A typical class is broken down in three stages: Kihon, Kata and Randori.
Kihon or Basics (45 mins)
This is the most important part of the class. It is essential. This is what is going to make your Aikido better.
Taiso or Warm up.
Unsoku or foot movements.
Tegatana dosa or hand movements.
Kihon waza or basic exercises.
Tegatana awase – correct distance and eye contact practice.
Seichusen no bogyo – simulated attack, pushing onto chest.
Gasho uke – side and knee attacks, defending with praying hands.
Tegatana no bogyo – same as above using one hand.
Shotei awase – pushing practice, focus of power.
Hiriki oo yosei – neutralising practice, focus of power on timing point.
Ukemi waza or break falling.
- Back.
- Side.
- Front.
- Flips, both front and back.
- Falling leaf.
Hachi-hon no kuzushi or eight balance breakers.
Kata or Teaching (45 mins)
A mix of teaching and practice, where students learn new techniques.
Randori or Free play (30 mins)
This is practice time: No teaching, just doing.
Embu training.
- Doing the same kata faster and faster.
Randori training.
- 5 strikes.
Kakari geiko or timing opportunity training.
Hikitate geiko or light resistance, uke resist techniques by softness and movement.
Soft randori or light resistance with uke doing counters.
Randori or full resistance with counters.