Is the practice uniform required and where can I buy one?

Yes, at Rio Grande Valley Aikikai a standard practice uniform (gi) is required. Aikido practice can be very rigourous and, as such, a sturdy uniform is necessary. However, during the first month of practice, a member may start by wearing loose, comfortable clothing (sweat pants and a t-shirt are okay). By the time a member signs up for the second month, he/she should be wearing a uniform.

Uniforms may be purchased directly from Rio Grande Valley Aikikai (see Class Schedule/Location/Fees). If you already own a uniform, please check with us and, if it is similar to ours, it is probably okay to wear.

How often should I practice?

While Rio Grande Valley Aikikai encourages its members to practice as often as possible, there is no required schedule. Each member sets his/her own training schedule and may come to as many classes as he/she would like. Many beginners find that coming to class at least three times a week on a regular basis is optimum for good memory retention, thereby continuously reinforcing the concepts being taught. Monthly dues entitle a member to attend any or all of the classes offered by Rio Grande Valley Aikikai.

How many different colored belts do you have in Aikido and what do they mean?

At Rio Grande Valley Aikikai a white belt is worn by all unranked and kyu ranked (below black belt level) members. All dan ranks (black belt level) wear a black belt. A black belt traditionally means that you have been around long enough that you can fall down well. We take great efforts to avoid any ego boost that is present in obtaining a particular rank or a particular belt color.

How long will it take me to get a black belt in Aikido?

While this is very difficult to answer, very often people practicing sincerely for three or so days a week regulary and continuously often find that they've been conferred a black belt in approximately five years.

How do you spar in Aikido?

There is no sparring in Aikido. It is not a sport and there are no competitive tournaments. In Aikido the person you practice with his considered your partner, not your opponent. As such, you practice Aikido for your own personal improvement. Once your skills in throwing and falling have reached a competent level, Aikido is unique in that it may be practiced at full speed (without pulling punches) without fear of injury.

Are there tournaments or competitions in Aikido?

No. The founder of Aikido felt that tournaments or competitions were directly contrary to the philosophy of Aikido, which is to overcome your own ego. Tournaments and competitions seem to be activities that encourage an ego by saying one person is better than another. In Aikido, we try to better ourselves regardless of the other person. In addition, Aikido is not a sport that can be easily regulated, and as such, serious injuries would likely occur in competitions.

What is the split skirt and what does it mean?

The hakama or split skirt is worn at Rio Grande Valley Aikikai by men and women of black belt rank. It is traditionally a garment of the Samurai intended to hide the ankles and feet, so that the opponent is unable to anticipate from what direction the next attack will come.

Do you practice kicking in Aikido?

At the beginning levels, practicing techniques against kicking is very difficult because falling down with one leg in the air and only one leg on the ground is very difficult. Most people are challenged enough time learning how to fall without the added difficulty of practicing out of attacks with kicks. Although, sometimes we do practice kicking, it is quite rare. Much of Aikido comes from swordsmanship and it is rare that one would kick when confronted with a sword, as legs tend to get cut off rather easily.

How long will it take me to master Aikido?

This is also a very hard question to answer, but probably a very long time. Some people spend the rest of their lives practicing Aikido and few have the goal of truly mastering it.