Some things to know about Aikido

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SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MARTIAL ART OF AIKIDO
Over the next few months I will be adding Questions and Answers that are most commonly asked about Aikido. If you have any Questions you would like answering please use the email form on this website and we will do our very best to answer your questions for you.

(Q) ARE THERE GRADING IN AIKIDO? HOW DO THEY WORK?
(A) Grading varies from School to School and organisations, but, in general,in the traditional style there are 6 Kyu Grades normally without coloured belts. Other schools use the same colours for Kyu Grades as in Judo. They are from 6 Kyu to 1st Kyu the lower the number the higher the grade.

White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue and Brown.

The Black belt represents the (Dan Grades) Step Grades. Starting at 1st Dan upwards.

I have not done any research yet in to what the average Dan Grade is when I do, I will put the answer on this page.

In most schools, Grading is done on techniques and other criteria. It is also regarded as an on-going assessment.

(Q) WHAT ARE THE BLACK BAGGY TROUSERS THAT AIKIDO PEOPLE WEAR
The Black trousers that some Aikidoka wear is called a Hakkama. Originally, worn by Samurai and translated loosely means Lower garment. The Hakkama was worn to prevent chasing on the material when riding horses just like the Cowboys wear in the western films.

Leather was not available for a number of reasons so heavy thick material was use. Hakkama were also worn as Dancing n wear these were u usually made of silk or cotton.

The Hakkama has 7 Pleates 2 at the back and 5 at the front. According to the founder of aikido, these pleates represented the 7 virtues of Budo. So when folding the Hakkama one is supposed to reflect on these virtues. These days not many people do, such a shame.

Hakkama are usually worn by those who have reached Black belt Dan Grade (udansha)

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