FAQ
Q: What is Aikido?
A: Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art who's origins can be traced back to the 12th Century. Aikido was created in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969). One interpretation of the name is "The Way of Harmony of Spirit". It is an art that does not seek to meet violence with violence yet maintains its martial origins. It is based on spherical movements by which an attackers aggressive force is turned against itself. The main form of Aikido techniques are joint immobilisations and throws using the opponents momentum. Practices with bokken and jo (wooden training weapons) serve to assist in the understanding of techniques and their development. Traditional Aikido has since its conception been non-competitive, however several styles have developed including Tomiki Aikido, which has introduced competitive aspects.
Q: Where do you practice?
A: Aikido practice is traditionally taught in a building called a dojo. In the UK this may take many forms - it could be a purpose built building, a sports hall, community centre or any number of other buildings.
Q: What do I wear?
A: Participants wear judo or karate suits. But starters should wear loose clothing that they don’t mind getting pulled around. It is best if arms and legs are covered to prevent friction burns.
Q: What else do I need?
A: After joining the club you will need to buy wooden sword (Bokken) and wooden staff (Jo). These need not be expensive and we offer advice on the most suitable for your needs and can even recommend suitable suppliers.
Q: Gradings
A: A grading system is followed within the organisation and we supply a copy of the requirements to each student as they reach the next level.
Q: What is the club called?
A: Our club is called Shiro Kashi Aikido Club. Shiro Kashi is Japanese for White Oak Aikido club, we thought that this was a suitable name as we train in the National Forest and traditionally the weapons we use are made of Japanese white oak. The Japanese writing that is part of the club badge says Shiro Kashi.
Q: Are we the only club?A: Although our club only trains in Swadlincote and Linton we are part of a much larger organisation called
Takemusu Iwama Aikido Europe (TAI). TAI have clubs all over the UK. A full list can be found on the organisation web site, but the club closest to us is in Walsall.
Q: Is this the only style of Aikido?
A: No, there are lots of different styles. They each emphasise different aspects of the art and can look quite different to the casual observer.
Q: Can I train in different styles?
A: Most clubs welcome students from different styles of Aikido (although you should always check before hand). Regardless of your chosen style you should always respect the instructor and try your best to perform the techniques the way they are being demonstrated, rather than how you would normally perform them in your own dojo. A word of warning though: until you have a good grounding in your particular style, visiting clubs outside of your style may have the effect of confusing you a little and may slow down your progress rather than speed it up.
If you want details of other clubs and styles in the area a good place to visit is the
British Aikido Board website.