What is Aikido Class Like?

A person interested in training in Aikido should be ready to commit themselves to at least three hours of training — typically two classes — each week. A typical practice session consists of several parts.

Each session starts with general stretching and warm-up exercises. These are used to loosen the student's body for the physical practice ahead, and to quiet the mind from the worries of the day just finished (or about to begin!).

Aiki Taisos are the second phase of practice. These are a review of the basic movements of Aikido, practiced both as further preparation for physical activity and as a means of learning the techniques themselves. It is said that, in order to become truly proficient at the Aiki Taisos, one must practice them “10,000 times.” Unfortunately, the Japanese symbol for “10,000” is the same symbol for “infinite.” All students, regardless of years of practice or rank, continue learning the Aiki Taisos by beginning every session with them.

The third portion of practice consists of interactive training. During this phase — usually the longest portion of each class — Sensei will demonstrate an art to the students. Students watch the demonstration, then practice with one or more partners until Sensei begins the next art. These practices typically begin with an attack from a partner. It may be a static grab (one person “grabs and holds onto” another), a dynamic movement (grabbing, punching, or kicking), or some combination of the two. The Aikido art demonstrated may result in an immobilization (where the attacker is brought to the ground and neutralized), a projection (where the attacker's energy is redirected upon themselves so they fall), or both. As skills are refined, the attacker may begin using weapons — a blunt object such as a stick, staff, knife, or sword — in their attack. There may even be multiple attackers attacking simultaneously.

The last portion of each class consists of a short “cool-down” period. Students practice breathing and centering exercises. Time is allowed for sharing the impact Aikido has made on one's life. It is a time to gather together the learning that has taken place and prepare to bring it into the world after class ends. Aikido is not something that just happens in the Dojo — it extends into every facet of life.