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 HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU PRACTICE WHEN YOU START?
Generally, a minimum of two times a week is recommended. Of course, this depends on the individual. If you are in good physical shape, you may wish to practice more than twice weekly. If you are out of shape, you may want to practice at a slower pace to allow your body to become accustomed to the rigors of Aikido training. The goal for new students is to enjoy your training and progress at your own rate.

BENEFITS OF PRACTICING AIKIDO
The true benefits of practice come not from the ability to defeat opponents, but from the application of Aikido to your daily life. Although Aikido is a true martial art, learning the philosophy of Aikido by sincere, dedicated training brings a new understanding of yourself, but your place in the world around you. Knowledge of the principles of Aikido is a powerful tool in forging a more positive, constructive life. The physical practice of Aikido technique requires the use of virtually every joint and muscle in the body. Regular training helps to build a strong, healthy body.

Counting in Japanese

Ichi (ee-chee)        -- one
Ni (nee)                 -- two
San (sahn)              -- three
Shi (shee)               -- four
Go (go)                  -- five
Roku (row-koo)     -- six
Shichi (shee-chee)  -- seven
Hachi (hah-chee)    -- eight
Kyu (cue)               -- nine
Ju (joo)                  -- ten

When do I get my Hakama?

The Hakama is a sybol of tradition in Aikido and in many schools permission to wear it is reserved only for Yudansha (Black Belts). The school believes in this tradition, however it grants permission to wear a Hakama to students who have demonstrated or accomplished any of the following:

  • the ability to take ukemi

  • have consistently proved to be serious students

  • have learned to fold it properly and care for it

  • attained black belt status

The Hakama itself contains much symbolism and anyone who wears it should do so with great pride knowing that each of the seven pleats represent virtues of Budo (Martial Way)

  1. jin (benevolence)

  2. gi (honor or justice)

  3. rei (respect & etiquette)

  4. chi (wisdom, intelligence)

  5. shin (sincerity)

  6. chu (loyalty)

  7. koh (piety)

In this regard O'Sensei said "Aikido is born out of the Bushido spirit of Japan, and in our practice we must strive to polish the seven traditional virtues."

Follow these simple instructions on folding your Hakama

to keep it looking new and pressed.