Is it possible to watch a training session?
You are, of course, welcome to attend a training session to get an initial impression. However, we would ask you to register in advance and make an appointment.
We would like to remind you that all spectators must behave calmly during training, must not wander about and, above all, must not disturb the participants or disrupt the smooth running of the training session in any way.
Mobile phones, in particular, must be switched off, and taking photographs without prior permission is strictly prohibited!
We would, however, like to emphasise that it is difficult to grasp aikido simply by watching it. Experienced practitioners sometimes train at a faster pace and, as an outside observer, whilst you may recognise the attack and see how it ends, you do not see the technique itself. The spectator may then feel that they would be completely incapable of performing such a complex movement.
Rather than simply ‘watching’, we invite you to take part in a taster session, as aikido can only be fully appreciated when you practise it!
Nobody starts off with such complex moves straight away; as with everyone else, it’s a matter of getting started gradually by learning the ‘basics’, such as moving around on the mat and how to fall or roll correctly.
Is there an aikido class just for women?
It follows from the philosophy of aikido that there is no difference between training for women and training for men.
Aikido techniques rely more on physical strength, destabilisation and the principle of ‘inner strength’. In this context, (great) physical strength is actually more of a hindrance: it leads more quickly to the practitioner becoming rigid, and this strength could end up injuring them!
We therefore believe that, for these reasons, aikido is, so to speak, predestined for women. During our training sessions, there is no separation between men and women: both sexes train together (in keeping with the principle of yin and yang) and learn from one another!
At what age can you start practising aikido?
In principle, you can start practising aikido at any age: there is no upper age limit. However, before reaching a certain age or before you have built up a certain level of physical fitness, it is not advisable to start too early.
Indeed, the lever techniques learnt during training – on which most aikido techniques are based – can have a negative impact on physical development if they are not performed correctly.
The FNAL has set the minimum age for starting aikido at 10.
Aikido is an art that requires a great deal of concentration, especially if participants wish not only to practise it as a leisure activity, but also to achieve good results in training. That is why anyone interested, whether a child or an adult, should attend a taster session and assess their abilities with the coach.
Is there a course for beginners?
No, we don’t offer any specific courses for beginners!
In principle, it is possible to start practising aikido at any time; it is therefore not necessary to take a beginners’ course.
For organisational reasons, however, anyone who is interested or a beginner should register with us in advance, and we will then arrange a trial session.
Experienced practitioners then ensure, as a first step, that the newcomer gets a first impression and also help them take their ‘first steps’ in aikido.
Our experience has shown that after just a few regular training sessions, newcomers have already settled into the training group!
What should you expect during a trial training session?
During a taster session, as well as some theoretical explanations (particularly on what aikido is, where it comes from, who ‘invented’ it, and so on), you will also receive individual, personalised guidance.
So, after a group ‘warm-up’, beginners are introduced to their first practical exercises.
They will first learn rolls and other basic moves.
However, we don’t stop at just getting newcomers started: they are quickly integrated into active training and learn the basics. You can find out here what a training session with us is like.
Are there any aikido competitions?
No, because what lies at the heart of competitions is a (sporting) contest with ‘the opponent’. That, and that alone, is what makes a competition what it is.
In aikido, in fact, we tend to refer to a ‘partner’ rather than an ‘opponent’. This in itself shows that the spirit of competition has no place in aikido.
The aim of an aikido technique should be to defuse the confrontation and persuade the attacker to abandon their aggression. Aikido cannot, therefore, truly be part of a competitive framework.
Aikido is a very personal way of discovering oneself and fulfilling one’s potential; every aikidoka brings their own qualities and abilities to the tatami.
In this context, how could one possibly judge a competition and compare practitioners with one another?
What other requirements do you need to meet to start practising aikido?
Apart from a desire to get active and the enjoyment of learning together, there are no other requirements for starting aikido training.
Generally speaking, it can be said that anyone who is able to walk can practise aikido. Aikido relies very little on muscular strength.
However, caution is advised in the event of musculoskeletal injuries (particularly to the knees and spine). In such cases, it is advisable to seek the advice of a sports doctor beforehand. As a precautionary measure, the association reserves the right to require such a medical certificate.
Every aikido practitioner should be able to flourish and make personal progress at every training session: that is the aim!
Aikido is a long journey, and together we are all following the same path; but it is up to each of us to decide, entirely for ourselves, where that path will lead us.
To start with, all you need is a pair of comfortable long trousers (jogging bottoms) and a long-sleeved T-shirt. You only need shoes to walk to the changing rooms and out to the mats; on the mats, we practise barefoot (or in socks). It is only once you’ve decided to continue practising that you should get the necessary equipment.
As a member of the federation, how often can we take part in training sessions?
Every member of the federation can and should take part in all our club activities.
Regular attendance at training sessions benefits all participants, both in terms of their personal development and their individual progress in aikido.
This also applies to the courses organised regularly by the FNAL.
During training sessions organised as part of the FNAL, no direct distinction is made
between beginners and experienced practitioners. Everyone trains together, according to their individual level.
Similarly, the federation encourages and supports all practising aikido practitioners to take part in the training courses organised by the ACSA.
What happens if you are unable to attend training for a long period of time?
There can be many different reasons why one might be unable to attend training. Everyone should decide for themselves how intensively and regularly they wish to attend training sessions. Nevertheless, you can only learn aikido by practising it; so you do need to show a certain amount of ‘perseverance’!
To help you progress with the movements, our training sessions are designed so that the techniques, along with other exercises, are constantly repeated and relearned.
This ensures you don’t miss a thing and that everyone has the chance to pick up where they left off after a break.
Nevertheless, out of respect and in accordance with the rules of courtesy towards the federation and club officials, any prolonged absence must be reported as soon as possible.
Do you have to sit exams, and at what point do you become a master craftsman?
Each grading examination enables the aikidoka to assess their current progress.
However, these should not be regarded as an absolute benchmark, as everyone starts from their own individual level and so each person’s journey cannot be directly compared with that of others.
Unlike other types of martial arts or other aikido federations, the FNAL does not use coloured belts.
Everyone starts with a white belt; it is only later, once you reach an advanced level (from 1st dan onwards), that you wear the hakama as well. It is only after passing the 1st dan examination that one wears the black belt. There are no other visual distinctions corresponding to grades within the FNAL.
Although a minimum number of training hours is required between exams, this duration is, once again, highly individual and also depends heavily on the progress of each aikido practitioner.
Furthermore, passing belt exams is not the primary aim of aikido. The purpose of belt examinations is to demonstrate to the aikidoka their progress and to encourage them to continue on their path!
Once you have achieved a black belt, you have mastered all the basic techniques.
It is from the black belt, the yudansha, that the learning of aikido truly begins. You have reached the first ‘level’… and it is from this point onwards that you learn and explore your own personal aikido.
From this point onwards, the aikidoka embarks on a deeply personal journey to discover ‘their’ aikido and its foundations. Through a creative approach, the aikidoka will continue to commit themselves and, in doing so, experience their own progress in a more conscious way.
What is aikido?
In a short video, the German Aikido Federation explains what aikido really is.
Enjoy the video!
The DAB holds all rights to this video.