For Students & Families
Everything you need for testing, etiquette, and being ready for class.
For details not covered below contact Paul Sensei directly.
Current Annoucements
All regular term classes will be up and running from Friday, January 9. We look forward to seeing everyone back on the mats!
Quick checklist
Quick Checklist & Parents’ Basics
- Uniform – Washed and completely dried after each class
- Nails – Short, smooth, and clean (clippers available on-site if needed)
- Hair – Tied back with a soft elastic (hair ties available on-site)
- Jewelry – Earrings out; rings off. If earrings must stay in, cover with tape on-site
- Socks – Train barefoot unless covering a cut; only clean, unworn socks or martial arts tabi allowed
- Towel & Water – Bring a small hand towel (for yourself) and a filled water bottle
- School Uniform – Do not wear school clothes under your Aikido uniform
- Undershirts/Base Layers – Girls wear an undershirt; boys optional; base layers lightweight and snug
Parents’ Basics
- Safety first — Clean uniform, short nails, no jewelry.
- On-time matters — Punctuality supports readiness.
- Progress pace — Hours are guidelines; instructors advise when ready.
Pacific Aikido Testing Guidelines
Our testing guidelines follow those set by the Aikikai Foundation – Aikido World Headquarters. We have adapted certain elements to meet the needs of our programme, ensuring students meet the standards of training with Pacific Aikido—standards polished in over 30 years of instruction.
How Readiness is Determined
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Behavior On the Mats
This is the single most important factor in testing readiness.
It includes how a student conducts themselves in class, works with and supports their partners, and shows respect to both partners and instructors.
Are they focused or playing around? Are they training in a safe, responsible manner?
Students who disregard safety, behave inappropriately, or show poor attitude towards others will not be considered ready, regardless of technical skill.
Technical Skill
Everyone develops at their own pace.
Instructors work with each student to address specific areas that need improvement, ensuring they are confident and capable when testing day arrives.
Consistency In Attendance
Progress in Aikido is built on regular practice.
While missed classes can be made up, long breaks (two or three weeks) followed by catch-up sessions do not provide the same benefits as steady, consistent training.
Punctuality
Once students begin attending class independently (without a parent), they are expected to arrive on time. Arriving on time demonstrates commitment, maturity, and respect for both instructors and classmates.
The Pacific Aikido instructors believe that if a student can be regularly late, they can just as easily be regularly on time. Students who are consistently late will not be considered for testing until this issue is corrected.
Recognition of Achievement
Passing a test is more than earning a higher rank, it marks a significant step in a student’s Aikido journey. Successful candidates receive:
– A certificate from the Aikikai Foundation
– Lifetime membership to the Aikikai World Headquarters
– A new coloured belt (depending on the rank achieved)
You can check how far you are from the next test here. You need to use the gmail account associated with your student account.
- If the associated gmail account is your parents, ask for their help to login.
- Don’t have a gmail account? Link your non-gmail account to a Google Account following these instructions.
- If you’re using Google Chrome Browser, double-check that the account you’re logged in with matches the gmail acct. associated with the student.
- Still seeing a blank report? Please contact Pacific Aikido for further assistance.
Keeping Clean in Aikido
I’d like to share a few small but important practices that help keep our training safe, respectful, and enjoyable. These guidelines are standard in martial arts and are especially important in Aikido, where training is almost always done with a partner.
Aikido is partner-based, so personal cleanliness and well-kept uniforms are essential. Staying clean shows respect for our partners and helps reduce the risk of injury or illness.
Cleanliness rules
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Aikido Uniforms
- Uniforms must be washed after use and completely dried before being packed for class.
- Families should check uniforms after each session so they are clean, dry, and fresh for the next class.
Fingernails and Toenails
- Nails must be kept short, smooth, and clean.
- Long nails can scratch a partner or get caught in uniforms, which can cause painful injuries.
- Nail clippers are available on-site at each location, but students should check and trim their nails at home before coming to practice.
Hair
- Long hair must be tied back before class begins.
- Soft elastics are best. Hard plastic or metal clips should not be worn, as they can cause injuries if bumped during practice.
- We keep hair ties on-site, but students should ideally come with their hair already tied back.
Jewelry
- Jewelry should not be worn during class.
- Earrings can get snagged in a partner’s uniform.
- Rings can pose a danger if stepped on, which can cut off circulation.
- If earrings must remain in, we have tape available on-site to cover them.
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Socks
- Students normally train barefoot to maintain safe contact with the mats.
- Socks may only be worn if there is a medical reason (for example, covering a cut, blister, or sore). In this case:
- Socks must be clean and unworn before class.
- Socks worn all day at school are not allowed, as they bring dirt onto the mats.
- Tabi (special martial arts split-toe socks) are the best option if foot covering is needed.
Hand Towels and Water Bottles
- Every student should bring a small hand towel and a water bottle to each class.
- The towel is for wiping their own face, hands, or body if they get sweaty (personal use only). This keeps them comfortable and prevents sweat from being transferred onto training partners.
- The water bottle is important so students can stay hydrated during practice. Please make sure bottles are filled before coming to class.
School Uniforms
- Students should not wear any part of their school uniforms under their Aikido uniforms.
Undershirts and Base Layers
- Girls should wear an undershirt beneath their Aikido tops. Please make sure one is packed on training days.
- Boys may wear an undershirt if they wish, but it is not required.
- Any undershirts, shorts, leggings, or similar items must be lightweight, snug-fitting, and breathable, so they do not restrict movement or cause overheating.
Faq
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If I miss a class can I come to another class to make-up the time?
At the top of this page there is a link to the form you can fill out to reserve a place for a make-up class.