Classes are conducted in a harmonious non-competitive manner with an emphasis on working with various partners rather than individually. Advanced students and senior students help beginners to learn the basic falls, rolls and techniques.

In partner practice, students take turns being the attacker and defender, thus gaining a sensitivity to and awareness of their partner’s movements and well-being. This cooperative rather than competitive training method creates a friendly, helpful atmosphere in the dojo and fosters a spirit of mutual trust and protection. This in turn allows Aikido students to practice a powerful martial art in an active yet non-violent manner.

Much of the practice involves techniques for defending against empty-handed attacks, such as punches or wrist and shoulder grabs. Because many empty-handed Aikido movements are derived from the use of classical Japanese weapons, techniques using or defending against weapons such as the bokken (wooden sword), jo (4 1/2 foot wooden staff), and tanto (knife) are also taught. Weapons practice also helps students understand the timing and distance of attacks.