, using the attacker’s own momentum to neutralize aggression. This principle of "active non-resistance" allows Aikido to be effective against larger or multiple attackers.
Aikido is not competitive and lacks tournaments or contests. Instead, practice emphasizes mutual respect and cooperation. Beyond its effectiveness in self-defense—widely used in police tactics—it instills a moral code that seeks to protect both the practitioner and the assailant. Practicing Aikido with a partner enhances sensitivity and control, fostering physical, mental, and spiritual growth in a cooperative environment.
Explore the philosophy and benefits of Aikido further to discover how it promotes personal development and balance in all aspects of life.
Central to Aikido is the concept of using whole-body movements to create spherical motion around a stable center. Despite appearances, even techniques seemingly using one part of the body involve coordinated movements of the entire body. Unlike aggressive martial arts, Aikido is purely defensive. Practitioners learn to evade and redirect attacks, using the attacker’s own momentum to neutralize aggression. This principle of "active non-resistance" allows Aikido to be effective against larger or multiple attackers.
Aikido is not competitive and lacks tournaments or contests. Instead, practice emphasizes mutual respect and cooperation. Beyond its effectiveness in self-defense—widely used in police tactics—it instills a moral code that seeks to protect both the practitioner and the assailant. Practicing Aikido with a partner enhances sensitivity and control, fostering physical, mental, and spiritual growth in a cooperative environment.
Explore the philosophy and benefits of Aikido further to discover how it promotes personal development and balance in all aspects of life.
Dojo Etiquiette
The following guidelines are very important in Aikido. Following the proper etiquette demonstrates an understanding of martial arts and your willingness to subjugate your own ego to "the way". Aikido begins and ends with etiquette and the practice of etiquette maintains the structure and harmony of the dojo.
- ClothingAikido practice is best done in the traditional outfit of Japanese martial arts, the dogi. Beginners may wear loose clothing but once you decide to commit yourself to Aikido, you should buy a dogi. When not on the mats, please wear zori (thongs) or shoes. Remove your footwear before stepping on the mats and position them together neatly next to the other footwear with the toes pointing away from the mats.
- BowingBowing or rei is a very important part of Aikido and should be mastered as soon as possible. Rei is a symbol of appreciation and respect, not subjugation. We express this respect to O Sensei, the dojo, the Sensei present at the dojo and the other practitioners. Bowing is a tangible expression of our appreciation for being taught "the way."
- On the MatsTry to get on the mats early if possible minutes before class. Use this time to warm-up quietly and to drop all preoccupation that may have been brought into the dojo. It may also be a time to ask question and to practice things individually that you need to work on. Aikido is a life and death activity. You will need all your powers of concentration to learn effectively and to avoid injury to yourself or others.
Testing in Aikido
Aikido is not a sport or a game. There are no tournaments or competitions.
Aikido testing and ranking is based on the Kyu-Dan system common to many Japanese martial arts.
Students begin as unranked, and after a time, test for 5th Kyu, the first ranked level. As students advance, their rank numbers become smaller (3rd kyu is more advanced than 4th kyu, etc.) until they reach 1st kyu, after which they begin to test for the blackbelt (or Dan) levels, where the numbers increase in size with experience.
Aikido is different from other martial arts in the way that there are no belt colours within the lower ranks. Students continue to wear their whitebelts until the time that they test for their blackbelt. This helps to develop an active and attentive beginners mind as people continue to learn and train towards a more advanced level. It is also in keeping with Japanese tradition, where there were no coloured belts ranks, and you only became a blackbelt after practicing so much and for so long that your original whitebelt would turn black with dirt.
Students begin as unranked, and after a time, test for 5th Kyu, the first ranked level. As students advance, their rank numbers become smaller (3rd kyu is more advanced than 4th kyu, etc.) until they reach 1st kyu, after which they begin to test for the blackbelt (or Dan) levels, where the numbers increase in size with experience.
Aikido is different from other martial arts in the way that there are no belt colours within the lower ranks. Students continue to wear their whitebelts until the time that they test for their blackbelt. This helps to develop an active and attentive beginners mind as people continue to learn and train towards a more advanced level. It is also in keeping with Japanese tradition, where there were no coloured belts ranks, and you only became a blackbelt after practicing so much and for so long that your original whitebelt would turn black with dirt.
Dan Testing Requirements - Weapons
Multiple, typically five techniques, candidates choice. Techniques below should be considered as primary ones to show, more is up to the candidate depending on the examiner’s ask.
Different techniques apply when entering on ura or omote sides. Nage may be in ai or gyaku hanmi, but should only slide forward as footwork.
Any form of the techniques below is acceptable as long as it is clean and correct. Basic forms are recommended.
- Hijikime
- Iriminage
- Kotegaeshi,
- Shihonage
- Kokyunage (kokyuho)
Hand the bokken back horizontally, holding by the handle. See picture.
Basic technical reference (to be consulted according to the guidelines above):
https://youtu.be/ZAqL3SC-lGw?si=6YGn_FRdRfP61Xs0
Different techniques apply when entering on ura or omote sides. Nage may be in ai or gyaku hanmi, but should only slide forward as footwork.
Any form of the techniques below is acceptable as long as it is clean and correct. Basic forms are recommended.
- Hijikime
- Iriminage
- Kotegaeshi,
- Shihonage
- Kokyunage (kokyuho)
Hand the bokken back horizontally, holding by the handle. See picture.
Basic technical reference (to be consulted according to the guidelines above):
https://youtu.be/ZAqL3SC-lGw?si=6YGn_FRdRfP61Xs0
Multiple, typically five techniques against shomen, typically of candidates choice. Attack are typically from hidari hanmi (left foot forward). Practice from migi hanmi (right foot forward) is recommended during preparation.
Techniques below should be considered as primary ones to show, more is up to the candidate depending on the examiner’s ask. Any form of the techniques below is acceptable as long as it is clean and correct. Basic forms are recommended.
Different techniques apply when entering on ura or omote sides. Nage may be in ai or gyaku hanmi, but should only slide forward as footwork.
- Hijikime
- Iriminage
- Kotegaeshi,
- Shihonage
- Kokyunage (kokyuho)
Jo should be returned vertically, touching the tatami, one hand on top. Uke should accept it from beneath.
Basic technical reference (to be consulted according to the guidelines above):
https://youtu.be/YM-c-O81r8k?si=z4SW_WmXr0_bov-0
Techniques below should be considered as primary ones to show, more is up to the candidate depending on the examiner’s ask. Any form of the techniques below is acceptable as long as it is clean and correct. Basic forms are recommended.
Different techniques apply when entering on ura or omote sides. Nage may be in ai or gyaku hanmi, but should only slide forward as footwork.
- Hijikime
- Iriminage
- Kotegaeshi,
- Shihonage
- Kokyunage (kokyuho)
Jo should be returned vertically, touching the tatami, one hand on top. Uke should accept it from beneath.
Basic technical reference (to be consulted according to the guidelines above):
https://youtu.be/YM-c-O81r8k?si=z4SW_WmXr0_bov-0
A mix of required and “free choice” techniques are typically requested. Nage should be prepared for right or left handed attacks.
Nage should move only to the outside, ura, of uke's attack, not in front of uke. Except for gokyo, standing pins are preferred.
The following is required:
- Tsuki kotegaeshi
- Tsuki hijikime
- Yokomenuchi gokyo
For yokomenuchi gokyo, uke's grip should be the one where the blade protrudes from the bottom of uke's fist.
Two additional waza are required, to be chosen by the test candidate.
Recommended:
- Shomenuchi gokyo
- Tsuki shihonage (or sankyo)
Return the knife to the uke handle first, with nage holding the blunt side of the blade. See picture.
Basic technical reference (to be consulted according to the guidelines above):
https://youtu.be/HGZkWQEHOTQ?si=vwoC5MRi_8OSrBBH
Nage should move only to the outside, ura, of uke's attack, not in front of uke. Except for gokyo, standing pins are preferred.
The following is required:
- Tsuki kotegaeshi
- Tsuki hijikime
- Yokomenuchi gokyo
For yokomenuchi gokyo, uke's grip should be the one where the blade protrudes from the bottom of uke's fist.
Two additional waza are required, to be chosen by the test candidate.
Recommended:
- Shomenuchi gokyo
- Tsuki shihonage (or sankyo)
Return the knife to the uke handle first, with nage holding the blunt side of the blade. See picture.
Basic technical reference (to be consulted according to the guidelines above):
https://youtu.be/HGZkWQEHOTQ?si=vwoC5MRi_8OSrBBH
Canadian Aikido Federation
Appendix
CAF Examination Committee Notes
Appendix
CAF Examination Committee Notes
The following notes were drafted by the CAF Examination Committee, and are effective as of January 20, 2024.
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2929 East 22nd Ave, Vancouver, BC
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vancouveraikikaisecretary@gmail.com
2929 East 22nd Ave, Vancouver, BC
Tue - Thu, 8.30pm – 10.00pm
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