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Knowledge Base

Frequently
Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about training, grading, etiquette, and getting started with Aikido at UAE Aikikai.

General FAQ Grading Syllabus Kids Syllabus Dojo Etiquette Glossary
General Questions

Aikido FAQ

Getting Started

How do I start training in Aikido?
Getting started is simple — Watch a Class → Ask Questions → Try Your First Class Free. Contact us to register and we'll guide you through everything you need to know before stepping onto the mat.
What clothes should I wear to my first class?
For a beginner, loose sports-type clothing covering your legs and arms is acceptable — this is mainly for safety and protection from bumps and scrapes. Please note:
  • Remove all jewellery, watches, earrings, rings, and hard hair clips before class.
  • Any cuts or wounds should be covered with adhesive tape.
  • Hands and feet should be clean and washed, with nails trimmed if necessary.
After a short period of time a training uniform or 'do-gi' will be needed. We typically wear an Aikido or Judo-style ribbed gi with belt, in white or un-bleached — both hard-wearing and protective. Canvas karate-type gi are not advisable.
Do you run beginners' courses?
From time to time dedicated beginners courses are organised; however most general classes provide a basic introduction for new students, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and follow the more experienced members on the mat.

Training & Classes

What does an Aikido class involve?
Classes usually run for one (1) to one and a half (1.5) hours. Training typically involves:
  • Stretching and calisthenics
  • Basic rolling and break-falls (ukemi)
  • Traditional hand-to-hand techniques
  • Weapons training: Bokken (wooden sword), Jo (wooden staff), Tanto (wooden knife)
  • Meditation
  • Misogi Breathing

Fitness & Health

Is Aikido a good form of exercise?
Aikido is an excellent form of exercise and a total body work-out. Movements flow in a natural direction and promote flexibility. Students can train at their own pace and, depending on their level of intensity, can vary their aerobic and cardiovascular work-out. Aikido enhances balance and perception, along with a sense of well-being and self-awareness.
Can Aikido be used for self-defence?
Yes, Aikido can be used for self-defence; however it can take longer to become proficient than in some other martial arts. The focus is on redirecting force and using an attacker's energy against them, which requires patience and consistent practice to master.
Are there any physical limitations to practising Aikido?
Aikido training can be vigorous and hard on the body's joints, and may also involve strenuous cardiovascular activity. You should be in good health and generally physically capable to train. If in doubt at any time, consult your medical professional.

Age & Ability

Is there a minimum age to start?
Aikido training can be vigorous and hard on the body's joints. For children younger than 15, parental supervision may be required. We recommend speaking directly with an instructor to discuss your child's suitability.
Is there a maximum age to start?
Aikido is adaptable to most age groups. As long as you have the physical capability to train, there is no upper age limit. Speak to your instructor about tailoring the training to suit your needs.

Ranks & Belts

When do I get to wear the Hakama (black skirt)?
The Hakama is traditionally worn upon reaching black belt level; however different clubs may permit students to wear the Hakama at earlier grades, at the discretion of the instructor. The Hakama represents formal Japanese clothing once worn as everyday attire and carries great significance within the art.

Philosophy & Competition

Is there any competition in Aikido?
In keeping with the Founder's ideals, there is no competition in Aikido techniques. In this way Aikido-ka are able to study a true 'budo' art in its traditional form, focusing on personal development, harmony, and mutual respect rather than winning or losing.
Grading

Adult Grading Syllabus

Students are recommended for grading by their instructor, after training for the required number of classes and demonstrating proficiency in the required techniques. Grading is a formal occasion — the student is required to both receive and perform techniques during the test.
Kyu Grades
Dan Grades
6th
Kyu · White Belt
20 Training Days
  • Dojo etiquette
  • Hanmi
  • Shomen Uchi
  • Ukemi
  • Shomen Uchi Irimi Nage
  • Katate Dori (ai hanmi) Ikkyo
  • Katate Dori (ai hanmi) Iriminage
  • Katate Dori (gyaku hanmi) Shihonage
  • Suwari Waza Kokyu Ho
  • Sanin Gake Shomen Uchi
5th
Kyu
50 Training Days
  • Shomen Uchi Iriminage
  • Shomen Uchi Ikkyo (omote, ura)
  • Katate Dori (gyaku hanmi) Shihonage (omote, ura)
  • Katate Dori (ai hanmi) Iriminage
  • Katate Dori (gyaku hanmi) Ikkyo (omote, ura)
  • Tsuki Kotegaeshi
  • Suwari Waza Kokyu Ho
  • Sanin Gake Jiyu Waza
  • Bokken, Jo Kihon Waza
4th
Kyu
60 Days from 5th Kyu
  • Shomen Uchi Iriminage
  • Shomen Uchi Ikkyo (omote, ura)
  • Kata Dori Ikkyo, Nikkyo (omote, ura)
  • Yokomen Uchi Shihonage
  • Shomen Uchi Nikkyo (omote, ura)
  • Tsuki Kotegaeshi
  • Ryote Dori Tenchinage (2 ways)
  • Ushiro Kubishime Sankyo
  • Bokken, Jo Waza
3rd
Kyu
70 Days from 4th Kyu
  • Shomen Uchi Ikkyo to Yonkyo (omote, ura)
  • Shomenuchi Kotegaeshi
  • Suwari Waza Shomen Uchi Ikkyo to Yonkyo
  • Tsuki Iriminage
  • Ryote Dori Shihonage
  • Katate Dori (gyaku hanmi) Kaitenage (2 ways)
  • Katate Dori (gyaku hanmi) Koshinage
  • Yokomenuchi Iriminage (2 ways)
  • Jo Dori & Tanto Waza
2nd
Kyu
80 Days from 3rd Kyu
  • All 3rd Kyu techniques
  • Katate Dori (gyaku hanmi) Iriminage
  • Katate Dori (gyaku hanmi) Kotegaeshi
  • Hanmi Handachi Katate Dori Shihonage
  • Kata Dori Ikkyo to Yonkyo (omote, ura)
  • Shomenuchi Koshinage
  • Shomenuchi Kokyunage (3 ways)
  • Yokomenuchi Gokyo
  • Ushiro Ryote Dori Ikkyo
1st
Kyu
90 Days from 2nd Kyu
  • All 2nd Kyu techniques
  • Shomenuchi Kaitenage & Shihonage
  • Tsuki Kaitenage
  • Yokomen Uchi Ikkyo to Yonkyo (omote, ura)
  • Suwari Waza Yokomenuchi Ikkyo to Yonkyo
  • Ushiro Ryote Dori Ikkyo to Yonkyo
  • Hanmi Handachi Ryote Dori Shihonage
  • Ushiro Ryote Dori Shihonage & Kotegaeshi
  • Tachi Waza Morote Dori Kokyu Ho

Dan Grading Requirements

Dan grades represent the highest levels of achievement in Aikido. All above kyu techniques must be demonstrated, along with any other techniques as requested by the examining instructor.

1
Sho Dan — 1st Dan
Minimum 1 year after 1st Kyu. All above techniques plus any others as requested.
2
Ni Dan — 2nd Dan
Minimum 3 years after Sho Dan. All above techniques plus any others as requested.
3
San Dan — 3rd Dan
Minimum 3 years after Ni Dan. All above techniques plus oral examination.
Junior Programme

Kids Grading Syllabus

Students are recommended for grading by their instructor, after training for the required number of classes and demonstrating a proficiency in the required techniques. Grading is a formal occasion and the student is required to both receive and perform techniques during the test.
12th
Kyu · Yellow Belt
12 Training Days
  • Dojo etiquette & formal bows
  • Suwari Waza & Shikko
  • Ukemi (Mae & Ushiro)
  • Hanmi stance (left & right)
  • Tenkan basics
  • Katate Dori (ai hanmi) Iriminage
  • Katate Dori (ai hanmi) Ikkyo
  • Evasion Games
  • Suwari Waza Kokyu Ho
11th
Kyu · Orange Belt
15 Days from 12th Kyu
  • All 12th Kyu techniques
  • Katate Dori (ai hanmi) Ikkyo (omote, ura)
  • Ryote Dori Tenchinage
  • Katate Dori (ai hanmi) Kokyunage
  • Suwari Waza Kata Dori Ikkyo
  • Ninin Gake Katate Dori Iriminage
  • Evasion Games
10th
Kyu · Red Belt
20 Days from 11th Kyu
  • All 11th Kyu techniques
  • Shomen Uchi Iriminage
  • Shomen Uchi Ikkyo (omote, ura)
  • Katate Dori (gyaku hanmi) Kokyu Ho & Kokyunage
  • Shomen Uchi Avoidance (2 person)
9th
Kyu · Green Belt
25 Days from 10th Kyu
  • All 10th Kyu techniques
  • Tsuki Kotegaeshi
  • Ryote Dori Iriminage & Kokyunage
  • Katate Dori (gyaku hanmi) Kaitenage (tenkan)
  • Ninin Gake Katate Uchi Iriminage
8th
Kyu · Blue Belt
30 Days from 9th Kyu
  • All 9th Kyu techniques
  • Tsuki Iriminage & Kokyunage
  • Yokomenuchi Iriminage & Kokyunage
  • Sanin Gake Tsuki Iriminage, Kokyunage, Kotegaeshi
  • Jo Kata 7 movements
7th
Kyu · Brown Belt
35 Days from 8th Kyu
  • All 8th Kyu techniques
  • Morote Dori Kokyu Ho & Kokyunage
  • Sanin Gake Jiyu Katate Dori
  • Sanin Gake Jiyu Waza Shomenuchi
  • Any other techniques as requested
  • Jo Kata 7 movements
Dojo Policy

Etiquette, Safety
& Hygiene

Respect
Aikido begins and ends with courtesy. Respect the teacher who teaches you and the partners who help your practice — through traditional Japanese bowing or other acknowledgments that honour the tatami.
Safety
Safety is everybody's responsibility. Take care of your training partners and they will take care of you. Significant injuries should be reported immediately to the instructor and board members.
Hygiene
Your dogi should be washed after every class. Hands and feet must be clean with trimmed nails. Control personal body odour. If you are unwell, please stay home to protect fellow dojo members.
Weapons Practice
When using Bokken, Jo, or Tanto, additional care must be taken. Treat these weapons as 'live' at all times, ensuring the safety of every member in the dojo.
Jewellery
All rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches, and similar items must be removed before class for your safety and the safety of your training partners.
Follow Senior Students
If in doubt, follow the yudansha (black belts) or senior students. Senior students should always lead by example, both on and off the mat.

Full Dojo Policy

The following policy applies to all members and visitors of UAE AikiKai Aikido (Dubai AikiKai Aikido Association). It is designed to protect, guide and assist with safe practice, built on mutual respect and equality for all.

Terminology

Aikido Glossary

Aikido Glossary
術語
Japanese Terminology

Learn The Language

Aikido uses traditional Japanese terminology throughout training. Understanding these terms helps you follow instruction, show respect within the dojo, and deepen your appreciation of the art. Below are some of the key terms you'll encounter on your journey.
Tatami — Mat
Dojo — Training Hall
Sensei — Teacher
Ukemi — Falling
Uke — Attacker
Nage — Thrower
Hanmi — Stance
Omote — Front
Ura — Rear
Irimi — Enter
Tenkan — Turn
Yudansha — Black Belt
Hakama — Formal Skirt
Bokken — Wooden Sword
Jo — Wooden Staff
Tanto — Wooden Knife
Waza — Technique
Gi / Do-Gi — Uniform
Budo — Martial Way
Keiko — Practice
AIKIDO
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Phone
+971 58 858 9698
WhatsApp
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Website
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