Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best times to start?

In short...Any time! The best classes to start with are beginner classes Tuesdays 5:30-6:30PM, or Monday and Wednesday 6:30-7:30PM. If you come 10 minutes early, we can give you a tour of the dojo. After class we would be happy to answer any questions that you might have.

What should I wear during class?

You can wear sweat pants and T-shirt. Please, take off all jewelry. If you have a gi top and pants already, you are welcome to wear these. We do have gi tops, pants and white belts for sale.

What is an Aikido class like?

All classes begin with warm-up exercises and stretches. Then ukemi or the art of falling is covered including basic falls, forward rolls and last back rolls. Basic stances and standing movements are next. The beginner will learn a simple attack, usually a grab, and then a technique for that attack. Repetition and proper etiquette are integral parts of practice at all levels of practice.

Is there a ranking system in Aikido?

There are six levels of white belt called kyus. They start at sixth kyu and end at first kyu. Next is dan or black belt rank, starting at shodan(first degree black belt) and progressing to nidan(second degree black belt), sandan(third degree black belt) and so on. USAF TEST REQUIREMENTS There are no competitions or tournaments in Aikido.

What is USAF?

The United States Aikido Federation is headquartered in New York City under the direction of YOSHIMITSU YAMADA, 8th dan, shihan, chief instructor of New York Aikikai. USAF is a non-profit organization dedicated to the practice and teaching of Aikido. Its sanctioned Aikido seminars are held all over the world and USAF certified teachers adminster kyu and dan rank tests at their dojos and at Aikido seminars. USAF is run by a board of directors and a technical committee. WWW.USAIKIFED.COM