Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that is similar to ju-jutsu in many ways. It employs various types of throws (projections) and wrist or arm locks. It is also practiced with several weapons: the tanto (knife); the jo (short staff) and the bokken (wooden sword).
Is Aikido a defensive or offensive martial art?
Aikido is taught as a purely defensive martial art in today's modern dojo (school). The founder of our system judged the many offensive techniques available in Aikijutsu to be inappropriate in our modern society and unnecessary to a person of correct character.
What are the basic principles of Aikido?
The practice of aikido is guided by three basic principles, also known as sansho or the three victories
.
Victory #1: Agatsu. This represents a victory over the self, as opposed to a victory over the other. We are practicing aikido first and foremost for self improvement. Other aspects such as self-defense, discipline, stamina, self-control, etc., are by-products of the correct practice of the art.
Victory #2: Masakatsu. Correct victory
, or victory over the other with correct movement, i.e., the application of techniques that will defeat but not injure our opponent. Such defeat may entail a certain amount of pain, but should not result in injury.
Victory #3: Katsu haya hi or victory over the speed of light
. To be efficient, Aikido techniques have got to be executed with speed. The cultivation of speed is the result of intense practice. First, one learns the movement, then only can one work on fast and efficient execution.
What particular Style
or Form
of Aikido is taught?
Aikikai Aikido is taught at Aikido of Indianapolis. In a general sense, Aikikai
means Aikido Club
, but in this context, the word is referring to the style of Aikido still taught and practiced by the Founder's grand-son at Aikido So Hombu Dojo, in Tokyo, Japan.
How does Aikikai Aikido differ from other styles of Aikido?
Aikikai Aikido is the style directly descended from the style developed by the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei. His grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba, is currently the Doshu or Leader of the Way
. He is the son of the late Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba, who was the son of O-Sensei. All other styles of Aikido are offshoots from this original line of development. They often emphasize other aspects of training. Some styles are more combative, and may even include competitions. Others may practice a milder form of aikido, which emphasizes practice that strives to develop a person's Ki, or spiritual power.
As a school dedicated to the practice of Aikikai style Aikido our primary goal is to teach effective technique. While the physical rigors and mental concentration required to do this may quite naturally lead to increased spiritual power and mental acuity, we find it unnecessary to discuss the process at any great length.
Can anyone learn Aikido?
Anyone with normal physical abilities and who is willing to apply themselves can learn the basics of Aikido techniques and movements.
Can a person get hurt while practicing Aikido?
Yes, as in any martial art there is always the possibility of experiencing some pain. It is, however, a somewhat subjective matter as to exactly what degree of discomfort a person will experience during a normal practice. Instruction at the dojo is keyed to each member's ability. We try and assure that proper safety and defensive techniques are taught, which makes the risk of anyone being injured while practicing Aikido very slight. It is one of Aikido's three principles (masakatsu: correct victory) to treat people in such a way as not to cause them any damage. No serious injury resulted from practice at Aikido of Indianapolis since January 1991, the date the club opened.
Is Aikido a religion?
No. If Aikido is anything it is a manifestation of the ethical belief that all beings should have the physical and spiritual resources to defend themselves without resorting to unnecessary violence. Another definition we often refer to is, "Self Defense through Self Improvement."
Will I experience altered states of consciousness practicing Aikido?
No. While you are practicing Aikido at our dojo you will more than likely only experience tiredness, well-being, and work up a large amount of sweat. No one at our dojo will try to alter your perceptions, or ask you to experience inexplicable inner states. We will teach effective Aikido technique. How you experience this is entirely up to you.
Who is the instructor at Aikido of Indianapolis?
The head instructor at this dojo is Didier Bertrand. Mr. Bertrand is a sandan (third-degree black belt) and has been practicing for over twenty years.
Is Aikido of Indianapolis a business?
No. The school is structured like a club, and is controlled by the instructor and other active members.
The school's stated goal is to make the instruction of Aikido available for its members while promoting the teaching of Aikikai Aikido in the Indianapolis area.
Aikido of Indianapolis instructors and organizers do not receive any money in exchange of their services. Aikido is taught for free, all fees going toward payment of rent and organizational enhancement for the propagation of Aikido to the city of Indianapolis and the midwest region.
Is Aikido of Indianapolis associated with other major organizations?
In the Midwest, Aikido of Indianapolis is honored to be directly in close contact with the Central Illinois Aikikai, based in Champaign, IL, and with Aikido of Cincinnati, based in Cincinnati, OH, two sister dojo
that help us grow. We are also chartered nationally with the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) in New York City, NY.
How long has Aikido of Indianapolis been in existence?
Aikido of Indianapolis has been operating since 1991 although it was known from 1991 to 1999 under the name of Indiana Aikikai. Since this name was claimed by another organization not affiliated with the Midwest Aikido Federation and the United States Aikido Federation, the instructor decided to change it, for clarity's sake.
What does it cost to practice Aikido?
Monthly dues are currently $60.00 per month. For new members there is an annual fee of $30.00 for United States Aikido Federation membership dues. For other ranks there is a graduated scale of yearly fees. The maximum USAF fee is $60.00 per year for yudansha (black belts).
The instructor keeps a running total of our practice hours that count toward testing. Joining and paying these yearly fees is only one of the ways that we show our support to the organizations that make our practice of Aikido possible. The only other expenses are for your personal equipment (keiko gi, practice uniform) and a $5.00 fee for the kyu book, a booklet where the record of your Aikido practice is kept.
What equipment am I required to purchase, and what will I need in order to practice?
A person can practice with as little as a set of sweats
or other type of workout clothes at first.
Judo or karate uniforms (gi) are designed to hold up to the physical wear and tear
normally associated with aikido, but they are not required until your first test.
All optional equipment such as the jo (staff), bokken (wooden replica of a Japanese-style sword), and tanto (wooden replica of a Japanese knife) normally used in a practice session are furnished by the school. It is recommended that you buy your own jo, bokken, and tanto when you are sure of your desire to commit to Aikido practice.
How is rank involved with Aikido practice? Will I be forced or expected to advance and test for varying ranks or degrees?
There are specific ranking tests made available to test the students' knowledge and ability as they progress. There are five ranks below the black belt. While there is not an undue amount of emphasis put on rank, the instructors will try to see that the students advance at a reasonable pace.
A primary reason that students test, is to afford them specific goals towards which they can work. The testing requirements for each of the progressive ranks follows a logical sequence of techniques that will quite naturally develop a person's basic technique.
Steady and consistent progress towards the testing requirements helps the students to stay focused on their continued advancement and develops their Aikido skills.
We ask that each person put forth their best effort during class. This is a sign of courtesy and respect towards the instructor for his time and efforts.
Who does the rank testing, and how long does it take to receive the rank of black belt?
All testing within the United Aikido Federation will be done in accordance with guidelines handed down from the United States Aikido Federation and administered by the instructor, until the rank of 1st kyu (just below the black-belt level). To become a black belt in Aikido, one must take a test administered by Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan (8th degree black belt and technical director of the USAF) or one of his experts (high-ranking officials of the USAF).
There are many varying factors in attaining the rank of black belt but if someone were to apply themselves at least 3 times a week for a period of approximately 5 years they would probably have developed the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the examination for black belt rank. This is an average estimation, not a promise, as everyone comes to Aikido with different levels of ability, flexibility, and and commitment level. Therefore, each student develops at his or her own pace, following the principle of agatsu.
How do I join the school? Will I be required to sign a contract or agreement?
There are no contracts to sign. We do require a release form signed releasing the School from legal liability due to any possible injuries, etc.
The only requirements for joining are a strong desire to practice and your active participation during practice.
The members of Aikido of Indianapolis take a great deal of pride in their dojo and will assist you in any way they can.
When you are ready, please contact the instructor for a visit of the dojo, to observe a class, and ask any questions you may have from the instructor or any of the school's members.
In Aikido we never attack. Attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind it.--Morihei Ueshiba