A PDF of the ASU
Handbook is available here to download and print.
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The movement of Aikido is the dynamic movement of
the universal energy forces. The power of Aikido is the power of a strong and
unified spirit, mind and body moving in harmony with everything around it. Its
origin is Budo. Its development is the result of two thousand years of a
cultural process of change and refinement, a continuing martial contest of
natural selection. It is an evolution etched in blood.
The study of Budo and the development of Aikido
was the life work of Morihei Ueshiba, a figure of great renown who traveled the
length and breadth of Japan studying under the greatest masters of many arts.
Hard work, severe discipline and all the money he could earn were poured into
his mastery of the sword, the spear and the arts of self defense. Deeply
interested in the study of spiritual thought, he also practiced many different
spiritual disciplines. Still, he was as yet unable to unite his spiritual
beliefs with his physical accomplishments.
A short time after returning from military action
in the Russo-Japanese War, he retired to a small house located on a mountain
outside his village. There he lived and studied silently; his days spent
training his body and his nights spent deep in prayer. It was at the end of this
time of severe training that he had the realization he had been seeking all of
his life. At that moment, nature's process became clear and he knew that the
source of Budo is the spirit of protection of all things.
"Budo is not felling the opponent by force; nor
is it a tool to ead the world into destruction by arms. True Budo is to accept
the spirit of the universe, keep the peace of the world, and correctly produce,
protect and cultivate all beings in nature."
Morihei Ueshiba intimately recognized and
understood the harmony and power of the creative process from which all things
evolve. His art was the sword; his creative way was Budo. His understanding and
enlightenment is creatively expressed by the protection of all life through a
powerful and graphic application of universal truth. Aikido is creation, not
destruction. It is a positive energy which creates harmony and justice out of
violence.
To talk of harmony and justice is simple. To apply
those principles to the conflicts which we face every day, though, requires a
deep understanding and sincere trust. Logic may tell us that truth lies within
the process of harmony, but the moment something of value rests on the outcome
of a situation, we no longer trust that logic. The beautiful ideas and eloquent
phrases are forgotten under the pressures of reality. In philosophy, a theory of
truth is expressed in words, but the truth of Aikido is expressed in action and
the theory proven in practice. By the physical application of its principles we
develop a deeper understanding in the heart instead of the mind. Through
practice and experience, we learn to trust its power.
Aikido training is to challenge yourself, not the
other. You will develop confidence by facing your fears, and negative fighting
spirit will become creative fighting spirit. The stress and pressure of serious
Aikido training brings this spirit to the surface, exposing it so that it can be
examined and refined in a controlled atmosphere of respect and mutual study.
Discovering your physical limitations will cause
you to reflect on the deepest meanings of harmony and conflict, and to strive
for a level of consciousness above the selfish ego, closer to a universal
consciousness.
The physical movement of Aikido is the embodiment
of the principles of the spirit. Negative force is not met with conflict, but
joined, controlled and redirected through the power and balance of spiral
movement. This is the shape of Aikido and the dynamic shape at the foundation of
all the energies of existence. Aikido movement can only be understood from its
roots in universal law and the processes of nature. Its sincere practice and
study deepens our appreciation for the perfection of nature's balance and brings
us back into harmony with our environment, with other people, and with
ourselves.
This is the essence of Budo. It is not the art of
fighting, of narrow technique, but an art of personal refinement and of
protecting the quality of life. Aikido is first and always Budo. Without the
heart of a warrior and the deep desire to protect society, to protect all life,
Aikido becomes an empty dance. Budo is its spirit.
These principles are the life blood of Master
Instructor Mitsugi Saotome. For fifteen years until the Founder's passing in
1969, Saotome Sensei lived as his personal disciple, studying under his guidance
the practice and philosophy of Aikido. In 1975, Saotome Sensei left a highly
respected position as a senior instructor at the World Aikido Headquarters in
Tokyo to come to the United States. When asked why he made this decision, he
replied, "I meditated on O-Sensei's (Great Teacher) spirit for three days and
three nights and I felt it was his wish that I should go. This country is a
great experiment, a melting pot of people from many different cultural
backgrounds living together, the world condensed into one nation. The goal of
Aikido and O-Sensei's dream is that all the peoples of the world live together
as one family, in harmony with each other and with their environment. The United
States has the opportunity to set a great example."
Saotome Sensei spends most of his time at his
headquarters dojo, Aikido Shobukan in Washington, D.C. He also travels to Aikido
Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) associated dojos which he and his students have opened
throughout the country. There, he leads seminars and training camps.
Saotome Sensei has given many demonstrations of
his art both here and abroad, among them demonstrations for the International
Peace Academy and Diplomatic Community at the Japan House in New York City. He
has written two books: Aikido and the Harmony of Nature, an in depth study of
the relationship of Aikido with the movement and processes of natural phenomena,
and The Principles of Aikido, both published by Shambhala Publications, Inc.
Aikido is not a sport. It is a discipline, an
educational process for training the mind, body and spirit. An Aikido dojo is
not a gymnasium. It is the place where the way of the discipline is revealed.
Physical technique is not the final objective, but a tool for personal
refinement and spiritual growth. The correct attitude of respect, sincerity and
modesty, and the proper atmosphere are essential to the learning process. And as
Aikido is a martial way, they are essential to the safety of each individual.
The following rules are necessary to the maintenance of this atmosphere and
vital to your study of Aikido.
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This dojo follows the traditional rules of proper conduct. The dojo's spirit
comes directly from the Founder of Aikido, and it is the place of the
succession of his teaching. It is the responsibility of each student to act
appropriately and to honor those teachings.
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It is the responsibility of each student to cooperate in creating a positive atmosphere of harmony and respect. |
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Cleaning is an active prayer of thanksgiving. It is each student's responsibility to assist in cleaning the dojo and to cleanse his or her own mind and heart. |
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The dojo is not to be used for any purpose other than regularly scheduled classes without the direct permission of the head instructor. |
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You cannot buy technique. The monthly membership dues provide a place for training and a way in which to show gratitude for the teaching received. It is each student's responsibility to pay dues on time. |
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Respect the Founder and his teachings as succeeded and handed down by Saotome Sensei. Respect the dojo, respect your training tools and respect each other. |
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It is necessary to respect the way in which the instructor of the class
directs the training. Receive instruction and carry out suggestions for
training sincerely and to the best of your ability. There is no room for
argument on the mat.
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It is the moral responsibility of each student never to use Aikido technique to harm another person or as a way to display his or her ego. It is a tool to develop a better society through the character development of the individual. |
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There will be no conflicts of ego on the mat. Aikido is not street fighting. You are on the mat to train and purify your aggressive reactions and embody the spirit of the samurai by discovering your social responsibility. |
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There will be no competition on the mat. The purpose of Aikido is not to fight and defeat an enemy, but to fight and defeat your own aggressive instincts. |
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The strength of Aikido is not in muscular force, but in flexibility, timing, control, and modesty. Be aware of your limitations. |
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Everyone has different physical abilities and reasons for study. These must be respected. True Aiki is the proper and flexible application of technique appropriate to any changing situation. It is your responsibility to cause no injury to your training partner or yourself |
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There will be no power struggles within the dojo. The dojo membership is one family and the secret of Aikido is harmony. |
Aikido is not a relatonship, but the education and
refinement of the spirit. You will not be asked to adhere to any religious
doctrine, but only to remain spiritually open. When we bow it is not a religious
performance, but a sign of respect for the same spirit of universal creative
intelligence within us all.
The opening and closing ceremony of each Aikido
practice is a formal bow directed to the shomen, two claps, another bow to the
shomen and a bow between the instructor and students. The bows directed to the
shomen symbolize respect for the spirit and principles of Aikido, and gratitude
to the Founder for developing this system of study. The two claps symbolize
unity, "musubi." You send out a vibration with the first clap and receive its
echo with the second. The vibration you send and the echo you receive are
dictated by your own spiritual beliefs and attitudes.
The words spoken at the beginning of practice
between the students and instructor are, "Onegai shimasu." Loosely translated,
it is a request, which when spoken by the student means, "Please give me your
instruction." When spoken by the teacher, it means, "Please do what is expected
of you," or "Please receive my instruction." The words spoken by the student to
the instructor at the end of practice are, "Domo arigato gozaimashita." "You
have my respect and gratitude for what you have just done." This is the most
respectful way of saying thank you.
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Upon entering and leaving the practice area of the dojo, make a standing
bow.
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Always bow when stepping on or off the mat in the direction of the shomen. |
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Respect your training tools. Gi should be clean and mended. Weapons should be in good condition and in their proper place when not in use. |
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Never use someone else's practice gi or weapons. |
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A few minutes before class time you should be warmed up and formally seated in quiet meditation to rid your mind of the day's problems and prepare for study. |
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It is important to be on time for practice and participate in the opening ceremony. If you are unavoidably late you should wait, formally seated beside the mat until the instructor signals his or her permission for you to join the class. Quietly perform a simple seated bow as you get on the mat. |
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The only proper way to sit on the mat is in seiza (formal sitting position). If you have a knee injury you may sit cross-legged, but never with legs outstretched, never reclining, and never leaning against walls or posts. |
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Do not leave the mat during class except in the case of injury or illness. |
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During class when the instructor demonstrates a technique for practice, sit quietly and attentively in seiza. After the demonstration, bow to the instructor, then to a partner and immediately begin to practice. |
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When the end of a technique is signaled, stop immediately, bow to your partner, and quickly line up with the other students. |
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Never stand around idly on the mat. You should be practicing, or, if necessary, seated in seiza awaiting your turn. |
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If it is necessary to ask a question of the instructor, you should go to him or her and bow respectfully (standing bow). Never call the instructor over to you. |
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When receiving personal instruction, sit in seiza and watch intently. Bow formally when the instructor has finished. When another nearby is being instructed, you may stop your practice to watch. Sit formally and bow as before. |
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Respect those more experienced. Never argue about technique. Respect those less experienced. Do not pressure your ideas on others. |
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If you understand the movement and are working with someone who does not, you may lead that person through it. Do not attempt to correct or instruct your training partner unless you are authorized to do so. |
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Keep talking on the mat to an absolute minimum. Aikido is experience. |
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Fingernails and toenails must be short. Feet must be clean. Shoes or sandals are never allowed on the mat. |
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No eating, drinking, smoking or gum chewing on or off the mat during practice. No jewelry should be worn during practice, including rings and pierced earrings. Never drink alcoholic beverages while still wearing your practice gi. |
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You are welcome to sit and watch a class at any time, but the following rules of etiquette must be followed. |
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Sit respectfully, never with legs propped up on the furniture or in a reclining position. |
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Do not talk to anyone while they are on the mat and class is in progress. |
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Do not talk or walk around while the instructor is demonstrating or during the opening and closing ceremony. |
Although there seem to be many forms of etiquette
to remember, they will come naturally as you continue to train. Please do not
resent it if you are corrected on a point of etiquette, for each one is
important to your safety and to the learning experience.
The examination system in Aikido is not structured
on competition. You will be graded on the following points:
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Your understanding of basic technique appropriate to your level.
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Your spontaneous movement and response appropriate for the attack. |
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Your ability to adapt your movement to the force of the attack. |
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The concentration and awareness you maintain throughout the examination. |
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Continuity of movement is important, not speed. |
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Confidence and courage are important, not ego. |
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Be prepared to act as uke for someone else of your same level during the examination period. You will be graded on your ukemi. |
A technique should be demonstrated continuously
both right and left until there is a signal to stop. Both irimi and tenkan
movement should be used whenever applicable. You will be expected to know and
respond to the Japanese terms. It is necessary to have completed the required
hours of training (only one hour per day may count in computing time
requirements), and it is necessary that the waiting period between each
examination has expired before making application.
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Examinations will be held at a Winter or Summer
Intensive Training Camp or in an approved regional dojo under the direction of
at least two qualified examiners responsible for the region. |
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A candidate must have attended at least two
seminars with Saotome Shihan and/or Ikeda Shihan since attaining ikkyu grade.
During the seminar it is the responsibility of the regional instructor to
inform the Shihan so that he may observe the candidate more closely. |
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Regional examinations will not be scheduled more
than once a year. |
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Examinations will be held at a Winter or Summer
Intensive Training Camp or at a regional seminar in the presence of Saotome
Shihan and or Ikeda Shihan. |
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A candidate must have attended at least one
Winter or Summer Intensive Training Camp since attaining shodan rank and
within one year of the scheduled examination date. It is the responsibility of
the regional instructor to inform the Shihan at that camp so that he may
observe tke candidate more closely. |
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The application form for all yudansha ranks must
be submitted to ASU well in advance of the examination to validate
qualifications. |
Rokyu - 6th (30 hours/3 months)
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Tenkan
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Shomenuchi ikkyo and iriminage |
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Munetsuki kotegaeshi |
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Katate dori shihonage |
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Yokomenuchi shihonage |
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Kokyu tanden ho |
Gokyu - 5th (60 hours/4 months)
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Shomenuchi nikyo |
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Kata dori ikkyo and nikyo |
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Munetsuki kaitennage |
Yonkyu - 4th (60 hours/4 months)
All previous techniques plus:
| Shomenuchi sankyo and yonkyo |
| Yokomenuchi ikkyo, kotegaeshi and iriminage |
| Ryote dori tenchinage and shihonage |
| Katate dori ryote mochi kokyu tanden ho |
Sankyu - 3rd (70 hours/4 months)
All previous techniques plus:
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Ushiro ryokata dori ikkyo |
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Ushiro ryote dori shihonage |
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Ushiro kubi shime kotegaeshi |
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Ushiro waza kokyunage |
Nikyu - 2nd (80 hours/6 months)
All previous techniques plus:
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Yokomenuchi nikyo, sankyo and yonkyo |
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Koshinage from shomenuchi, yokomenuchi, katate dori and munetsuki |
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Hanmi handachi: Katate dori shihonage, Ryote dori shihonage |
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Suwariwaza: Shomenuchi ikkyo, Kata dori ikkyo, Yokomenuchi ikkyo |
lkkyu - 1st (90 hours/6 months)
All previous techniques plus:
| Jiyu waza: Standing, Hanmi handachi, Suwariwaza |
| Tanto dori: Munetsuki, Shomenuchi, Yokomenuchi |
Any student applying for a kyu promotion must be
an ASU member in good standing. It is necessary to have completed the required
hours of training (no matter how many hours you practice in one day, one day's
training only counts as one hour) and it is necessary that the waiting period
(number of months) between each examination has expired before applying.
The fee for a kyu certificate is $35.00 for each kyu grade.
Shodan (120 hours and 12 months after receiving
ikkyu)
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Kumi tachi: First five basic kata. |
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Tanto dori: A different technique from each - shomenuchi, yokomenuchi, tsuki, two different techniques from ushiro. |
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Tachi dori: A total of five different techniques. Attacks will be shomenuchi, yokomenuchi, tsuki. |
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Randori: Three people attacking. |
Nidan (Minimum 30 months and approx. 400 hours of
consistent training after receiving shodan.)
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Kumi tachi: First twelve basic kata. |
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Kumi jo: First six basic kata. |
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Randori: Three people attacking with shinai. |
Sandan (Minimum 3 years of consistent training
after receiving nidan.)
Yondan
True Budo is a work of love. It is a work of giving life to all beings, and not killing or struggling with each other.
Master Morihei
Ueshiba