Beginners

Objectives:
  • To learn safe falling skills (back roll and forwards roll)
  • To learn Aikido etiquette, rules of training and rules of the dojo
  • To become familiar with the key Aikido concepts of blending, leading and extending energy
  • To condition the body and learn basic skills for safe into more advanced classes

 

 

Aikido Rank System and Graduation From Beginner's Class:

In Aikido, we follow the traditional Japanese ranking system.  We have regular promotion demonstrations where students move up through the kyu (pre-black belt) ranks and onto the dan (black belt) ranks.  Our dojo has seven kyu ranks.  There are ten degrees of black belt in Aikido.  The purpose of the ranks and promotion examinations is to recognize commitment, acknowledge accomplishments and clarify short term learning objectives.

 

7th Kyu (20 practice hours)
1. knowledge of dojo rules and etiquette
2. back rolls  
3. tai no henko (basic blending exercise)
4. kokyu ho  (standing kokyu exercise)
5. gyakutetori kotegaeshi (wrist turnout from cross-hand grab)   
6. gyakutetori iriminage (entering from rear from cross-hand grab)  

7. kokyu dosa  (sitting breath practice)

 

 
6th Kyu  (20 practice hours)
1. forward rolls
2. gyakutetori ikkyo omote (arm pin from cross-hand grab, entering)
3. katatetori ikkyo omote  (arm pin from same-side grab, entering)  
4. katatetori ikkyo ura (arm pin from same-side grab, turning)  
5. katatetori shihonage (four direction throw from same-side grab)   
6. kokyunage timing throw (leading partner into rolls)  

Glossary of Terms

Stance: 

  1. Gyaku-hanmi (same stance)
  2. Ai-hanmi (opposite stance)

 

Direction:

  1. Omote - forward
  2. Ura - backward
  3. Ushiro - behind
  4. Uchi - inside
  5. Soto - outside

 

 

Throws:

  1. Iriminage - approaching throw
  2. Kotegaeshi - wrist turn out 
  3. Shihonage - four direction throw
  4. Tenchinage - heaven and earth throw
  5. Kokyunage - breath throw 
  6. Kaitenage - rotary throw
  7. Jujinage - cross-arm throw
  8. Koshinage - hip throw

 

Strikes: 

  1. Shomenuchi - strike to forehead
  2. Yokomenuch - diagonal strike to head
  3. Tsuki - thrust or punch

Holds: 

  1. Katatetori - one hand grab to wrist on same-side
  2. Gyakutetori - one hand grab to wrist on opposite side
  3. Katatori - one hand grab to collar
  4. Morotetori - two hand grab to one wrist/arm
  5. Ryotetori - both wrists grabbed from the front