Observing Aikido Class
Starting a new practice can be daunting. I want to encourage you to take the first step and visit the dojo! Not sure what to expect during your dojo visit? Let’s demystify aikido class and walk you through what you need to know.
What are you watching?
No class is “typical.” We encourage you to watch several. Techniques can be applied slowly and gently or quickly and powerfully. We practice a variety of movement qualities.
Warm up period
Class generally begins with “warm ups” which may last 10-20 minutes. In our dojo this may include a combination of stretching, breathing, sensory motor coordination exercises, conditioning and traditional centering techniques. Why do we do it? Warm ups prepare us for the activity we are about to engage in physically and mentally. Each day we are different. Warm up period brings us present with our bodies and minds and orients us toward awareness in the present moment. Physically, this minimizes risk of injury. Mentally, awareness of self in its present state is paramount to engaging appropriately with another person.
Technique time
The traditional format of class is for an instructor demonstration followed by partner practice. The instructor may veer from the traditional format from time to time in order to keep practice fresh and attention sharp. There are many aspects of training to explore and the instructor may draw the students’ attention to a particular facet of the art.
Etiquette provides a container and structure for the very dynamic and unpredictable nature of the martial encounter. Aikido training is appropriate for all ages and abilities. Students develop at an individual pace and learn to adapt to different practice partners. Respect, attention, and appreciation for our training partners and the class instructor are highly held values.
How many techniques are there?
It depends on how you count them. There is a set of core techniques that we practice from different attacks and in different configurations. There are an infinite number of variations. Because each person is unique and each encounter is unique, Aikido practice is continually fascinating and fulfilling throughout a lifetime of training.
What’s next?
Whether you’ve practiced before or this is your first time, aikido is accessible to people of all experience levels. This article focuses on aikido for adults, however, Multnomah Aikikai also offers iaido and children’s aikido classes. You can use our booking page to schedule a dojo visit for any of the three class types.
Come and see for yourself—there’s a welcoming community ready to share their passion and expertise with newcomers. We can’t wait to welcome you to our dojo and share the journey of Aikido with you.
This article written in 2008 by Suzane Van Amburgh, updated 2024
Aikido Multnomah Aikikai, 6415 S Macadam Ave, Portland OR 97239