Aikido Practice

Jikishinkan Aikido follows the Aikido tradition of Shihan Fumio Toyoda, late Chief Instructor and Founder of the Aikido Association of America, and Sensei Joseph Jarman, founder of Jikishinkan Dojo. Particular emphasis is placed on the unification of mind and body through incorporation of meditation and breathing exercises and the development of the realization that attacker and attacked are one, not two.

Aikido practice consists of a variety of empty-hand and weapon techniques which redirect an attacker’s energy in a controlled and compassionate defense. Dojo instructors bring their shared mindset and unique applications to their teaching in an effort to maintain and grow past traditions. Our community consists of diverse students and instructors who help create a welcoming, fun and serious training enviornment.

overall class structure

At the beginning of class, all students line up in seiza (seated Japanese style) facing the shomen (front of the dojo, usually with calligraphy and a picture of O-Sensei). Students line up in order of rank, with the most senior students towards the right end of the shomen. Once the students are properly lined up and waiting, the instructor comes onto the mat and sits facing the shomen. The instructor bows towards the picture of O-Sensei, while the senior student says “Shomen ni rei” or “bow to the front” in Japanese. Sensei then turns to face the students and bows, while the senior student says “Sensei ni rei” or “bow to Sensei” in Japanese.

Class begins with a warm-up consisting of stretches, rolling (ukemi) and “ki” exercises. Ki exercises are exercises which demonstrate the role of “ki” energy in the practice of Aikido. These exercises involve various body movements which stress the movement of one’s center, while maintaining a completely stable posture.

The teacher then instructs by demonstrating techniques with a partner. While sensei instructs, the students are lined up in seated position (“seiza”) watching and listening. Once sensei has finished demonstrating, students pair up to practice what hey have been shown. The person demonstrating the technique is referred to as nage (nah-gay), and the person attacking and receiving the technique is called uke (u-kay). When the instructor claps, this signals the students to sit down while instruction continues.

At the end of class, the instructor bows to the shomen and to the students, with all students saying thank you in Japanese (“domo arigato gozaimashita”). Students remain seated until the instructor has left the mat. Students then bow to the front again (senior student will say “Rei”, meaning “bow”), and then to every person that they have practiced with during the class.

new/beginner students

New and beginner students are always welcome. Whether it is through participation in our six-week introductory course or attending our regularly scheduled classes, new and beginner students are supported and appreciated as they explore and become immersed in Aikido and the Jikishinkan Dojo community. For beginners, early emphasis is placed on learning to roll and fall, on basic body movement, and on relaxation. These are foundation elements of Aikido practice. The introductory program provides an effective and gradual introduction for beginners to explore the four basic principles of Aikido and how to apply them through select techniques. Beginners who choose to attend basic and mixed classes are immediately integrated into regular practice however care is taken to ensure the safety and acquisition of the basics through instructor and fellow student support.

general dojo etiquette

• Bowing is part of the tradition and reflects the proper state of mind required when practicing Aikido. It signifies respect for one’s partner or teacher and is not in any way a religious act. Always bow upon entering the dojo, and upon entering and exiting the mat area. When practicing with a partner, bow once at the beginning of your practice – you do not need to bow again until you change partners.
• Avoid talking during class. Also avoid using your time as uke to teach a junior student the technique. Sensei will teach – if you are uke focus on your ukemi.
• No jewelry, watches, chains, etc. may be worn during practice. This includes religious ornamentation. This is necessary for the safety of everyone on the mat.
• If you must leave the mat for any reason during practice please ask permission from the instructor first.
• Keep fingernails and toenails clipped. Long nails are dangerous for everyone practicing.
• Line up in rank order only at the beginning and end of the class. During class there is no need to sort yourselves by rank.
• The only way to sit in class is seiza or cross legged. Do not lean on the walls. Do not slouch.
• Pay your dues on time without having to be asked. It is an insult to your dojo and the instructor to make them ask you for payment.
• Cleaning the Dojo – It is the responsibility of every student to assist in cleaning the dojo. Not just junior students – senior kyu ranks and yudansha are not exempt from this responsibility. Keeping the dojo clean should not be viewed as a chore that is done reluctantly, but as a part of the practice that is done willingly. This means that after every class the weapons rack and butsudon are dusted, the mats are dusted with the special dry mops, then the mats are mopped with diluted mat cleaner. The front of the dojo must be vacuumed a few times a week as well.