For Beginners
初心者 - How to Begin Your Aikido Journey
Starting Aikido training is the beginning of a fascinating journey. This page contains all the information needed for people considering joining our dojo or just beginning their practice.
First Steps - What You Need to Know
🥋 What to Bring to Your First Class?
- Clean, comfortable clothing - tracksuit, leggings, t-shirt (enough to start)
- Towel - useful after training
- Water bottle - hydration is important
- Open mind - most important!
Note: You can buy a keikogi (training uniform) later when you decide to train regularly. It is not required at the beginning.
⏰ What Does Your First Class Look Like?
- Arrive 15 minutes early - meet the instructor and receive basic information
- Rei (bow) - learn basic dojo etiquette
- Warm-up (Aiki Taiso) - simple exercises preparing the body
- Basic techniques - you will work in pairs with an experienced aikidoka
- Cool-down - end of the class
- Final rei - thank you for the training
🤔 What to Expect?
- You don't need to be physically fit - you'll build fitness over time
- You don't need to know any techniques - you'll learn everything from basics
- You'll practice in pairs - experienced aikidoka will help you at the beginning
- Training is safe - techniques are performed with control
- Atmosphere is friendly - we support each other on the mat
💰 Training Costs
Details about training fees can be found on the contact page.
Basic costs:
- Membership fee in the organization
- Class fee (monthly or annual)
- Keikogi (uniform) - about 150-300 PLN (you buy after a few trial classes)
Training Structure - What Will You Learn?
Phase 1: Basics (first 3-6 months)
Etiquette and Culture (Reishiki - 礼式)
- Rei - bows (Zarei and Ritsurei)
- Behavior on the mat
- Sensei-Sempai-Kohai relationships
- Care for keikogi and dojo
Preparatory Exercises (Aiki Taiso - 合気体操)
- 16 basic exercises
- Body and Ki coordination
- Rolls and falls (Ukemi Waza)
- Stance (Kamae)
Basic Movements (Tai Sabaki - 体捌き)
- Irimi - entering
- Tenkan - turning
- Ma-ai - distance
- Shintai - body movement
Phase 2: Basic Techniques (6-12 months)
5 Basic Immobilizations (Katame Waza)
- Ikkyo (一教) - first immobilization
- Nikyo (二教) - second immobilization (wrist pressure)
- Sankyo (三教) - third immobilization (wrist twist)
- Yonkyo (四教) - fourth immobilization (point pressure)
- Gokyo (五教) - fifth immobilization (similar to Ikkyo)
Basic Throws (Nage Waza)
- Shiho Nage (四方投げ) - four-direction throw
- Irimi Nage (入身投げ) - entering throw
- Kote Gaeshi (小手返し) - wrist turn
- Kaiten Nage (回転投げ) - rotary throw
Types of Attacks (Uke Waza)
- Shomen Uchi - strike straight to the head
- Yokomen Uchi - strike from the side to the head
- Katate Tori - wrist grab
- Ryote Tori - both wrists grab
- Kata Tori - shoulder grab
Phase 3: Advanced Development (1-2 years+)
- Techniques from rear attacks (Ushiro Waza)
- Techniques from sitting position (Suwari Waza)
- Techniques against multiple attackers (Randori)
- Weapons techniques (Jo, Bokken, Tanto)
- Free techniques (Jiyu Waza)
- Exams for subsequent Kyu ranks
Progression Path - Rank System
Kyu Ranks (級) - Beginners
Student ranks, numbered from 7th Kyu (lowest) to 1st Kyu (highest before Dan). In Aikido, all students wear a white belt - there are no colored belts like in other martial arts.
- 7 Kyu - after ~2-3 months (20 hours of training)
- 6 Kyu - after another 3 months (30 hours of training)
- 5 Kyu - after another 3-6 months
- 4 Kyu - intermediate level
- 3 Kyu - intermediate level
- 2 Kyu - white belt + hakama (advanced student)
- 1 Kyu - white belt + hakama (before black belt)
Dan Ranks (段) - Advanced
Master ranks, numbered from 1st Dan upward. Black belt.
- 1 Dan - Shodan (初段) - First master rank (usually after 4-6 years)
- 2 Dan - Nidan (二段) - Second rank
- 3 Dan - Sandan (三段) - Third rank
- 4 Dan - Yondan (四段) - Fourth rank (Sensei title)
- ...and higher ranks
Most Common Beginner Questions
❓ Am I too old/too young to start?
You can start Aikido at any age. We accept teenagers from around 12-13 years old who can already train with adults, as well as adults and seniors. Everyone trains at their own pace, and techniques are adapted to physical abilities.
❓ Do I need to be physically fit?
No! Aikido develops physical fitness gradually. Many people start training precisely to improve their fitness, flexibility, and coordination. Techniques are based on biomechanical principles, not physical strength.
❓ Is Aikido good for self-defense?
Aikido teaches effective defensive techniques, but primarily develops awareness, mental calmness, and conflict de-escalation skills. It is not a combat sport or a martial art focused only on fighting - it is a comprehensive personal development practice.
❓ How often should I train?
Minimum 2 times a week is a good start. Consistency is more important than intensity - it's better to train 2x a week for years than 5x for a month and burn out.
❓ How long does it take to learn Aikido?
Aikido is a lifelong journey. You'll master the basics within a year, achieve the first Dan rank after ~4-6 years of regular training. But true mastery comes after decades of practice. As O-Sensei said: "Aikido is not speed, but excellence".
❓ Are there competitions/sparring in Aikido?
No. Aikido has no sports competitions or sparring. The goal is not to defeat an opponent, but harmony and cooperation. We train with partners (not opponents), helping each other perfect techniques.
❓ What do the Japanese terms mean?
We use Japanese terminology in classes (technique names, counting, commands). Don't worry - you'll learn them naturally during practice. We also have a glossary with the most common terms.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
🚫 Using Force Instead of Technique
Problem: Trying to "force" a technique through physical strength.
Solution: Focus on fluidity, relaxation, and using the partner's energy.
If a technique doesn't work, you're probably doing it incorrectly, not too weakly.
🚫 Looking at Hands Instead of at Partner
Problem: Focusing on technical details at the expense of overall awareness.
Solution: Look at the partner's center (seika tanden). Your hands will do what's needed
if your body moves correctly.
🚫 Too Fast Pace at the Beginning
Problem: Trying to perform techniques quickly before mastering basics.
Solution: Train slowly and precisely. Speed will come naturally when your body
remembers correct movement patterns.
🚫 Comparing Yourself to Others
Problem: Frustration that others do better or learn faster.
Solution: Aikido is your personal journey. The only person you should compare
yourself to is yourself in the past. "Masakatsu Agatsu" - true victory is victory over oneself.