Why study Aikido? Aikido offers practical self-defense, but more importantly, it teaches self-improvement. Aikido is more than the study of physical techniques: proper etiquette, attitude and behavior are also emphasized. Throwing and falling are stressed equally - your partner is not an opponent, but an assistant; you acquire the technique by being thrown, and practice the technique by throwing.

Aikido improves your physical conditioning. Aikidoists notice improved stamina, balance, flexibility, coordination, strength, and resilience. Many say that Aikido is a great form of stress relief. Aikidoists talk of boosted self-confidence, concentration, and alertness. Since Aikido stresses etiquette during class, many Aikidoists state that their concern for others increases. Aikidoists commonly state that they become better listeners. As a result, Aikido improves their relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. Also, Aikido has an ethic: to defend yourself without vengeance, to forgive your enemies, and to harmonize with any attack of any description. Aikido technique is a metaphor for a way to lead your life, avoid confrontations, harmonize with unavoidable ones, and maintain grace under pressure through good times and bad.

Because Aikido does not depend on physical strength it is especially attractive to women, children, and older people; meanwhile, the young, healthy, and strong can continue to practice and improve well into old age. Techniques using or defending against weapons such as the jo (walking staff), bokken (wooden sword), and tanto (knife) are taught in conjunction with empty-handed techniques.

The practice uniform is called a keiko-gi (gi for short). Black skirt-like trousers, called hakama, are worn by black-belt holders. Students attend classes and accumulate days of practice toward eligibility for tests. Ranks are determined through a nationally standardized set of examinations, which are held periodically.

There are five kyu ranks, followed by black belt grades, called dan (shodan – “beginning” dan, 2nd dan, 3rd dan, etc.). A black belt indicates a senior student, not an expert. On average, students practicing at least three days per week, and applying themselves seriously, achieve the rank of shodan in about five years. Rank awarded through the USAF is recognized worldwide and is transferable to all organizations affiliated through Aikikai Hombu Dojo, world headquarters of Aikido.