Starting to learn
Learning Aikido can be daunting, as you must not only master challenging physical movements but also memorize their Japanese names. Fortunately, there is some helpful Resource material on our website.
Photos in "Basic Actions" pages put the words against a visual image of the term.
The Translation page - names we use to describe techniques and attacks. Can be printed out.
When you join the Lancashire Aikikai you are given access to the password protected members area where you can access the Handbook & video clips.
Grades or ranks feature in many martial arts by following a Syllabus that provides a structured learning framework.
Aikido is no different with the Syllabus set by Hombu (Aikido HQ); we have laid out the same requirements displayed differently.
What is a grading?
It's a formal assessment showing you have obtained the skills and knowledge attributed to a level.
The competence required rises with each grade – i.e. a 5th Kyu doing Ikkyo should not be the same as a 1st Kyu doing Ikkyo although the shape of the move is broadly similar. The component elements appear on the Lancashire Aikido Grading form.
You can access how gradings are conducted, according to whether you are 5th to 2nd Kyu taking a grading in your club; 1st Kyu being graded by a panel at one of our courses, or being examined by our Technical Director for a Dan Grade.
Aikido Grades from other Bodies and Organisations
The AMB considered this in 2020 - see pdf
Background to our Aikido
There have been a number of influences to Lancashire Aikikai's Aikido over the years, Chiba Sensei, Saito Sensei, Mucha Sensei, Spence Sensei and our Technical Director, Mimuro Sensei (7th Dan So Hombu) all providing their view of Aikido through slightly different windows.
We work with wooden weapons at times as this enhances one's understanding of Budo and accelerates one's skills, comprehension and progress in Aikido. Understanding the link between the body art and weapons is important through practise.
Basic Skills
Between starting out and reaching the 5th Kyu grading takes some time to master. To help bridge this, we've introduced a Skills Sheet to monitor progress. This sheet functions as a checklist that covers essential movements, partner exercises, ukemi, and delivering attacks. We mark off each skill once students demonstrate that they can perform them confidently and without hesitation.
It is up to individual Club Leaders how they administer the process and use the Form which can be downloaded here as a pdf or docx or (Zipped docx)
Mimuro Sensei (Yokohama Int)
Our affiliation to Hombu is through Mimuro Sensei (Our Technical Director) and Yokohama International Aikido Club.
Mimuro Sensei officiates Lancashire Aikikai Dan Gradings. Kyu gradings are overseen Club Leaders up to 2nd Kyu. A panel of Dan Grades is formed to grade at 1st Kyu.
The Grading form carries explanations of the 10 competencies, (On reverse side of the form) that are being tested in a Kyu grading. Marked between 1 to 10 the Grading Form gives Kyu grades feedback on how they performed in the grading. To pass students must gain a 7 or higher in each element.
