Way of Harmony
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to be in shape?
2. Will I lose weight?
3. What are the benefits of Aikido?
4. What should I wear? Do I need a uniform?
5. How often do I need to come to class?
6. What about testing?
7. What does Aikido mean?
8. What the heck is that skirt/hakima the teacher wears anyway?
9. What about etiquette?
10. Do you have contests/bouts?
11. Does Aikido work on "the streets?"
12. Is Aikido dangerous?
13. What is your mission statement?
14. Do you teach Kids Classes or classes for young people?

Do I need to be in shape to practice Aikido?

No. Certainly not to start. When I started Aikido I was way overweight. I was looking for something physical to do with my life, and decided that Aikido was it.
It is easier in some ways if you are fit and in shape, but one of my teachers said that the people who it comes easiest to are frequently the ones who give up.
When you start classes we work at your level, and work from there.

 

Will I lose weight?

Maybe. Over the years, I've found that Aikido can be either very demanding physically or very easy, depending on the instructor and the student. At Way of Harmony, our goal is to encourage people to get a physical workout out while they learn Aikido. The first priority, though, is safety, so we're not going to get anyone hurt just to lose a few pounds.

 

What are the benefits of Aikido?

• Improved sense of balance and center
• Ability to move
• Awareness of yourself and others
• Flexibility
• Breath training
• Knowledge of self-defense/protection techniques
• Build community
• Exercise
• Conflict resolution (harmony)
• Have fun with others

What should I wear? Do I need a uniform?

Start with sweat pants and a sweat shirt. As you roll, you'll appreciate the padding that the sweats give you. If you like Aikido, then you probably will want to buy a uniform (they cost about $45). There's something nice about changing into a specific costume -- it helps focus your mind.

 

How often do I need to come to class?

We offer classes five days a week in the hopes that you'll be able to come to them all.
On the other hand, you're a grown-up. You can't make every class, right? Aikido is designed to allow people to practice every day without injury.
If you come one time a week, you'll learn many of the concepts and ideas.
Twice a week will give you a sense of movement. You'll begin to develop your center.
Three times a week or more will improve your retention, and begin building automatic responses.
Seven days a week is probably too much. Everybody needs a break.
We don't currently offer that many classes.

 

What about testing?

Testing can be a good method of guaging progress and of enhancing training. It can also be a crutch. Tests will be held every four to six months. Way of Harmony is currently affiliated with Aikido Association of America (AAA). All testing will be done according to AAA policy, modified for individual needs and instructor preferences. Which is to say that when you're ready to test, you'll know. You may request a test, and that request will either be accepted or declined.
Click here for test requirements.

What does Aikido mean?

Ai - Harmony Ki - Energy Do - Way (like the Chinese "Tao")

Aikido means "The way of harmony with energy." I like to think of it as the path of harmonizing with the energy of other and the universe. In other words - learning to get along and cooperate. For more information click here.

 

What the heck is that skirt/hakima the teacher wears anyway?

This is my take:
The hakmima is the Japanese version of a cowboy's chaps. They were worn by horseback riding Samaurai to protect their legs. Over the years, they became a formalized part of the samaurai uniform. Aikido students wear hakimas at different points. The story goes that before World War II, everyone wore hakimas. Then, during the war, all cotton was used for wartime supplies. Students were coming in to the dojo with ancient silk hakimas and wearing them out. After that, hakimas were only worn by senior students. In Washington, DC, at Satome Shihan's dojo, hakimas are worn by everyone after their first test.
I like wearing a hakima for two reasons:
1) They help you center yourself, lowering your center of gravity
2) They look cool.

• Meaning of Hakima -Kjartan (Courtesy of the Southern California Naginata Federation)
  • How to Fold a Hakama
  • Meaning of Hakama Pleats

 

What about etiquette?

In a traditional Aikido dojo, there is a very clear etiquette proceedure. This is passed down from the Japanese tradition. It is a way of building a community and setting boundaries. For example, you can't work out with someone unless you're sure that they're ready.
In the Jewish community, there is a taboo about bowing down to false idols and kings. This dates back to the days of Abraham and the idols. For me, bowing is a form of acknowledgement and respect, like shaking hands or saluting, but for anyone who is uncomfortable, we'll find another way of creating the level of sincerity and respect that works in the dojo.

1. Bow when you enter and leave the dojo space
2. Bow when you enter and leave the mat
3. Bow at the beginning of class to the kamiza (front of the room)
4. Bow to the teacher, and say "Onei-gaishi-masu" (thanks for working with me).
5. Bow to your partners at the beginning and ending of class
6. Bow at the end of class to the teacher saying "Domo arigato gozai mashta sensei" (Thanks very much for teaching me, teacher)
7. Bow to the kamiza.

Do you have contests/bouts?

No. Contests and bouts have winners and losers. Aikido is about harmony. We do demonstrations.

 

Does Aikido work on "the streets?"

I don't know. I've never been attacked on the streets, and I never plan on being attacked. Before doing Aikido I lived in New York City in Harlem and Washington Heights and was never attacked. Q: How many people do you know who have been attacked?
Here's the short answer. Aikido is about awareness, about learning to deal with other people. It provides a level of physical competence and control that can allow you to defend yourself. If someone with a knife asks for your wallet, Aikido will teach you to give it to them. If someone has a gun, Aikido techniques aren't going to do much. If someone pushes you in a bar, you will be able to avoid the conflict or handle it. If they get hurt or humiliated and have seven friends, you're probably in deep trouble.

 

Is Aikido dangerous?

Any martial art is dangerous. In Aikido at the same time you practice throwing your partner, your partner is practicing learning how to be thrown. You will learn how to fall and roll safely. That said, in my years of training on a nearly daily basis, I've only seen two or three major injuries. The longest I've been off the mat for an injury was less than a week. Typical Aikido injuries include stubbed toes, sore shoulders and inflamed joints. These go away. On a more serious level, Aikido students who do a lot of suwariwaza (knee walking) often have knee problems. This is something that we will be working to avoid.

Do you teach Kids Classes or classes for young people?

Yes we do. From time to time we offer both one-day and multi-week programs.
The emphasis in these classes is on the conflict-resolution aspect of Aikido, rather than the martial-art alone. Since Aikido can be dangerous, we feel refuse to give young people just a little bit of Aikido technique without proper ongoing supervision. We will, however, teach them how to deal with conflicts and self-defense situations, as well as give cultural background on Aikido.
Click here to see a detailed description of our classes for young people.

Mission Statement

We provide a safe space for people of all abilities to practice Aikido -- the martial art for peace.

To accomplish that, some of our goals are

1. To develop our minds, bodies, spirits and energy.
2. To protect ourselves and others.
3. To practice, teach and learn Aikido.
4. To bring the Way of Harmony to both traditional and non-martial arts settings.
5. To get a good workout and stretch.
6. To create Peace
7. Have fun and make friends!

last updated 1/27/00