FAQ

Aikido is a modern martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba in Japan in the 1920's-1930's. 

Aikido is a martial art involving throws and joint locks from classic Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu and throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu. 

After the founder's passing, his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba was inaugurated as Aikido Doshu, the president of the Aikikai Foundation. At present, Moriteru Ueshiba has succeeded his grandfather and his father as the present Aikido Doshu.

 Many Aikido movements involve kneeling or sliding on the mat. As such, we recommend wearing clothes that cover knees and elbows and do not restrict movement.

After your initial class we will ask you to use a aikidogi which is similar to the training uniform (keikogi) used in most other modern martial arts like judo and karate. 

Aikido has many techniques in which we grab or hold the keigoi and we therefor recommend an aikidogi or judogi over a karategi. If needed we can help you select and acquire a suitable aikidogi.  

 Like other martial arts Aikido has a grading system that is separated in “kyu-grades” (white belt, 6th kyu to 1st kyu) and “dan-grades” (black belt, 1st to 10th dan).

The grading counts back, starting at the beginning level of no-kyu or 7th kyu and after the first test we start counting at 6th kyu up to 1st kyu which is the last step before your black belt test. To pass each level a test has to be successfully completed. 

The transition from 1st kyu to 1st dan is only achieved after a successful completion of the “black belt test”, usually in front of one or more shihan.

Although there is a difference in level, all kyu grades wear a white belt. Once you have passed your first dan exam you are allowed to wear the black belt. 

 You can start at any moment and we invite you to pass by our dojo 15 minutes before the class starts. 

You can always contact us via e-mail or phone if you want more information about our trial class(es).

Key Biscayne Aikido now offers Aikido classes for everyone of 14 years and older.

You can enjoy and grow in Aikido at all levels of ability and physical state. You will learn coordination, power, and martial principles through your practice.

You do not need any experience in other martial arts to start practicing Aikido. 

If you have any experience in other martial arts this will help you in your Aikido practice. Just the same Aikido will help to deepen your understanding of other martial arts.

In most forms of Aikido there is no competition. In the style that we practice there is no competition with others either, but the practice is executed together and you will most certainly feel that there is a sense of "budo" (martial way).

Each interaction on the mat is treated in a martial way as if it were a matter of life and death. We do this in the Aikido-way so always with respect for your partner.

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The styles of Tomiki Aikido and Shin-Shin-Toitsu (Ki-Aikido) have developed some form of competition.