Your First Aikido Class: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Stepping inside a traditional Japanese martial arts dojo for the first time is an exciting milestone, but for many newcomers, it can also feel somewhat intimidating. Common questions arise: "Am I too old to begin? Do I need to be flexible? Will I get hurt or thrown aggressively onto the floor?"

At Shoreikan Dojo in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, we want to put those worries to rest immediately. Yoshinkan Aikido was specifically designed by Master Gozo Shioda (1915–1994) to be a transparent, step-by-step science that welcomes absolute beginners of any age, body type, or athletic background. You do not need prior experience or high fitness levels—the dojo is where those qualities are built.

Key Takeaways

No Experience Needed: Training starts from ground-level biomechanics with zero sparring pressure.
What to Wear: Long athletic track pants (covering knees) and a comfortable t-shirt.
Mutual Safety: Techniques are practiced cooperatively with senior students (Sempai).
Gradual Progression: You learn to roll safely on soft tatami mats before ever taking full falls.

1. Pre-Class Checklist: What to Prepare & Bring

1. Attire (Clothing)

For your trial class, wear comfortable athletic wear—preferably long track pants or sweatpants that cover your knees (to prevent mat friction burns) and a clean t-shirt. If you already own a white Judo, Karate, or Taekwondo gi (uniform), you are welcome to wear it.

2. Footwear & Personal Hygiene

Aikido is practiced barefoot on traditional Japanese tatami mats. Please bring slip-on sandals or slippers for walking between the changing area and the mat edge. Ensure your fingernails and toenails are neatly trimmed, and remove all jewelry, watches, rings, and dangling earrings prior to stepping on the mat.

3. Hydration & Beginner Mindset (Shoshin)

Bring a personal water bottle and a small sweat towel. Most importantly, bring an open, curious mindset—what Japanese Budo calls Shoshin (初心 · Beginner's Mind). Leave perfectionism at the door; every black belt in the room started exactly where you are today.

2. Essential Dojo Etiquette & Japanese Phrases (Reigi · 礼儀)

In traditional Budo, courtesy is not religious dogma—it is a functional culture of mutual respect and physical safety:

The Mat Bow (Rei · 礼): When stepping onto or off the tatami mat, turn toward the front of the dojo (Shomen) and perform a standing bow as a sign of respect for the training space.
Onegai Shimasu (お願いします): Pronounced "Oh-neh-guy-she-mas". Spoken with a bow when beginning practice with the instructor or your partner. It translates loosely to: "Please teach me" or "Let us practice together safely."
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita (どうもありがとうございました): Spoken with a bow at the conclusion of a technique or the end of class, expressing sincere gratitude for your partner's time and care.
Seiza & Mokuso (正座・黙想): Sitting formally on the heels at the opening and closing of class for a 30-second silent breathing meditation to calm the mind and transition away from workday stress.

3. Step-by-Step Breakdown of a 60-Minute Class

Phase 1: Opening Meditation & Joint Conditioning (10 Mins)

After the formal opening bow, class begins with gentle joint mobilization exercises (Junbi Undo): rotational wrist stretching (Nikajo and Kotegaeshi stretches), ankle rotations, and practicing the grounded standing posture of Yoshinkan Kamae.

Phase 2: The 6 Basic Movements (Kihon Dosa, 15 Mins)

The entire class practices the core movement grammar of Yoshinkan Aikido—pivoting (Tai no Henko), elbow power (Hiriki no Yosei), and finishing turns (Shumatsu Dosa). Review our complete breakdown in The 6 Kihon Dosa Guide.

Phase 3: Beginner Breakfall Training (Ukemi, 10 Mins)

Beginners work on floor-level breakfalls—seated and kneeling forward and backward rolls. You will learn to round your spine, tuck your chin, and roll softly without impact. Read Mastering Ukemi for Life.

Phase 4: Partnered Basic Techniques (Kihon Waza, 20 Mins)

Chief Instructor Tony Chung (6th Dan) demonstrates a specific technique broken down into numbered commands ("Ichi! Ni! San!"). Beginners are paired with experienced senior belts (Sempai) who walk you through each movement with patience and support.

Phase 5: Closing Shumatsu Dosa & Final Bow (5 Mins)

Calming rhythmic cool-down movements, followed by the formal closing bow and opportunity to ask questions with the instructor.

Technical Video Reference · Yoshinkan Kihon Dosa

See Phase 2 in action — all six basic movements you will drill in your first weeks, from Tai no Henko pivots to Shumatsu Dosa turns.

Watch on YouTube↗

4. Frequently Asked Questions by Beginners

Common Question	Dojo Reality & Reassurance
"Do I need to be flexible to start?"	No. Aikido techniques rely on skeletal alignment and whole-body center power, not high kicks or splits. Flexibility develops naturally over time.
"Will I get injured or bruised?"	Safety is our number one priority. Practice is fully cooperative; your partner applies joint pressure gradually and releases instantly when you tap.
"How does belt grading work?"	Progress is transparent and objective, starting from 8th Kyu (White Belt) through 1st Kyu (Brown Belt) to 1st Dan (Black Belt). See our Grading Syllabus.
"What ages train at Shoreikan?"	Our single consolidated Saturday morning session brings together working adults (20s to 50s), teenagers, and senior students up to 70+ — everyone trains together, with senior belts personally guiding newer members.

5. Dojo Etiquette Protocol: Reiho & Seiza-ho Checklists

Traditional Japanese etiquette (Reiho · 礼法) is not mere formality; it is the fundamental safety gate that prevents accidents and ensures mutual respect:

1. Stepping On & Off the Tatami

Always leave your sandals facing outward at the edge of the mat. Bow from the waist (Ritsurei) toward the Kamiza (front wall) upon entering and exiting the training area.

Book Your Saturday Morning Trial Class

The best way to understand Yoshinkan Aikido is to feel it for yourself. Join us for a friendly trial session at our dojo in Metro Prima, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. Our senior instructors and welcoming community are ready to guide you on your martial arts journey.

Location: Kepong, Kuala Lumpur (convenient access near Metro Prima MRT). View full map on our Location & Directions Page.
Adult Class Times: Every Saturday morning (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM). Check our Class Timetable & Monthly Fees.
Direct WhatsApp Booking: Reach out directly via our Contact Page to reserve your spot.

Canonical Literature & References

Shioda, Gozo. (1996). Total Aikido: The Master Course. Kodansha International.
Shioda, Gozo. (1968). Dynamic Aikido. Kodansha International.
Shioda, Gozo. (2002). Aikido Shugyo: Harmony in Confrontation. Shindokan Books.
Twigger, Robert. (1997). Angry White Pyjamas: An Oxford Poet Trains with the Tokyo Riot Police. William Morrow.

2. Seiza Kneeling & Posture Alignment

Lower yourself into kneeling (Seiza) by placing the left knee down first, followed by the right. Rest your big toes together with heels spread slightly to cradle the pelvis, keeping the spine straight and shoulders relaxed.

3. The Two-Tap Safety Rule (Maitta)

When a partner applies a joint lock (Ikkajo to Yonkajo), tap your partner's body or the mat twice firmly (or say "Maitta!" — "I yield" — or simply "Tap!"). The partner must release all pressure immediately.