"Aikido" Calligraphy

Aikido, "The Way of Harmony," is a Japanese martial art, developed over the first third of the last century by Morihei Ueshiba. However, roots of Aikido are much older and many techniques are draw from older martial arts traditions, particularly swordsmaship.

Aikido does not depend on raw speed or brute strength, but rather emphasizes timing (kokyu), distance (ma-ai), and the extension of centered, whole-body energy ( kiai). In Aikido, we do not seek to destroy an attacker; rather, we destroy an attack, rendering it useless, through an almost infinite combination of 4 essential types of techniques: Dynamic throws (nage-waza), strikes (atemi-waza), pinning techniques (osae-waza) and joint locking techniques (kansetsu-waza).

Learning how to safely receive an attack is also part of Aikido and is key in studying more advanced techniques. Beginners are instructed first and foremost in how to fall safely, and how to move the body properly, and introduced to simple techniques which utilize these basic movements. Gradually, a greater intensity and complexity of Aikido practice is introduced, at a level suited to the individual student's development.

O Sensei (Great Teacher)
Morihei Ueshiba

Aikido is a martial art meaning that can be an effective self defense tool and that many of its techniques can cause serious injury to an attacker. However, the goal of Aikido is not to learn to fight or sport. There is no sparring in Aikido. Instead, Aikido strives to develop a harmony with your own body and mind such that you can perceive and react to any situation. This can mean recognizing a dangerous situation and avoiding it entirely or disabling and redirecting an attacker in self defense.

Because much of Aikido's basic body movement (tai-sabaki) is drawn from Japanese Swordsmanship, Aikido training at Northwestern University Aikido Club involves both empty-hand (toshu-waza) and weapons practice (buki-waza). The traditional Aikido training weapons - the wooden sword (bokken), wooden staff (jo) and wooden knife (tanto) - are utilized regularly.

As a Budo (martial Way of life) and not merely a physical art, Aikido stresses the peaceful resolution of conflict whenever possible. A confident, strong, courageous, and centered individual is the goal of Aikido training - the kind of person who does not need to fight, and who can resolve conflict creatively and with compassion. In this manner, Aikido’s philosophy transmits the most noble teachings of the samurai heritage: “True victory is victory over the self”.

How does the ranking system work?

Prior to testing, you are unranked. After passing the first test, you will have the rank of gokyu (or 5th kyu). Subsequent tests are for the ranks of 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st kyu. After 1st kyu, you test to be shodan (1st dan), at which point you will receive a black belt. Subsequent test are for 2nd dan (nidan), 3rd dan (sandan), and so on up until the highest rank of 10th dan. Ranks are not indicated except for the division between kyu ranks and dan ranks. All kyu ranks wear a plain white belt. All dan ranks wear a black belt and hakima(traditional japanese pants) over their gi.

The use of only white and black belts is more traditional, however some aikido dojos use colored belts to differentiate between kyu ranks. Some dojos also may have more or fewer kyu ranks.

How often should I train?

You are welcome to take as many or few classes per week as you wish. However the more you train, the faster you will progress.

How do I get a gi (training uniform)?

Ask a club officer to help you purchase a gi. The club will help determine your size. Your gi will be from $30 to $65 depending on your size and the material weight you decide on. A gi will shrink quite a bit the first time you wash it, so make sure you wash it in cold water and dry it on low heat, to reduce shrinkage.

Dojo etiquette and general rules are posted in our practice area and will be explained to you on your first day. Dojo etiquette is intended to instill a sense of respect for your fellow aikidokas (people who train in aikido) and keep practice safe. For a complete listing of guidelines, download our Dojo Etiquette Guidelines.

Many words used while practicing aikido (such as technique and stance names) are Japanese. These can be hard to get at first. To aid students in learning this terminology Shinjinkai provides the following Aikido Student Study Guide.

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere by Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook

Secrets of the Samurai by Oscar Ratti and Adele Westbrook

A good book on the history of martial arts in Japan.

The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba

Craig Bina's Aikido Page

An aikido website created by one of our own, Craig Bina Sensei. Lots of good general information on both aikido and the club's history.

Shinjinkai

The website of our parent dojo. The site has many informative articles on aikido.

Birankai

The website of our parent organization.

Aikikai Foundation

World Aikido Foundation.

Northwestern Zen Society

Zen and aikido have a long standing tradition of being practiced together.

Daiyuzenji

A rinzai zen temple co-located with Shinjinkai.

E-Bogu.com

A martial arts supply store.

Torzando

A martial arts supply store.