What to expect
We are often asked how our classes work. The best way to check us out is to visit a class (watching or participating), but many people like to know what to expect first. The following will give you some basic information.
In Aikido practice, all levels practice together, and everyone adjusts their technique to the level of their partner. (This is an important aspect of training for everyone!)
A general rule of thumb is: Take care of your partner and yourself. That is, don’t injure others by training above their level and don’t risk injury by training above your own level. Be sure to let everyone know if you have special training needs–colored training tape, a bandana, an armband or other marker can help everyone be mindful of your needs.
How Class Works
When it is time for class to begin, everyone lines up (sitting in seiza, or kneeling) in a line on the mat. The instructor then walks onto the mat, and everyone bows toward the front, then claps twice, then bows again toward the front. (This is Japanese tradition, but some people prefer not to clap. That’s fine.) The instructor then turns toward everyone, and all bow, saying onegai shimasu (“oh-nay-guy-she-mahs,” meaning please). See also Dojo Etiquette.
The instructor then leads everyone through stretching and warm-ups. Then everyone will line up again, and the instructor will call someone up to help demonstrate the first technique. (If you have bad knees, you may sit cross-legged rather than kneeling during this time.)
After the demonstration, find a partner to practice with (just turn toward the person next to you and bow, saying “onegai shimasu”). You will be uke (the person receiving the technique) four times (twice on each side), and then you will be nage (the person doing the technique) four times, etc., until the instructor claps. Then everyone lines up, and the rest of class continues this way.
We usually change partners every technique. If you find there is an odd number of students, the partnerless person should kneel or sit cross-legged at the edge of the mat, facing any practicing pair. The practicing pair will rotate the third partner into their practice.
At the end of class, everyone lines up and repeats the beginning bowing sequence, this time to close the class. Then we usually make a circle near the front to discuss any club business.
Finally, remember that everyone was a beginner once! Our club founder, George Bevins Sensei, often recommended that beginners focus first on giving good attacks and taking good ukemi (rolling, etc.), in order to be able to practice at a higher level more quickly and thus able to improve in technique more quickly.
