Resources for Beginners

Our dojo offers General Adult Classes most days of the week taught by chief instructor Nico Secunda Sensei, senior instructors Linda Holiday Sensei and Glen Kimoto Sensei, and a number of other black belt senior students.

These classes generally follow the same format as the Introductory class: warm ups, ukemi (rolling/falling) practice, paired practice, and sometimes group practice. Instructors demonstrate and explain, then students practice what they’ve been shown, with the guidance of both the instructors and more experienced training partners.

When newer students watch a General Class, sometimes all they see is a blur of motion. But if you look closely, you will notice students of all levels finding their own pace together; mutually adjusting the speed and intensity of their training, so that each student can practice safely and enjoyably.

Use the magic words “Onegai shimasu” to invite people to train with you. And “Domo Arigato Gozaimashita” to say thank you when the training is done.

Students of all levels train in the General Classes. Just like you, they are in the process of learning Aikido, regardless of their rank or how long they’ve been training. Your training with a diverse mix of students is a gift from you to your fellow students on the “Path of Peace”. Practicing with all levels of students strengthens all of our training. Do not underestimate your value to the community.

Quite Mind, Silent Training - The actual physical experience of training (attempting to do aikido techniuques) will teach you right from the beginning. As you pair up to practice the techniques the instructor has demonstrated, especially when working with other beginning students, it’s best not to try to teach each other with spoken words. Just move together and feel the quite taking shape at the center of your practice.

Aikido Can Be Practiced at Any Speed - It’s ok to slow people down, even to verbally ask them to slow down. And it’s okay for you to do each technique, either as uke or nage, as slowly as you feel comfortable with. Slow, steady practice will build strong foundations. Aikido challenges us to push the limits of our comfort zone. We want you to be challenged, but we also want to foster an environment in which you can feel safe in order to grow and learn.

It Is Not About Skill Level - What you can do at this point is enough. You’ve got enough fundamentals to enter the General Classes. Your enthusiasm and sincerity are what we value most. Everyone brings a unique personal element to practice. Aikido is often described simply as the art of becoming more deeply yourself.

Progress is Non-Linear - We do our best to keeps things simple. Aikido is a non-competetitive practice based on the concept of “Agatsu” which means “victory of the self”. Let patience and paying attention be part of your practice. Go at your own pace. If you stray from the present, quietly bring yourself back. Remember that belts and exams are just signposts on the journey. Set your goal simply to come to class, and do your best. Your growth in Aikido will evolve naturally.

The Secret: Showing Up - Set a regular class schedule of two to three times a week. If you come to class regularly, your skill will increase and your training will deepen.

Frustration is Normal - Aikido techniques work on many different levels and can take a long time to learn; Aikido training is a lifelong journey. Sometimes we feel stuck along the way—often just before we make a breakthrough. It is part of our practice to stay focused on our own training and not comare ourselves to anyone else. Except that everyone does from time to time, leading to—frustration! We all lose and regain our focus repeatedly—that’s why it’s called “practice.” It happens at all levels. You may often see advanced aikido practitioners get frustrated with themselves. Please be kind and respectful to them and try not to laugh (too much) if they trip over their own hakama.

Aikido is a subtle art and we all encounter real challenges in uncovering its mysteries. Embrace this as part of your learning, the polishing of your spirit. Don’t ever think you’re the only one feeling fear or frustration—you are not alone. Talk to people about what you’re running up against. Ask students who’ve been around for a while about their experiences.

“You will encounter every human frailty on the Aikido mat. Yours and everyone else’s. Whatever happens, just come back tomorrow and train.”

~ Jack Wada Sensei, Chief Instructor Aikido of San Jose

O-Sensei’s rules of practice, which have been posted at Hombu Dojo for many years, have been translated several times and in slightly different ways. This version originally appeared in the Second Doshu’s book Aikido, published in 1974, which was one of the first books on Aikido translated into English. 

1) One blow in Aikido is capable of killing an opponent. In practice, obey your instructor, and do not make the practice period a time for needless testing of strength.

2) Aikido is an art in which one man learns to face many opponents simultaneously. It therefore requires that you polish and perfect your execution of each movement so that you can take on not only the one directly before you but also those approaching from every direction.

3) Practice at all times with a feeling of pleasurable exhilaration.

4) The teachings of your instructor constitute only a small fraction of what you will learn. Your mastery of each movement will depend almost completely on individual, earnest practice.

5) Daily practice begins with light movements of the body, gradually increasing in intensity and strength; but there must be no over-exertion. That is why even an elderly man can continue to practice with pleasure without bodily harm, and will attain the goal of his training.

6) The purpose of Aikido is to train both body and mind and to make a man sincere. All Aikido arts are secret in nature and are not to be revealed publicly, nor taught to rogues who will use them for evil purposes.

Doshu’s Addendum

First it is proper to obey the instructor and remember his instructions, rising above yourself. No matter how much you may study, if you cling to yourself you will not develop your ability.

Secondly, budo is for countering any attack from any direction at any time. When you are ready merely for only one opponent, without being prepared for others, it will be only a common fight. A tight, on-guard posture with an immovable-spirit is the basis of every exercise of budo. People generally say, “Man behaves irreproachably,” or “An excellent artist is completely on guard.” Those who study Aikido should thus spend their daily life thoroughly on guard, even if they are not consciously watching every direction around them.

Thirdly, it is fairly painful to keep on earnestly studying. But if you keep up the discipline of budo without tiring, you will at last reach a really enjoyable stage. Some people misunderstand that it is best to suffer while studying, but real study is pleasant at all times. Concentrating ourselves, not having any painful experiences, we are able to enjoy the practice sessions.

The forth rule relates to the assimilation of the techniques. Aikido has a few thousand variations of the techniques. Some students are apt to pursue after an accumulation of quantity rather than quality. However when they look back on themselves, they are sorry to learn that they have gained nothing. Soon they lose interest. As innumerable variations of each technique are possible we instructors always emphasize the significance of “repetition” to beginners. When you practice each basic technique, over and over again, you master it and then are able to use the variations.

When the Master first came to Tokyo, among his earnest students was Admiral Isamu Takeshita. He wrote down all the techniques that he learned under the Master. They amounted to more than two thousand, and yet there were more. He was deadlocked in that he could do none of them well. After careful consideration of several days, he understood the meaning of the Master’s caution, ” You should study, using the sitting exercise as the base.” He practiced it and then at last became able to manage the techniques: so well that he could acquire the others which he had not yet been taught by his instructor. For an elderly man of sixty years, it is the same: repetition of the exercise is the secret of improvement, no matter how awkward or unskillful one may be.

The fifth rule is not to contradict nature. Excessiveness is to be avoided in anything. Moderation is the key. No matter how little the excess is, the whole posture and the condition of the body are unbalanced. Young lively students are apt to have an idea that they will not be strong unless they force power. This is not true. Natural exercise creates true strength. For this reason, it was possible for Dr. Niki, a man more than eighty years old, to practice Aikido.

Lastly, the aim of Aikido is not to merely produce a strong man, but to create an integrated person. Any educated person knows how brute strength is meaningless in the present day of advanced civilization. For this reason the Master forbade Aikido to be misused and severely cautioned everyone. He would not permit the publication of his art techniques and required introductions and guarantees for each student. In summary, those who wish to study Aikido should have a righteous and fair mind, obey the instructors, and study naturally. As a matter of consequence, the techniques will be cultivated skillfully and a noble character will be created in this atmosphere.

In an Aikido dojo, the observation of basic forms of etiquette is integral to the creation of a respectful and attentive atmosphere that is conducive to learning.  Although Japanese forms are unfamiliar to most Westerners, over a period of time they not only become comfortable expressions of courtesy, but also, as we come to understand the levels of meaning behind the forms, they can enrich and further our practice.  Most basic to these forms is a bow, a gesture of respect and gratitude. 

More important than the superficial observation of any form is the sincere and open hearted attitude toward training which gives meaning to the forms. In the dojo, students should observe the following guidelines:

• A standing bow is done when entering or leaving the dojo and when stepping on and off the mat.

• The formal bow at the beginning and the end of practice consists of two or three seated bows towards the shomen (front wall of the dojo, where Osensei’s picture is), four claps, one more bow, and then a mutual bow between teacher and students.  The form and complexity of this ceremony marking the beginning and end of class varies somewhat from place to place, so in the case of a visiting instructor his or her example should be followed.

• Effort should be made to be on time for class, but if unavoidably late a student should perform the formal bow individually before beginning to practice.  If it is necessary to leave class early, a student should inform the instructor and do an individual formal bow as the close of his or her own practice.

• Onegaishimasu (‘please’ or ‘I ask a favor’) and Arigato gozaimashita (‘thank you’) are the expressions used at the beginning and the end of class, respectively, and also between partners at the beginning and the end of each individual practice.

• Traditionally the instructor is addressed as Sensei in the dojo.  However, the extent to which this custom is followed depends on the individual instructor.

• The proper way to sit during class is in seiza – formal Japanese sitting posture.  A cross-legged sitting position is acceptable if seiza is impossible.  If a student has a particular problem with knees or feet that interferes with the ability to sit in seiza, make sure the instructor is informed of the problem. In any case, an attentive posture should be maintained.  Slouching, slumping, or leaning is not conducive to the practice of balance and centering!  Students should not sit with legs outstretched. 

• Students should not sit with their backs towards the shomen (front wall with Osensei’s picture); traditionally this is the place for the instructor or master to sit while watching class.  If it is necessary to pass by when people are lined up in seiza facing the shomen, walk in back of them rather than in front. 

• After the instructor demonstrates a technique, students bow, choose partners quickly, and begin to practice.  When the end of a particular practice is signaled (often with two clasps), students should stop practice immediately, bow to their partners, and quickly line up in seiza for further instruction.

• For reasons of safety, respect, and courtesy, it is essential that the teacher’s instructions be followed exactly.  Many Aikido techniques can be dangerous if not practiced properly.  Emphasis should be placed on learning as much as possible through intent observation and concentrated practice, and questions should be saved for when they are really necessary.

• Gis should be kept clean, and fingernails and toenails should be kept short.  No jewelry should be worn during practice. Do not use alcohol or drugs before class

• The mat should be swept and mopped after each class.  It is the students’ responsibility to keep the dojo clean.  Dojo literally means ‘place of the way’.  It should be a place for misogi (purification) and for our sincere personal work.

Observation of these forms of etiquette will help to create a good atmosphere in the dojo.  But more important than the superficial observation of any form is the sincere and openhearted attitude towards training which gives meaning to the forms. 

The keiko gi is a traditional martial arts garment and training uniform that students at Aikido of Santa Cruz are asked to wear while training. By wearing one you show that you are committed to your training and part of the wider dojo community.

While it is not absolutely required to wear one when trying out classes, it is preferable that you purchase and wear a keiko gi when participating in general classes. We have same loaner gi at the dojo for temporary use and for determining your correct size for purchasing.

We have been using the HSU Judo and Karate gi for many years with good results.

Karate Gi

Judo Gi (quilted heavy jacket)

For a list of Japanese terms used in the dojo, please click here.

Misogi is a Japanese word that means “purification.” We use it to refer to the process of purification in training, and also to our system of keeping the dojo clean. 

The dojo is our training home and it is everyone’s collective responsibility to take care of it. Getting involved in its care is also a great way to become more a part of the community. You are encouraged to join the daily Misogi task of cleaning the main mat room right away.

Additional ongoing tasks in other areas of the dojo are adopted and completed by instructors and committed students of Aikido of Santa Cruz. Please consider taking on one of these volunteer tasks when they become available.

"OSensei always used to say, 'Aikido is the process of Misogi, of cleansing yourself.  The dojo is like a washing machine. You put yourself inside the dojo to purify your body and mind.' So it makes sense that we would take good care of the dojo."     

~ Motomichi Anno Sensei, Senior Instructor of Funada Dojo in Shingu

You may have already been guided through the practice of Shin Kokyu in one of the general classes. This practice, which combines mediation, breathing, visualization, and movement, is a purification practice Osensei often did at the beginning of class. Its purpose is to develop a state of unity with the spirit of the universe (kami). We at Aikido of Santa Cruz continue this practice as part of our normal training.

For detailed instructions on how to perform Shin Kokyu please see the attached document here.

Learning by watching class is a powerful adjunct to regular active training. Kengaku is an honorable practice. Aikido students of all levels find it surprisingly useful to sometimes watch classes as part of their training. You can come to the dojo and watch a whole class or any part of it, sitting in one of the chairs along the wall. If you are training in a class and feel that you cannot continue to the end, you are welcome and encouraged to continue the class through kengaku—observation.

We encourage you to stay for the whole class if you can, and treat watching it as a form of active participation. During your kengaku, pay attention, don’t eat or drink or read the newspaper, and please make sure your cell phones are turned off. You may find it useful to take notes.

Aikido is an embodied practice, utilizing an enjoyable physical practice derived from martial arts to develop body, mind, and spirit together. The ultimate goals of Aikido—as expounded by the written and oral teachings of its founder and his direct students—are the personal growth of each individual and the development of a peaceful society.

Aikido has a strong tradition of both written and oral instruction, the purpose of which is to inform on the deeper purpose of the physical movements of Aikido. Please enjoy these words of wisdom from the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, and of his dedicated students, Motomichi Anno Sensei and Robert Frager Sensei. Then let us practice together, and explore what Aikido training and its embodied philosophy can contribute to our personal journeys and collective evolution.

Words of O-Sensei & Anno Sensei

Essay by Robert Frager Sensei

Aikido has as one of its central ideals the promotion of harmony. The practice of Aikido both requires and serves to enhance an attitude of mutual trust and respect between practitioners. Aikido of Santa Cruz is committed to maintaining a supportive learning environment that is conducive to the practice of Aikido.

Aikido of Santa Cruz will not tolerate sexual harassment. Students and teachers of Aikido of Santa Cruz have the right to train in an environment free from unwanted sexual advances. Any verbal or physical actions of a sexual nature which serve to create a climate that is hostile, intimidating, or offensive will be viewed as sexual harassment. Every member of the Aikido of Santa Cruz Dojo community should be aware that the Dojo is strongly opposed to sexual harassment and that such behavior is prohibited both by law and Dojo policy.

If you have a sexual harassment question or complain, more information can be found in the dojo’s policy statement here.

Aikido of Santa Cruz is meant to be a safe training environment for all students. If you feel unsafe in the dojo for any reason, please contact the dojo main office and ask to speak with a member of the dojo leadership to discuss your concerns.

Additional student and training resources can be found under our Resources for Continuing Students help section.