Our Practice (to New Students)

When you first begin Aikido, it is very common to feel nervous or hesitant. Aikido involves moving another person’s balance and also having your own balance moved. Even though this is normal and safe within the dojo, it can still feel uncomfortable at first.

 

When you are the one receiving the technique (called uke), it may feel like you are “losing” when your balance is broken or when you fall. You might notice yourself stepping away too soon, stiffening up, blocking, or trying to stop the technique. This is very natural. Most people do this at the beginning.

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However, Aikido is not about winning or losing. Being uke is not failing. In fact, it is half of your training. When you allow yourself to be moved sincerely and safely, you learn important things: how to fall, how to stay relaxed, how to feel your partner’s movement, and how to remain calm when your balance changes. These are essential skills.

When you are the one doing the technique (called tori), you may also hesitate. Moving another person can feel awkward. You might worry about being too rough, or you might feel unsure about whether the technique is really working. This is also normal.

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If both partners are hesitant, practice can become unclear. Uke may pretend to be affected. Tori may pretend the technique is working. But real learning happens when both people participate honestly. Uke gives a sincere attack and allows themselves to be moved. Tori practices clearly and carefully, without forcing.

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In our practice, we encourage you to notice what is actually happening. Are you holding your breath? Are you tightening your shoulders? Are you pulling away? Simply noticing these things is already part of learning.

As you continue training, the nervousness becomes less intense. You begin to feel more comfortable being moved and moving others. You discover that Aikido is not about overpowering someone. It is about connection, timing, and staying relaxed.

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Over time, you learn to be soft, balanced, and adaptable. You learn that it is okay to be affected. And you learn that affecting your partner can be done with care and sensitivity. This is the beginning of Aikido practice.