Commonly Asked Questions
What does the word aikido mean?
The most accepted translation is "Way of peace and harmony".
Who can practice aikido?
Aikido is available to almost anyone who wants to learn it, including people who are short, tall, clumsy, not athletic, or inexperienced in martial arts.
How often should I practice?
Some aikido schools recommend training at least twice a week, and ideally three times a week after the first month. However, it's important to find a schedule that works with other commitments and balances your life.
Is aikido safe?
Like any physical practice, aikido carries an inherent risk of injury. However, many practitioners experience fewer fearful and hostile situations after a short time. Instructors and students train in adapting to the level of their partners in order to minimize this risk.
What is the significance of bowing in aikido?
Bowing is a Japanese practice that acknowledges and respects training partners, teachers, and the memory of O-sensei. It's also an inherent part of Japanese social culture, similar to shaking hands in Western society.
What is the formal attire for aikido?
Black or dark (indigo) blue is the only acceptable color for formal attire. The elaborate folding that black belts do after class is to preserve the sharp pleats in the hakama, not as a religious ceremony.
I’m nervous.
That’s not a question! It’s completely natural to be nervous when embarking on a new practice in a new space, and no one will hold it against you. Just maintain humility, eagerness to learn, and a willingness to try something new, and you’ll be fine.
Do I have to fall and roll?
Falling and rolling are two of the most fundamental skills of aikido practice, but we don’t expect you to pick them up right away. You will learn these skills safely, at your own pace, with guidance from instructors and senior students along the way.
Do you offer free trial classes?
We do not offer free trial classes. We encourage you to observe as many classes as you like at no charge, and to talk with instructors and students afterwards to learn about their experiences in practice. To arrange a visit, just send us a message.
What equipment do I need?
You need to wear a dogi, or practice uniform, in order to train. Your dogi must be heavy enough to withstand many grabs and throws, and therefore should be either Aikido/Judo-style with rice-grain weave or karate-style with heavy canvas. You can purchase an affordable uniform following this link.
How do I show respect within the dojo?
We maintain some practices of traditional Japanese etiquette as a way to honor the spirit of practice and our teachers past and present. As long as you make an earnest effort to learn our etiquette, no one will be offended if you forget a point here and there. When in doubt, it’s never wrong to sit in seiza (a formal Japanese sitting posture) and bow.
Are classes tailored to beginner or advanced students
Classes at Capital Aikikai of Wisconsin change to address the people who are attending the class. You should not be afraid that you will be asked to do something that is beyond your ability.
How often should I train?
Your training frequency and schedule should be responsive to your goals, health, and other time commitments. Some of our members train just one or two hours per week, while others attend nearly every class. One good pace for a beginner is to aim for three or four hours per week for a month, and then subsequently evaluate whether to increase or decrease the amount of training. Of course, all else being equal, more frequent training will enable you to learn more quickly.
Is Aikido practical self-defense?
Yes, a skilled aikidoist can defend themselves from one or more possibly armed attackers. However, if self-defense is your main priority, there may be faster ways to achieve your goals. Jiu-jitsu and krav maga are both highly focused on practical self-defense techniques, and may be a better match for those seeking training in street self-defense.
Do you offer a children’s class?
We do not offer a children’s class at this time.
