AIKIDO - EQUIPMENT
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More Info
on Aikido
on Aikido
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Dogi
Typically the Dogi (uniform) worn today in most Aikido dojo’s is a Judogi. Judogi’s can be found in ‘Single Weave’ or ‘Double Weave’. It would be recommended that the novice student first begin with the lesser expensive of any Dogi purchased. A basic Karategi may also be worn, typically of heavy material, as the Dogi is sometimes used as an anchor in some techniques. Climate may also have weight as to the decision of the student. Basically it is the personal preference of the individual practitioner as to the Dogi worn during training, as well as the dojo requirements regarding dress and attire.
Typically the Dogi (uniform) worn today in most Aikido dojo’s is a Judogi. Judogi’s can be found in ‘Single Weave’ or ‘Double Weave’. It would be recommended that the novice student first begin with the lesser expensive of any Dogi purchased. A basic Karategi may also be worn, typically of heavy material, as the Dogi is sometimes used as an anchor in some techniques. Climate may also have weight as to the decision of the student. Basically it is the personal preference of the individual practitioner as to the Dogi worn during training, as well as the dojo requirements regarding dress and attire.
Hakama
The wearing of the Hakama (skirted outerwear) varies from dojo to dojo. The following are some schools requirements; from day one, after the students first test, after Sankyu (3rd Kyu), after Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt), at Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt), and others…Instructor only. There is no right or wrong…just a way.
Here at SHIDOKAN all students are welcome to wear the Hakama from their first day of training, and are encouraged to purchase and wear the Hakama after their first test (6th Kyu), however it is not required. It is recommended that the student wait until their first test as to allow themselves the opportunity to learn basic footwork, and Ukemi (falling/rolling).
The wearing of the Hakama (skirted outerwear) varies from dojo to dojo. The following are some schools requirements; from day one, after the students first test, after Sankyu (3rd Kyu), after Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt), at Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt), and others…Instructor only. There is no right or wrong…just a way.
Here at SHIDOKAN all students are welcome to wear the Hakama from their first day of training, and are encouraged to purchase and wear the Hakama after their first test (6th Kyu), however it is not required. It is recommended that the student wait until their first test as to allow themselves the opportunity to learn basic footwork, and Ukemi (falling/rolling).
Weapons
There a number of weapons used in Aikido practice, and are intended to promote whole body unity in movement and spirit. Weapons are integrated into the students Aikido training and can be applied in open handed defense as well as weapon to weapon application.
There a number of weapons used in Aikido practice, and are intended to promote whole body unity in movement and spirit. Weapons are integrated into the students Aikido training and can be applied in open handed defense as well as weapon to weapon application.
Bokken
Aikido movement, directly related to the swordwork of the samuai, is enhanced by the application of the Bokken. The Bokken is a wooden training sword and is used with the mindset that the student is working with an actual Katana (Japanese Sword).
The grip is the same as with the Katana and the mechanics of movement are as well. Understanding that the finesse and power with the sword will promote the same in the students handarts, the student practices with the same spirit both with weapons and without. Bokken can be found made from many types of wood. It should be understood that ‘you get what you pay for’. There are ‘Swinging bokken’ and ‘Training Bokken’. Swinging Bokken are typically lightweight and inexpensive. Training Bokken are typically heavier and made from various hardwoods lending to its higher range in price.
Suburito
The Suburito can be found in many shapes, sizes, and types of wood. It is typically very heavy, longer than Bokken and used as a ‘Center’ and ‘Ki’ development tool. Used like the Bokken, the Suburito is a training sword.
Shinai
The Shinai in Aikido practice is typically different than the one used in arts such as Kendo. Like the Shinai used in Kendo it is made of split bamboo, but rather than open and tied together at different points, the Aikido Shinai is typically covered with a leather sleeve. This provides protection from injury, and allows the Aikidoka the opportunity to train with greater intent.
Jo
The Jo is a short wooden staff. The proper length of the Jo will vary for each student. At minimum the Jo should be from the floor to the underarm of the student. At maximum length it should not exceed the distance between the students wrists at double arms length. (Stand with both arms extended horizontally out to each side of the body; bend hands at the wrist and measure from palm to palm).
Like the Bokken ‘you get what you pay for’. Jo can be found made from various woods which will determine its cost.
Like the Bokken, the student will perform similar movement with the Jo. However, the grip width will be at shoulder width, rather than with the Bokken, one grips width between each hand. Also, unlike the Bokken where the application is one sided, the Jo is ambidexterous and utilizes both ends of the weapon.
Tanto
The Tanto is a wooden training knife, and can be found made from various types of wood, bamboo, or steel. Typically wooden Tanto are found in most Aikido dojos. The student will learn various disarm and controlling techniques that are also found in open hand defense.
Aikido movement, directly related to the swordwork of the samuai, is enhanced by the application of the Bokken. The Bokken is a wooden training sword and is used with the mindset that the student is working with an actual Katana (Japanese Sword).
The grip is the same as with the Katana and the mechanics of movement are as well. Understanding that the finesse and power with the sword will promote the same in the students handarts, the student practices with the same spirit both with weapons and without. Bokken can be found made from many types of wood. It should be understood that ‘you get what you pay for’. There are ‘Swinging bokken’ and ‘Training Bokken’. Swinging Bokken are typically lightweight and inexpensive. Training Bokken are typically heavier and made from various hardwoods lending to its higher range in price.
Suburito
The Suburito can be found in many shapes, sizes, and types of wood. It is typically very heavy, longer than Bokken and used as a ‘Center’ and ‘Ki’ development tool. Used like the Bokken, the Suburito is a training sword.
Shinai
The Shinai in Aikido practice is typically different than the one used in arts such as Kendo. Like the Shinai used in Kendo it is made of split bamboo, but rather than open and tied together at different points, the Aikido Shinai is typically covered with a leather sleeve. This provides protection from injury, and allows the Aikidoka the opportunity to train with greater intent.
Jo
The Jo is a short wooden staff. The proper length of the Jo will vary for each student. At minimum the Jo should be from the floor to the underarm of the student. At maximum length it should not exceed the distance between the students wrists at double arms length. (Stand with both arms extended horizontally out to each side of the body; bend hands at the wrist and measure from palm to palm).
Like the Bokken ‘you get what you pay for’. Jo can be found made from various woods which will determine its cost.
Like the Bokken, the student will perform similar movement with the Jo. However, the grip width will be at shoulder width, rather than with the Bokken, one grips width between each hand. Also, unlike the Bokken where the application is one sided, the Jo is ambidexterous and utilizes both ends of the weapon.
Tanto
The Tanto is a wooden training knife, and can be found made from various types of wood, bamboo, or steel. Typically wooden Tanto are found in most Aikido dojos. The student will learn various disarm and controlling techniques that are also found in open hand defense.
