FAQ

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that is very different from any other. Unlike other arts that focus on aggressive blows, Aikido is a purely defensive art. Practitioners of Aikido use attackers’ own energy against them. Aikido emphasizes using minimum effort for maximum effect. It is not a competitive sport.

The goal of Aikido is not to defeat others, but rather to be unified in mind and body. Aikido literally means a method (do) of coordinating (ai) one’s life force or spirit (ki).

Aikido is designed for people of all ages. There are practitioners as young as 7 and as old as 80. Whether you are young or old, male or female, you can benefit from what Aikido has to offer. Join us. Gain practical experience that translates into success in your everyday life.

•     Keep One Point

•     Relax Progressively

•     Correct Posture

•     Positive State of Mind

These principles should be followed throughout all training, but also throughout the day, away from training. Doing this will have many benefits, such as reducing stress, improving health and awareness, and increasing your general effectiveness in whatever you do.

Aikido Kokikai Federation USA (AKF USA) is a membership organization who's mission is to:

• Foster the growth of Aikido Kokikai® in the USA

• Track and maintain a list of dojos, instructors and students participating in Aikido Kokikai® in the USA

• Support the continuing ability for the Aikido Kokikai® membership to have the opportunity to train with Sensei and other senior Aikido Kokikai® instructors through national camps and regional seminars

For more information, please visit: https://www.aikidokokikai.com/ 

There is always a chance for injury when practicing a martial art, or any sport for that matter. However, Aikido Kokikai® is arguably significantly safer than other martial arts, because we do not compete with each other. We stress that students respect the pace in which their partners wish to practice. Our goal is to help each other improve our skills and better ourselves, not to beat each other up.  Additionally, Aikido is not a striking art.  Defense does not come from the application of offensive tactics like punching and kicking.  Instead throws and pins are utilized which benefit from thick foam padding under the mat as well as a strong focus on proper and safe falling skills.

• Kids grades start from 10th Kyu and have different belt colors.

• After passing the 1st Dan grading, a student will wear a black belt and hakama (pleated pants) on top of the gi (uniform).

• Brown and black belt gradings are held during the Annual Camps and must be overseen by official delegates of Maruyama Sensei.

• Grading requirements include Ki tests, techniques versus particular attacks, defense against multiple attacks and weapons kata for higher grades.

The Belt System

Grade /Color

6th kyu / Orange

5th kyu / Orange

4th kyu / Blue

3rd kyu / Blue

2nd kyu / Brown

1st kyu /Brown

1st - 8th dan / Black

Aikido is for people of all body types and many continue practicing Aikido late into their lives. In Aikido we try our best to use our own strength as little as possible. Instead we use our attacker’s strength and energy to perform our techniques. You are free to practice everything we teach at your own pace. You are never obligated to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.