Inside the app
See Aikido in Martial Arts Toolkit
Real screens from Willow Aikido Dojo, an example Aikido dojo: its technique library and grading syllabus on a computer, and the Combo Builder on a phone.
Screenshots use example data.
About the art
What is Aikido?
Aikido was developed in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba in the 1920s and 1930s. Rather than meeting force with force, the defender blends with the attack to throw or pin the attacker. Techniques are practised in pairs, with one partner attacking and receiving the technique through ukemi (breakfalls and rolls).
Training also includes the wooden sword (bokken) and staff (jo). Students progress through kyu grades to dan grades, and in many dojos the hakama is worn from dan grade or earlier.
- Origin
- Japan (1920s-1930s)
- Known for
- Throws, pins and blending
- Technique names
- Japanese and English names
- Grades
- Unranked Beginner to 1st Dan
How we work with Aikido
Built for the way Aikido is taught
The Aikido technique library and a starter grading ladder are ready when you create your dojo, and you can change any of it to match your syllabus.
Techniques by attack
The library lists the controls, throws and pins against each attack - First Control from a wrist grab or an overhead strike, entering or turning - with Japanese names such as Katate Dori Ikkyo Omote.
The Aikikai pathway
Start from the Aikikai Hombu kyu ladder to 1st Dan and set the lessons and time each grade needs.
Weapons work
Bokken cuts, jo strikes and weapon-taking techniques are part of the library, so weapons classes can be planned too.
From the Aikido library
- First Control (Ikkyo (Ude Osae))
- Second Control (Nikyo (Kote Mawashi))
- Third Control (Sankyo (Kote Hineri))
- Entering Throw (Irimi Nage)
- Four Direction Throw (Shiho Nage)
- Overhead Front Strike (Shomen Uchi)
Forms
Aikido techniques are practised with a partner rather than as solo forms. Weapons kata can be added as club techniques.
Running the dojo
Everything else your dojo needs
Registers, gradings, payments and the student portal all use the same student record, so nothing has to be copied between spreadsheets.
Registers and attendance
Take the register on a phone or tablet in seconds and spot students who have stopped coming.
Grading readiness
Attendance, time in grade and assessments come together, so you can see who is ready for the next grading.
Memberships and payments
Set up memberships and take payments through Stripe, with a clear view of who has paid.
Classes and timetable
Recurring classes and one-off sessions in one timetable, with RSVP and check-in links for families and text messages for reminders and cancellations.
Student and parent portal
Students and parents see grades, upcoming classes, assigned training and what to work on next.
Lesson plans and training plans
Plan classes from the technique library, assess students and give each one training to practise at home.
Try it with your own dojo
Less time on administration.
More time to teach Aikido.
Create your dojo free and explore it with your own classes, or book a demo and we will show you around.
Questions
Aikido dojos often ask
Can students see what they need for their next grade?
Yes. The student and parent portal shows the next grade's requirements, as far as the dojo chooses to share them.
Can we show Japanese names only?
Yes. Choose Japanese and English, English only or Japanese only for the whole dojo.
Can we use our own syllabus and grades?
Yes. The starter ladder is only a starting point. Rename grades, change colours, add your own requirements and set the lessons and time each grade needs.
Can one club teach more than one martial art?
Yes. Choose a main martial art when you create your club and add others in the club settings. Each keeps its own technique library.
Can you move our students across from our current system?
Yes. Import students from a spreadsheet and check every row before it is saved, or send us your records and we will move them across for you free of charge.
How much does it cost?
Small clubs can use the Free plan with no card required. Paid plans add capacity and features as your club grows.