Sensei Paul Hamilton

"Aikido" is a Japanese word composed of three parts. Ai is usually translated as "harmony" or "union", if one uses the most universal possible meaning. Ki translates loosely as "power" or "energy". Do comes from the Chinese tao, or "way" or "path". Put together, one might say "The Way of Harmonious Power".

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art. Most of the martial arts in Japan have a long history, which can be divided into two historical phases. The first phase is a jutsu, or school of combat as employed on the battlefield These are very serious indeed, and the object of the art is ultimately to survive at someone else's expense. During Japan's long feudal peace, there was little war, which meant no occupation for the samurai. During this time, the martial arts began to evolve into do, or way. This transition was heavily influenced by Zen. The purpose of a do, is to use martial training to cultivate the individual, and produce a warrior (as opposed to a soldier or fighter). The roots of Daito-ryu Aiki-jutsu go back the better part of a millennium, but Aikido as a Do dates to around 1925.

Aikido is solely a defensive art. Although many techniques can be employed in an aggressive manner, this is contrary to the foundations of the art. Aikido employs the circle as the basic movement, rather than the straight line. Like Judo, Aikido employs an attacker's own strength to protect both the attacker and the person attacked. An enormous emphasis is placed on blending with and re-directing an attack, and avoiding the extremes of kill-or-be-killed. Aikido deeply studies the relationship between the attack and the defender.

The aikido uniform is called a Gi (pronounced "Ghee"). Both jacket and pants are completely white. The Gi comes in two styles, medium or heavy weight. Medium weight Gis are recommended for youth and beginners because of the cost factor. Uniforms are available at the Dojo. Whenever wearing a Gi, it should be clean and without any holes. It is considered appropriate for women to wear a white t-shirt under their Gi while training.

No shoes or socks are allowed while training.

All training is done without shoes or jewelery. All jewelery and other accessories should not be worn to prevent any type of injury.

In Aikido there are two general gradations of ranks: black belt or dan ranks, and non-black belt, or kyu ranks. There are 10 grades within each division, for a total of twenty ranks. As an adult entering Aikido class, you automatically have the rank of 6th Kyu.

• Bow to the dojo and the mat whenever entering or leaving.
• The instructor will begin class by bowing to the shomen. The students and instructor will then bow to each other, formally opening class.
• It is proper to silently ask permission from the instructor to arrive late to class, or to leave early.
• When asking for instruction on the mat, always approach the sensei and bow. Do not yell out or beckon for attention.
• After receiving instruction or clarification form the sensei, it is appropriate to bow.
• When working with a partner, provide feedback. Ask for greater or lessor speed or force in attacks and defenses as appropriate to your level of skill. Once a pace is established, however, continue practicing.
• Your partner is not an opponent. Aikido techniques are learned with and through your partner, and it should be a pleasure to throw and be thrown. Each movement teaches the principles and spirit of Aikido and must be practiced sincerely.
• When changing partners during class, one starts and ends each practice by bowing with the partner.
• Care should be taken to be sensitive to your partner's abilities. Do not make assumptions, as one's abilities will fluctuate over time and becoming careless can easily lead to injuries.
• At the end of class, the students and instructor will bow to the shomen and to each other.
• You are welcome to invite any guests, but remember they are your responsibility. Make sure they are aware of the dojo rules.

• Lie on the mat
• Lean against the walls
• Sit with your legs stretched out
• Wear watches or jewlery
• Chew gum
• Have long or sharp fingernails
• Wear dirty or torn uniforms