Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "Jiai" mean and how do you say it? 2. What should I wear? 3. What classes should I go to? 4. I have to miss some classes, what should I do? 5. Where should I park? 6. Am I too old/young for Aikido? 7. I have an injury, can I still do Aikido? 8. What should I call the teacher? 9. I'd like to know more about tests, japanese terms, or etiquette. 10. What's with the skirt/dress you wear? 1. What does "Jiai" mean and how do you say it? Pronounced "Gee eye" - Japanese for "affection / kindness".

2. What should I wear? For your first class you can wear sweatpants and a t-shirt or something similar. Shorts are not recommended as you will be kneeling during class. With your enrollment in the Beginners Package you'll recieve a dogi (training uniform) and instructions on caring for it and wearing it. Hakama may be worn by all students with good ukemi skills.

3. What classes should I go to? The Beginning Package includes two Beginners Classes, a Weapons Class, and Ukemi (falling class). The Beginners and Ukemi classes are the most important classes when you first begin.

4. I can't make all of the Beginners Classes, what should I do? Regular attendance is very important, especially in the beginning, to your growth in Aikido. Occasional absences are ok, but regular or extended abscence should be discussed with Sodeman sensei.

5. Where should I park? If you're coming by to check out the dojo you're welcome to use one of the two visitor parking spots directly in front of the dojo. Regular students should park in the rear and enter through the rear door.

6. Am I too old/young/weak/inflexible for Aikido? Aikido is practiced by people of all ages and builds, male and female. Waiting to get into shape or gain flexibility before starting class is not necessary. You will never be pushed to do something beyond your physical abilities.

7. I have an injury, can I still do Aikido? It is possibly to train with many types of injuries. Please discuss your situation with Sodeman sensei for advice.

8. What should I call the teacher? The head instructor, Sodeman sensei, should be addressed as "sensei" at all times in the dojo. Assistant instructors should be addressed as "sensei" while they are teaching a class.

9. I'd like to know more about tests, japanese terms, or etiquette. We will be happy to help you with these through the course of your training. This information is also available in the ASU Handbook which you may download from our site in the Resources section.

10. What's with the skirt/dress some students wear? The hakama is a traditional Japanese garment worn by the samurai. Aikido students in our organization generally begin wearing it after their first couple tests. To learn more about it and its history see this article by Ikeda sensei.