Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Dojo?
The word Dojo means "training hall". For example, the Aikido
Center in Mountain View is a
spacious facility, with a padded training mat, separate dressing rooms and
bathrooms, and a small office.
- What does Sensei mean?
Sensei is an honorific title meaning "teacher". The head of a dojo is
always referred to as Sensei, and other instructors as well.
O-Sensei means great teacher. In Aikido this refers to Ueshiba Sensei, the Founder of Aikido.
- How do we train?
Aikido training consists of throws and falls. A class session generally
works on between 3 and 5 different throws. Each person chooses a
partner for a given throw. The partners take turns throwing each other four
times. The
person doing the throwing is called nage. The person doing the falling is
called uke. Students find they learn as much from acting as
uke as nage.
- If I'm falling all the time, why don't I fall apart?
Students are taught from the first day how to fall safely. This is in fact one
of the most important and pleasant aspects of Aikido training.
We train on a layer of tumbling mats on top of a sprung wooden floor.
- How do I join?
Just arrive 15 minutes before any scheduled class. The instructor will
enroll you and you can start that session. If you wish to observe a class,
come at any scheduled time.
- How often should I attend class?
Students are encouraged to attend classes a minimum of 2 to 3 times a week.
Your monthly fees entitle you to attend an unlimited number of
classes.
- What can I expect when I begin classes?
A ranked person will work with you individually during your first
classes to prepare you gradually until you feel ready to train with the
group.
- What do I wear?
Most students wear a gi. A sweatsuit or other loosely fitting
cloting is acceptable if you do not have a gi. You may purchase
a gi at the dojo for about $40.
- Must I be in good physical condition?
As with most martial arts it helps for students of Aikido to be in good
physical condition. You will build up your strength and endurance over time at your own pace.
- Can I be injured?
There is some risk from the throws, rolls, etc. in Aikido. However,
Aikido emphasizes safety. Each student is taught to be aware his
or her own, as well as partner's, ability.
- Who are the instructors?
Aikido is under the direction of Hideki Shiohira Sensei. He currently
teaches three days a week at the Mountain View Dojo, and three days a
week at the San Francisco Dojo.
Several of the senior students are assigned as instructors to teach
classes.
Visit other URLs from our Links page as a starting place to
more extensive lists of Aikido FAQs.