Training Methods

Classes begin with warm-up excercises and stretching to prepare the body for the workout to come. The basic class format follows:

  • Stretching
  • Ki-no-taiso
  • Ukemi undo (falling techniques)
  • Jo and Bokken katas (wooden staff and sword)
  • Waza (techniques)
  • Randori (multiple attackers)

Four Basic Principles of Aikido Technique

In addition, we observe and practice the four basic principles (yon dai gen soku) of Aikido technique: 1) Keep one point, 2) Relax completely, 3) Weight underside, 4) Extend ki.