(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions - Griffith Aikido Institute griffithaikido.com

Here is a list of commonly asked questions about Griffith Aikido and aikido in general, however should you have any further questions please contact us. Kjartan's aikido FAQ is extremely detailed and can also answer many other questions you have about aikido. Anyone is welcome to come along anytime to watch and ask questions.

Q: When can I start training?

A: You can start at any class except for the Saturday senior's class. You don't have to wait for a beginner's course. Every Aikido class is run in such a way that beginners have particular attention paid to them to ensure that they are safe & comfortable with what they are doing.

Q: Will I need to be fit to train Aikido, will I get fit training Aikido?

A: The style of Aikido that we train allows students to begin at their current level of fitness, over time this will develop as your aikido develops. We train with an emphasis on staying relaxed & calm & not on physical exertion. You can also expect to develop your mental fitness training Aikido, however if you want to get physically fit we suggest you take up additional physical activity.

Q: Will I need to wear a uniform or any special clothing?

A: Initially there is no need to wear a Gi (White, martial arts clothing/uniform). If you don't have a Gi we suggest that you wear track pants & T-shirt but not your best ones as Aikido training can be hard on clothing. The Gi that we wear is made of thick cotton that covers your arms & legs to protect them against contact with the mat. When you think you are ready, you can buy one at a subsidised cost (about $70) through Griffith Aikido.

Q: How often should I train, how long does it take to get a black belt.

A: Most students find that 2-3 classes a week is best to maintain a good progress & understanding of Aikido. We find that students who train too often (5-7 times a week) get burnt out & lose interest. A committed student who trains 3 times a week can expect to be at a black belt level in just over 3 years, however some of our best students have taken 5-6 years before wanting to grade to black belt. Your experience is more important than the colour of your clothes.

Q: Do I need to be a student at the University to join Griffith Aikido?

No. membership and aikido classes are open to anyone regardless of whether they belong to Griffith University or not. As well as uni students & lectureers you will find people from all walks of life doctors, nurses, accountants, engineers, freight handlers, policeman, shift workes etc..

Q: Is Aikido better than XXX martial art?

An age old question that is endlessly debated by all martial arts, apart from the presumptious few who are studying some 'ultimate' martial art. This question is best ansewered by asking what do you want out of your training? Then make a commitment to train for a period of time and see if its what you are looking for.

Q: How much does it cost?

As a non-profit provider our training costs are currently set at $70/50 per month. Your first class is free and your second class covers your joining fee

Q: How safe is it?

Our primary emphasis is on safety, all members train together (usually in pairs) at a pace of the least experienced student under the supervision of an experienceed adn qualified instructor.

Q: What Aikido do you practice?

We practice Aikido Yuishinkai, this style is headed by Master Koretoshi Maruyama who was a direct student of Master Morihei Ueshiba the founder of Aikido. Master Maruyama was also the former chief instructor of Ki Society Aikido, prior to secluding himself in a zen temple for ten years - from where he emerged to form Aikido Yuishinkai.
We have formal dan/kyu grading syllabbus both for aikido and the traditional sword and staff weapons. This and other aikido technique is taught to us personally by Master Maruyama at annual seminars. In his abscence Chief Instructor Michael Williams Sensei (9th dan) teaches regular seminars in Brisbane for aikido students and instructors. He is also located in Byron Bay (under two hours away) and many of our instructors and senior students attend his classes regularly.

Q: I'm a busy person, its difficult to find time to train?

Aikido requires a significant commitment to regular training to progress. Many Griffith Aikido members are busy professionals and shift workers. We offer morning, day and evening training in an effort to enable them to train as well. Some people attending the morning classes leave early in orderto meet their daily work schedules.

Q: Will I learn any secret techniques?

A lot of martial art folklore talks about the secret techniques of the various arts. Aikido is derived from koryu(classical) traditions. As such many of the 'killing' techniques were changed to subdue a practicioner without injuring them (and you may discover some of these as you train). The secret techniques of aikido are to train diligently with an 'empty cup' each time you step into the dojo. In this way your body will internalise the art. Practice aikido when you are excited about it, when you are bored with it, practice with beginners on the basics , practice fast and furious with advanced students, practice when you are young and fit, when you are older and slower... but make sure you practice. Each teacher has something to offer and so does each student you practice with. Tommorrow the technique will be different to todays...learn and forget, study books, watch videos. This is how to learn the true secret techniques of aikido.