Aikijutsu classes begin and end with courtesy. Once the student steps on the mat, he must follow certain rules of conduct that have been adapted from martial arts customs in Japan and is adhered to by the practitioners of most Japanese martial arts schools.

The behavior in the dojo is prompted by a deep respect for the place and the people in it, for the purpose of the training hall. In general, this behavior conforms to the norms of “respect” adopted by civilized people in their everyday social encounters.

The art of Aikijutsu is very diverse and the possible number of techniques of neutralization and their combinations may be in the thousands. The techniques can be divided into the following categories:
  • Ukemiwaza - Breakfalls
  • Nagewaza - "Air" Throws
  • Osaedori - Joint Locking
  • Atemiwaza - Striking Techniques
  • Emonodori - Weapons Disarming
  • Tasudori - Multiple Attack Training
In analyzing the process of controlling an attacker, several principles emerge. They are essential to learning the art and must be mastered if any real progress is to occur.