1. What are aikido techniques like? Aikdo techniques focus on freeing oneself from grips, throwing an opponent to the ground by exerting pressure on the limbs and immobilizing opponents by placing pressure on joints. Some techniques are spectacular, sending an opponent flying through the air. Others are small, deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Ultimately, it is the energy of the attack itself that brings down the attacker. Increased stamina, flexibility and muscle development occur naturally from training, but aikido techniques do not depend on strength for effectiveness.

2. Is aikido practical for self-defense? Yes. Aikido is a specifically designed defensive martial art. Aikido training teaches you how to defend yourself against strikes coming from various angles and how to free yourself if someone grabs your neck, shoulders, arms or wrists from either the front or back. In addition to standing situations, aikido training teaches you how to defend yourself if you and an attacker are both kneeling or if you are kneeling while the attacker is standing.

3. What are the benefits of aikido training? Performing the circular techniques of aikido will improve your flexibility. Learning how to defend yourself without using your strength will improve your ability to relax. Aikido training teaches you to be more alert and capable of handling any sudden or contentious situation. Aikido training also improves cardiovascular fitness.

4. How can aikido be effective without emphasizing strength? Aikido techniques are not designed to depend on muscular strength. The power of aikido comes from turning your hips and your relaxed posture in which the weight of your body is directed towards your physiologic center in the lower abdomen. You will be amazed to see how powerful you can be when turning your hips and applying the techniques from the center of your body.

5. Are punching and kicking part of aikido? There is punching, but kicking is deferred until students can take the dangerous falls associated with kicking techniques.

6. Does aikido involve weapons training? Yes. Aikido training includes instruction using the jô (staff), bokken (wooden sword) and tantô (knife).

7. Whom is aikido training suited for? Aikido is for everyone – men, women and children. When aikido is well executed, age, height and weight are irrelevant.

8. What clothes do I wear to practice aikido? Everyone practicing aikido wears a judo-style uniform called a keiko gi (about $35), which we can supply. Men and women are required to wear a hakama (deeply pleated trousers) after attaining shodan (black belt rank), although women can start wearing this at any time. Beginners can wear loose-fitting clothing, such as a T-shirt and sweat pants, for the first few practices. No one wears shoes or socks on the practice mat. 

9. What is the aikido ranking system? There are only two colored belts, white (kyu) and black (dan). White belt ranks begin at six and continue to one. Example: sixth kyu, fifth kyu, fourth kyu, etc. Black belt ranks begin at one and continue up. First kyu is followed by first dan and then second dan, etc. To advance in rank, students must pass a test to determine if they can do the required techniques. To be eligible to take a test, students have to complete a certain number of practice hours.

10. How long does it take to achieve black belt status? This depends on you. Because a certain number of practice hours are required to advance from one rank to another, the more you practice, the faster you will earn your black belt. 

11. When are classes?
Class schedule
Monday 6 to 7 p.m. (basics), 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (advanced)
Tuesday 6 to 7:30 p.m. (basics)
Wednesday 6 to 7 p.m. (basics), 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (advanced)
Thursday 6 to 7:30 p.m. (basics)
Saturday 9:30 to 11 a.m. (mixed)
Sunday 9:30 to 11 a.m. (mixed)

12. What is aikido class like? During your first class you will learn how to roll forward and backward, so you can be thrown while practicing aikido without being injured. Proper rolling is smooth and harmless. The instructor demonstrates and explains aikido techniques using a senior student. Then each student practices the technique with a partner. One person is the uke (the one who attacks and receives the aikido technique), the other person is the nage (the one who receives the attack and applies the aikido technique). The nage practices the technique four times (twice on the right side, twice on the left side) and then he or she becomes the uke and the other person becomes the nage. After a few minutes, the instructor demonstrates another technique for students to practice. This pattern continues throughout the class. All classes include mixed aikido ranks.

13. How much does it cost to join the Greater Hartford Aikikai? Fees are $70 per month for adults; $45 per month for youths age 15 and up, college students and seniors age 65 and up; and $35 per month for children age 7 to 14. There are no restrictions on the number of classes members can attend per month. Upon registration, members pay for the first and last months (security deposit). The fee for the last month (security deposit) is refunded or applied to the last month of practice, if a one week notice is given and there is no outstanding balance. A registration fee of $15 also is required at sign-up.

14. Can I attend a class just to watch? Yes and everyone is encouraged to do so.

15. How high is the risk of injury when practicing aikido? Injuries can occur while practicing aikido, as they can while doing an activity, however they are unlikely. Aikido practice is energetic, but not designed to be painful.

16. Are there competitive tournaments in aikido? No. Your only competitor is yourself. Harmony is the nature of aikido, not fighting. Rather than tournaments, aikido training includes seminars. These are full-day training sessions lead by an instructor. 

17. Is the Greater Hartford Aikikai affiliated with an aikido sanctioning organization? The Greater Hartford Aikikai is affiliated with the U.S. Aikido Federation, a nonprofit organization comprised of affiliated aikido clubs across the country. The federation is affiliated with the Aikikai Foundation (aikido world headquarters) at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. The federation develops aikido practice methods, sponsors training seminars, establishes grading standards and registers ranks, including those awarded by the Greater Hartford Aikikai.

The federation is organized into four regions (Eastern, Midwestern, Western and Latin American) and governed by a board of directors consisting of shihan (master instructors). All shihans were uchi-deshi (live in disciples) at the aikido world headquarters. Yoshimitsu Yamada is chairman of the federation's Eastern region based in New York City at the New York Aikikai.

U.S. Aikido Federation board of directors
Yoshimitsu Yamada, 8th dan, New York Aikikai
Seiichi Sugano, 8th dan, New York Aikikai
Kazuo Chiba, 8th dan, San Diego Aikikai
Ichiro Shibata, 7th dan, Berkeley Aikikai