Your First Aikido Class

If you’re considering going along to your first Aikido class, you might be feeling a little nervous. Don’t worry, it's completely normal to be aprehensive. To help put you at ease, I’ve written a few words about what to expect and some tips to help you make a good impression.

What Is An Aikido Class Like?

Aikido classes have a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Everyone on the mat remembers what it was like to be a beginner, and they’ll do their best to help you feel welcome. If you’re unsure what to do, simply copy those around you and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the strong sense of etiquette and respect. Aikido originated in Japan and still follows many Japanese traditions. Bowing is one of the ways we show respect, so you’ll do it often throughout the class. If in doubt… bow!

Arrival

It’s good etiquette to arrive early for every class. This gives you time to help put the mats out and shows respect for your teacher and fellow students. If a class starts at 5:30pm, that’s the time training begins - not the time to walk through the door. There’s a way of thinking in Japan that if you’re on time, you’re already late. Being early means you’re on time.

Before stepping onto the mat, remove all footwear. This helps keep the training area clean and safe. If you need to leave the mat during class, put your footwear back on so you’re not walking around the un-matted area with bare feet.

Before the start of the class, students line up along the edge of the mat in grade order. As the newest student, you’ll usually sit at the far left in seiza (kneeling).

The Start Of Class

Your teacher (Sensei) will walk to the front of the dojo and bow towards the Kamiza - the front of the dojo where there is often a photograph of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Everyone bows together.

The Sensei will then turn and bow to the students. Everyone bows in return and says:

“Onegaishimasu.”

This roughly means, “Please teach me,” or “Please train with me.”

At the end of class, the same bows are performed, but everyone says:

“Domo arigatou gozaimashita.”

Which means “thank you very much.”

During The Class

Classes usually begin with warm-ups and stretching, followed by tai sabaki (body movement exercises).

Most of Aikido is learned by watching and doing. Your Sensei will demonstrate a technique before asking everyone to practise with a partner. After a few minutes, the class comes back together to watch the next demonstration before practising again. This pattern repeats throughout the lesson.

If you hear a loud clap or the word “Yame!” (stop), return to the edge of the mat and sit quietly in seiza until instructed to continue.

It Will All Feel Strange At First

You’ll hear lots of Japanese words you’ve never heard before. Everyone else will seem to know exactly what they’re doing while you’re wondering what’s going on.

That’s perfectly normal.

My biggest piece of advice is simply to enjoy the experience. Don’t overthink it, and try not to get frustrated if you can’t remember the terminology or struggle to perform a technique. Aikido isn’t something you learn overnight. It takes time, patience and regular practice.

The reassuring thing is that everyone on that mat has had their first class. They all remember how confusing it felt, and they all want you to enjoy yourself and come back next week.

After Class

You’ll probably go home and watch loads of YouTube videos. You’ll almost certainly buy far too many Aikido books that confuse you even more. At some point you’ll probably Google how long it takes to get a black belt and wonder how long it will be before you become like Steven Seagal.

Trust me… we’ve all done it!

I would recommend giving Aikido eighteen months before making any judgement about it. Don’t worry about becoming good. Don’t worry about grades. Just make the commitment to turn up every week.

Little by little you’ll notice things changing. Your body will become more balanced, flexible and coordinated.

The Japanese terminology will gradually start to make sense. Techniques that once felt impossible will begin to feel a little more natural.

If you train consistently, before long you’ll probably be invited to take your first grading or attend a seminar at another dojo.

For now, simply enjoy every moment of your new hobby and it will all unfold in due course,

Domo arigatou!