How is Aikido Studied
Dojo (training hall)
A training hall implies much more than simply a place to exercise. Literally meaning place to study the way’, upon entering the Dojo a higher standard of behaviour and awareness is required. When entering and leaving both the dojo or the mat area, one bow’s to show not just respect for the space, but signifying one’s transition between the outside world and the dojo.
Uniform: Dogi & Hakama
When training in Aikido, one wears a thick white uniform known as a Dogi (lit: uniform for studying the way). Additionally, teachers or senior students may also wear traditional pleated trousers known as Hakama . These two garments are training versions of traditional samurai wear, and are uniquely suited to training Aikido techniques.
Other Training Equipment
Aikido training also incorporates the use of Tatami (safety mats), Bokken (wooden sword), Tanto (wooden knife), Jo (wooden staff) and Tanjo (short wooden staff).
Class Structure
Before each class, a basic warm up takes place readying students for practice. After the opening bow, practice begins with Kihon Dosa. These are the basic movements of Yoshinkan Aikido and are considered the building blocks of techniques. From here practice includes two Kihon Waza (basic techniques) from the Yoshinkan syllabus. The Kihon Waza are set techniques that teach students the underlying principles of Aikido.
It can be said that the effective use of Aikido in battle relies upon intuitively applying principles to create techniques to fit the circumstances, rather than trying to fit circumstances to techniques.