Frequently Asked Questions

About Aikido

What does “Aikido” mean?

Aikido (合気道) is composed of three Japanese characters:

Ai (合) = harmony
Ki (気) = spirit/energy
Do (道) = way/path

So Aikido means “the way of harmonizing energy” or “the path to harmony.”

How is Aikido different from other martial arts?

Unlike martial arts that emphasize defeating opponents, Aikido focuses on harmony and non-resistance. Rather than meeting force with force, Aikido teaches you to blend with your partner’s energy and redirect it safely. This makes it less aggressive and more cooperative than most martial arts.

Can anyone do Aikido?

Yes! Aikido works with your body, not against it. People of different ages, fitness levels, and physical abilities can successfully practice Aikido. There’s no strength requirement because the techniques rely on principles rather than muscle.

Is Aikido a real form of self-defense?

Yes, but with an important caveat: Aikido is a long-term investment in self-development. While the techniques are effective self-defense applications, real competence takes years of consistent practice. Most practitioners feel genuinely competent in practical applications after 2+ years of training.

Do we compete in Aikido?

No. Aikido is non-competitive. We practice together, with one person applying techniques and one person receiving them. The focus is on mutual learning and development, not winning.

Getting Started

What should I wear to my first class?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes you can move freely in. Athletic wear like t-shirts and sweatpants work great. Don’t worry about an Aikido uniform (gi) for your first class - most beginners wear regular workout clothes initially.

Do I need any prior martial arts experience?

Not at all! We welcome complete beginners. Our instruction starts with fundamentals and builds from there.

How old do I need to be?

Kimori Dojo SVB focuses on adult training. We do not currently offer kids classes.

Can I attend a class to observe before joining?

Absolutely! Visitors are welcome to watch a class to get a feel for what we do. Contact us to let us know you’re coming.

How do I start?

Contact us with your questions and preferred class times, or simply show up to a class! We train three times a week - check the class schedule for times.

Classes & Schedules

When do you train?

Thurasday evenings, and Saturdayand Sunday afternoons. See full schedule.

Where do you train?

Sunnyvale, California. See location details.

How long is a typical class?

90 minutes, which includes warm-up, instruction, partner practice, and cool-down.

How many times per week should I train?

Beginners can start with 1 class per week, but 2-3 classes per week is ideal for faster progress. More practice accelerates learning.

Can I make up a missed class?

Yes, come to any of the three weekly sessions that fits your schedule.

Costs & Membership

What does membership cost?

Membership pricing varies based on your preferred training frequency and other factors. Contact us for current rates.

Do you offer trial classes?

Please contact us about trial class availability.

Rankings & Progression

How does the ranking system work?

Aikido uses the Aikikai (international headquarters) ranking system:

Kyu ranks (6th through 1st kyu): Progression toward black belt, typically 1-2 years per rank
Dan ranks (1st dan onward): Black belt levels and instructor ranks

Testing opportunities are available quarterly.

How long does it take to get a black belt?

Typical progression to 1st dan (first-degree black belt) takes 3-4 years of consistent training (2-3 classes per week). However, the time varies based on individual learning pace and consistency.

How are tests conducted?

Tests are conducted by our head instructor and visiting examiners from Aikikai. They evaluate technical understanding, form, and readiness for the next level.

Can I advance at my own pace?

Yes. There’s no race in Aikido. You advance when you’re ready, based on your understanding and skill development, not just time trained.

Safety & Physical Concerns

Is Aikido safe?

Yes, Aikido is one of the safest martial arts. We practice with controlled intensity, and there’s strong emphasis on falling safely. Most injuries come from overtraining, not from Aikido itself. Always communicate with your instructor about any concerns.

What if I have an old injury or physical limitation?

Tell your instructor about any physical concerns. Aikido is often adaptable to work with different bodies and limitations. We have practitioners with various physical backgrounds and needs.

Will I get sore?

You’ll likely be sore after your first few classes as your body adapts to new movements - this is normal. The soreness typically subsides after the first 2-3 weeks.

Can I practice if I’m recovering from an injury?

Discuss any injuries or recent surgery with your instructor. Some techniques can be modified or avoided while you’re recovering. Consistency matters, but safety comes first.

Instructors & Lineage

Who teaches at Kimori Dojo?

Our instructors are highly-ranked practitioners with decades of combined experience:

Eric Roberts (4th dan)
Eric Norige (4th dan)

Learn more about our instructors.

What’s the lineage of our dojo?

Kimori Dojo SVB is the Silicon Valley branch of Toshiharu Sawada’s Ô-mei Kai Kimori Dojo (founded in Nagoya, Japan in 2002), operating under Aikikai - the international aikido organization founded by Morihei Ueshiba, aikido’s founder.

Are your instructors officially recognized?

Yes. Our dojo is affiliated with Aikikai, the official international aikido headquarters. All rankings are recognized through this organization.

The Community

What’s the atmosphere like?

Kimori Dojo is a welcoming, serious community of practitioners. We’re cooperative, not competitive. Everyone is focused on their own development and helping others improve.

Will I make friends?

Many of our members form lasting friendships through shared practice. The cooperative nature of Aikido naturally builds camaraderie.

Are there events besides training?

We focus primarily on regular training sessions. Contact us if you’re interested in special events or seminars.