Aikido Vocabulary
You don't need to be fluent in Japanese to practice Aikido. You don't need to memorize the following vocabulary, but you will hear these words in the practice. Over time the words will seep into your memory, but having a vocabulary sheet will help you become more comfortable with Aikido practice. The pronunciation of Japanese words is very simple in that any word in the language is made up of one or more short syllables which are generally given equal emphasis. The consonants of Japanese are...
Common Questions About Aikido
Aikido is completely new for most people, something unlike anything they have ever done in their lives. Most people have questions and anxieties about beginning Aikido. Most of the common questions have simple answers. 1 What kind of shape do I have to be in Aikido practice can be tailored to meeting your needs and abilities, so you don't have to be in good shape to start. 2 Do I have to be big and strong to do Aikido No, Aikido techniques depend on softness and efficiency of movement, not...
Six Directions Breathing
The Six Directions Breathing exercise is a way of practicing the skill of relaxing and balancing your whole body. It is a way of bringing your inner core into relation with the outer world. Sit in an upright posture, either kneeling or sitting cross-legged on the floor, or sitting on a flat chair without touching the back. If you are sitting cross-legged or on a chair, use a towel roll for pelvic support. Ask Sensei for help in sitting in the balanced, strong posture that this breathing...
Do I have to speak Japanese or memorize a lot of Japanese vocabulary
Definitely not. There are Japanese practice terms that are part of Aikido, but they will gradually seep into your memory as you hear them over and over again. 9 How long does it take to get a black belt It may take around six years. However, it really depends on how often you practice, how athletic you are, and whether you are ready to deeply examine your movements. Everyone should practice at their own pace, and the black belt will come when it does. 8 Can I use Aikido to defend myself Aikido...
Feudal Japan
The Japanese martial arts were developed by the samurai, the professional military caste in feudal Japan. This class came into being in the tenth century. At that time, Japan was ruled by an emperor and court aristocracy, and they employed the warriors in their political struggles. As time went on, the samurai came to hold the real power in Japan, and in the twelfth century they set up the shogunate, a military dictatorship which lasted with a break of three years in the fourteenth century...
Heart
This is a very simple exercise. First, think of someone who really rubs you the wrong way. Notice the changes in your breathing, muscle tone and posture. Most people find that they experience hardening and shrinking in the breath and their whole body. Now, think of someone or something that makes your heart smile. Most people experience a softening and warmth, especially in their chest and breathing, but also throughout their whole body. The exercise is to hold in your mind body the image...
Stretching
The following page shows the basic stretching routine we use at the dojo. The first thing to think about in doing these exercises is that they are not for stretching but for releasing and relaxing. Stretching implies a forcing or tearing of the body, and the use of force against the body is a very un-Aikido idea. However, we will call these exercises stretches just because that is the common term. Each posture focuses on a specific part of the body. By paying attention to the sensations that...
Centered Movement
Aikido is about moving and being Centered. You will hear a lot about this, but some basic ideas will help you understand this key Aikido concept. There are two basic aspects of centering practices, emptying out and filling up. Emptying out is the process of letting go of rigid patterns. Filling up is the process of enlivening the mindbody with relaxed strength. Emptying out is releasing energy blocks, and filling up is energy extension. The basic stance in Aikido is hanmi the half-body or...