FAQ

Frequentlyaskedquestions

Find answers to common questions about aikido training, membership, classes, and our dojo. Whether you’re completely new to martial arts or an experienced practitioner considering our academy, this guide addresses the most frequently asked questions we receive from prospective and current students.

Is Aikido effective for real self-defence in today's world?

Absolutely. Aikido was developed specifically as a practical self-defence system. In today’s increasingly aggressive society, Aikido’s techniques are particularly valuable.

What is aikido and how does it differ from other martial arts?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art focused on redirecting an attacker’s energy rather than meeting force with force. Unlike competitive combat sports, aikido emphasizes harmony and non-violence, making it accessible to practitioners regardless of size or strength. The art combines throws, joint locks, and circular movements to neutralize attacks while protecting both defender and attacker from injury.
No prior experience is required. Aikido Self-Defence Academy welcomes complete beginners and provides comprehensive instruction starting from basic movements. Our curriculum is designed to build skills progressively, ensuring new students develop proper fundamentals before advancing to more complex techniques. Many of our most dedicated practitioners began with no martial arts background whatsoever.
For your trial class, wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows free movement – tracksuit bottoms or jogging pants and a t-shirt work perfectly. Training is conducted barefoot, so no shoes are needed. Once you decide to continue training, you’ll need to purchase a gi (traditional aikido uniform), which we can help you source locally or online.
Initially, you only need comfortable training clothes. As you progress, you’ll require a white gi (aikido uniform) and eventually a hakama (traditional pleated pants worn by senior students). Advanced practitioners also train with wooden weapons including bokken (wooden sword), jo (staff), and tanto (wooden knife). Our instructors will guide you on when to acquire each item.
We offer three weekly classes: Wednesday 17:00-19:00, Thursday 17:00-19:00, and Saturday 16:00-18:00. All classes are held at PlySports Arena in Baie Du Tombeau. Members can attend any or all sessions based on their schedule. Additionally, your membership includes free access to classes at affiliated dojos throughout Mauritius.
Yes, aikido provides practical self-defence techniques applicable to real-world situations. The art teaches you to respond effectively to grabs, strikes, and multiple attacker scenarios without requiring superior strength. Aikido develops situational awareness, calm under pressure, and ability to protect yourself while minimizing harm to others. Regular training builds confidence and capability to handle threatening situations.
We welcome students from age 12 and above, including teenagers, adults, and seniors. Aikido’s non-competitive nature and adaptable techniques make it suitable across age ranges. Our instructors modify training intensity and technical complexity to match each student’s physical capabilities and developmental stage, ensuring safe and effective practice for everyone.
The journey to shodan (first degree black belt) typically requires five to seven years of consistent training, though this varies based on individual dedication, natural aptitude, and training frequency. Aikido emphasizes mastery over speed, so progression focuses on genuine skill development rather than rushing through ranks. Our Aikikai grading system ensures students meet international standards at each level.
Yes, all our instructors hold certification through Aikido Association International (AAI) and Aikikai Foundation, Japan. Our Dojo Chief holds 3rd Dan ranking, with technical guidance from Aikido Ryu Mauritius led by a 4th Dan Dojo Cho. We regularly host seminars with visiting masters ranked 6th Dan or higher, ensuring our teaching maintains international standards.
Yes, we encourage prospective students to attend a trial class before committing to membership. This allows you to experience our teaching style, facility, and training atmosphere firsthand. Contact us to schedule your trial session – we’ll provide all necessary information about what to expect and answer any questions you have about starting your aikido journey.
Aikido training provides excellent physical conditioning while remaining accessible to various fitness levels. Classes include warm-up exercises, stretching, technique practice, and sometimes intensive drilling. The training intensity increases gradually as your fitness improves. Unlike high-impact sports, aikido’s flowing movements are easier on joints, making it sustainable long-term even for those starting with limited fitness.
Absolutely. Aikido’s principles of using leverage, timing, and positioning rather than brute strength make it particularly effective for women. Many women find aikido empowering as it provides genuine self-defence capability without requiring physical dominance. Our dojo welcomes female practitioners at all levels, and our techniques work equally well regardless of gender.
Aikido is the martial art itself, while Aikikai refers to the original aikido organization founded by Morihei Ueshiba’s son. Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo serves as aikido’s international headquarters, maintaining the founder’s direct teaching lineage. Our Aikikai affiliation means our techniques, grading standards, and certifications follow this traditional lineage and are recognized worldwide.
Our current programs focus on students aged 12 and above. This age minimum ensures participants can understand aikido’s technical complexity and philosophical concepts. Younger children often benefit more from martial arts specifically designed for their developmental stage. We’re happy to recommend suitable programs for younger practitioners if you’re seeking training for children under 12.
No, aikido has no competitive element. Unlike judo, karate, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, aikido involves no tournaments or matches. This non-competitive nature allows practitioners to focus purely on personal development, technique refinement, and philosophical understanding without the pressure of winning or losing. Progress is measured against your own previous performance, not others’ abilities.
Aikido Self-Defence Academy operates on a community-based contribution model. Membership details, contribution levels, and payment arrangements are discussed individually to accommodate various circumstances. Contact us directly for complete information about membership options, what’s included, and how to begin training. We’re committed to making authentic aikido training accessible.
In many cases, yes. Aikido’s adaptable nature often accommodates physical limitations. However, you should consult your doctor before starting any martial arts training. Inform our instructors about any injuries or conditions during registration – they can modify techniques and training intensity to ensure safe practice. Many students find aikido therapeutic for recovering from certain injuries.
Yes, private coaching is available by appointment for students seeking personalized instruction. One-on-one sessions allow focused work on specific techniques, accelerated preparation for grading examinations, or addressing individual challenges. Private lessons complement regular class attendance, providing intensive attention that accelerates skill development. Contact us to arrange private coaching sessions.
Aikido uses a kyu/dan ranking system. Students begin at 6th kyu (white belt) and progress through colored belt levels (5th kyu through 1st kyu) before reaching shodan (1st degree black belt). From there, practitioners advance through Dan levels. We follow Aikikai Foundation standards, with regular examinations assessing technical proficiency, understanding of principles, and character development.
Our dojo is located at PlySports Arena, Oursin Street, Baie Du Tombeau, Port Louis, Mauritius. The facility offers 60 secured parking slots for members’ convenience. The arena is easily accessible from major routes and provides modern, dedicated facilities including separate changing rooms and showers for male and female practitioners.
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