What is Aikido?
Aikido is a way to defend oneself against aggression, but it does not stop there. In addition to developing flexibility, speed and endurance, there is emphasis on self-development, discipline and self-knowledge.
Aikido is also a philosophy that leaves deep impressions on the practitioner. It is not a sport but a discipline that has as main goal, not learning to fight, but a complete control of oneself mentally, physically and spiritually.
It is a very effective martial art that by means of pins, throws and immobilization technics, can neutralize one or more attackers, armed or unarmed.
The principles of Aikido were designed by Morihei Ueshiba who added the moral value of human existence to the traditional, purely physical combat, with the intention that an attacker sees in the uselessness of his aggressiveness. It is these aspects that attract Westerners, especially those who are interested in Eastern philosophy and thinking.
AI = love or harmony (of body and mind)
ki = inner strength
do = the way
Membership fee?
Look under the menu "How to Start" and download the document "All necessary data”
Insurance?
First your doctor must fill in the insurance document that you can find and download under the menu “Beginners”. You are insured against accidents from the moment we have been able to forward this document.
History of Aikido?
Founder of Aikido: Morihei Ueshiba
Club info
Look in the menu under "Contact". On the bottom of this page you will see more information about our club.
Grades?
There is only a white or a black belt. However, there is a distinction between those who carry a hakama and those who don't. (A hakama is a, usually black, divided skirt that you can wear when you already have the necessary experience)
Weapons?
We use three different weapons in aikido, though we do not necessarily need them during each workout.
These weapons are:
A boken: This is a wooden samurai sword that was used to safely practice your sword so you could fight better.
A jo: This is a wooden stick with a length measured from ground up to your plexus / sternum.
A tanto: This is a wooden knife with which we may work to master an attack with a knife.
Kids?
Look under the menu "How to start".
AAI?
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Technics?
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How do I get a hakama on?
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How do I fold my hakama?
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Had a little accident?
Sensei?
This literally means "teacher". O-Sensei means "great teacher" and this name will only be used when talking about the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba.
Japanese vocabulary
'Onegai Shimasu':'Let us begin, we are ready for practice'.
Any other questions?
Please let us know via the contact form under the menu "Contact ".