FAQ

What does Aikikai mean, and what are the different styles of Aikido?: Aikikai - Literally, this means society or association (for the study) of Aiki. This is the core of Aikido, from which the other styles have emerged. It is non-competitive, and represents the mainstream of Aikido. The roots of this teaching can be traced back to instructors who learned at Hombu (the Aikido headquarters) through various generations of teachers. This style is also known as Ueshiba, and includes the Iwama style developed by Morihiro Saito, one of Ueshiba's main instructors.
Tomiki Aikido - This is distinguished from its parent (Aikikai) by the introduction of competitive elements. The style was developed by Kenji Tomiki.

Yoshinkan Aikido - A style that reflects the pre-war style of Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba, and was developed by Gozo Shioda.

Ki Aikido - This style was developed from mainstream Aikido by Sensei Koichi Tohei, introducing "Ki" training as specific exercises, as well as preserving the general techniques of Aikido.

Hakko Ryu Aiki Jutsu - Based on Daito Ryu Aiki Jutsu, and developed by Ryuho Okuyama, this style integrates aspects of Ju Jutsu. Ueshiba and Okuyama both studied Daito Ryu under Takeda Sokaku at roughly the same time.
Is there anything you recommend to read about Aikido?

A great article by Second Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba and Third Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba http://www.aikidoonline.com/Features/WhatisAikido.htm

What Is Dokiai?

In Japanese Dokiai means "Motivation for love". Dokiai is not the opposite or inverse of Aikido, but rather a supplement to it. Just like European culture can be a supplement to Asian culture.

What are the Dojo regulations?

Follow the instructor's advice and instructions. Never talk unnecessarily while on the mat.
Arrive for training on time. If you need to leave the mat during training, ask permission from the instructor.
The training session begins with everyone seated and greeting each other by saying onegae shimasu.
The training session ends with everyone seated and greeting each other by saying domo arigato gozaimashita.
Pleae keep yourself and the Dojo clean.
Because of the risk of injury, jewelry, watches, chewing gum and the like are not allowed on the mat.
Care and show respect for your training partner.
Aikido techniques are to be practiced only in the Dojo. Never show what you've learned outside the Dojo.
Always pay the training fees on time. There are no refunds.

Which Aikido style is better?

This depends on the person. There are many very good teachers out there developing their own style of Aikido, and they all have many students following their line. The only way to see what works best for you is to try it and see for yourself.

How different is your Aikido training from others?

At Dokiai we follow what they teach at the Aikido headquarters, Hombu Dojo, that is, the mainstream of Aikido. There are few principal differences in how we structure our training:

All students, from beginners to the most advanced, practice in the same class, which makes beginners learn faster, while advanced students learn patience and refine their technique.
At Dokiai we do pure Aikido, without yoga, Ki-tests, breathing exercises, and so on. This doesn't mean we think yoga or Ki-breathing are bad, and everyone is free to practice them. We simply concentrate on Aikido, providing you with a perfect environment to learn it fast and appreciate its beauty.

There are so many Dojos - how do I choose the right one?

The best way is to go to each one and take advantage of the free training session normally offered at any Dojo. After visiting 3 or 4 different ones you will know which one is best for you. But don't just watch the trainings - participate!
See how many women are there. If less than 15% - be wary, as this is a clear indication that something is wrong with the Dojo. Women don't like aggression, and will leave if they are afraid of getting hurt. Remember that aggression and fear do not agree with the principles of Aikido. 25-35% women at a Dojo is a good sign.
Choosing a teacher with the highest rank or a school with the longest history may not be enough. What makes a good school or teacher is the number of students who have chosen to follow the teacher's direction in life, and whom the teacher has been able to bring up to, or even above, his own rank. Ask at each Dojo you visit about how many students have succeeded in achieving a rank close to their teacher's.