Do you have questions about practicing Aikido within our federation? You will find all the answers in our FAQ.
What is the U.Be.A.?
The Belgian Aikido Union (U.Be.A.) is a French-speaking Belgian federation whose aim is to promote the teaching of Aikido.
Founded over 40 years ago, our federation currently includes more than twenty Aikido clubs in Wallonia and the Brussels region.
We also have partnerships with other Belgian and European federations, as well as with the highest international Aikido authorities. U.Be.A. is a member of the European Aikido Federation and is recognized by the Aikikai Foundation.
To learn more about our federation, visit our page on the history of the Belgian Aikido Union.
At what age can one start practicing Aikido?
Aikido techniques emphasize flexibility over physical strength. Practice can begin around 6–7 years old, sometimes younger depending on the club. There is no upper age limit.
Is Aikido right for me?
Aikido is a martial art that can be practiced by almost everyone.
However, ask yourself the following: what am I looking for in practicing martial arts?
This question should be the starting point of your journey. Once you have clearly defined your goals, choosing a martial art that suits you will be much easier.
What can Aikido bring me?
There are many benefits: developing self-confidence, better stress management in daily life, physical fitness, and much more.
Are there risks in practicing Aikido?
Like all martial arts and sports activities, practicing Aikido carries a risk of injury. However, Aikido is a discipline with very few recorded incidents.
How often should I train per week to progress quickly?
Regular practice is key to making progress. Generally, Aikido is practiced 1 to 3 times per week in most of our clubs.
What does a typical Aikido session look like?
An Aikido training session usually includes three phases:
- Warm-up: preparing the body and joints to train safely.
- Main lesson: studying Aikido techniques.
- Cool down: reviewing learned movements and calming the breath before the final bow.
Why do we bow at the beginning and end of training?
An Aikido class begins and ends with two bows.
The first bow is to the portrait of Master Ueshiba (O Sensei), displayed on the honor wall (KAMIZA). This bow is a sign of respect to the founder of Aikido.
The second bow is to the instructor, also as a sign of respect and gratitude for their teaching.
During the class, students will also bow to each other before and after working together. At the end of the session, practitioners usually bow again to those they worked with, to thank them once more.
What are the Aikido ranks?
There are two types of ranks in Aikido:
- KYU ranks (colored belts): white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown. These are awarded by the club instructor.
- DAN ranks (black belt): awarded at the federal level by a grading panel. A minimum age of 16 is required for DAN exams.
Practice begins at 6th Kyu (white belt) and progresses to 1st Kyu (brown belt). Then follows 1st Dan (black belt), 2nd Dan, 3rd Dan, and so on.
How long does it take to get a black belt in Aikido?
With regular training 2 to 3 times per week, it takes about 5 years to reach the 1st Dan black belt.
How much does Aikido practice cost?
To practice Aikido in a U.Be.A. club, you’ll need to pay:
- An annual federation license and insurance (35€).
- A membership fee (annual, quarterly, or monthly) depending on the club, which covers venue costs, etc.
- A training outfit (Gi) and a white belt for beginners (often sold together).
Note: Some clubs offer one or two free introductory classes. You can attend in normal sportswear.
Are there competitions in Aikido?
O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba said: “The goal of Aikido is not to defeat an opponent.”
Rather, it is a way to unite people and guide the world toward harmony.
Aikido is not a combat sport and differs from martial arts like Judo or Karate, which have a competitive aspect. There are no competitions in Aikido, because the goal is not to divide the world into winners and losers or strong and weak. The ultimate goal of Aikido is to elevate all individuals.
We hope to have answered your questions about Aikido and the Belgian Aikido Union.See you soon on the tatami!