---
title: "Knowledge Center"
description: "Tri City Aikido \"Knowledge Center\" contains blog posts on many Aikido related subjects."
url: "https://tricityaikido.com/knowledge-center"
date: "2026-10-03T23:05:42+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

## Breadcrumbs

[Home](https://tricityaikido.com/) > Knowledge Center

# Knowledge Center

## Aikido Glossary

## Japanese Terms Every Aikido Student Should Know

[Read more: Aikido Glossary](https://tricityaikido.com/knowledge-center/aikido-glossary)

## Can You Learn Aikido in Your 30s, 40s, 50s or Beyond?

Many adults are interested in learning a martial art but hesitate because they believe they are "too old" to begin. It's a common concern. Some worry about flexibility, fitness, injuries, or whether they'll be able to keep up with younger students.

[Read more: Can You Learn Aikido in Your 30s, 40s, 50s or Beyond?](https://tricityaikido.com/knowledge-center/can-you-learn-aikido-in-your-30s-40s-50s-or-beyond)

## Aikido vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

If you're thinking about learning a martial art, you've probably come across both Aikido and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Each has earned a loyal following and offers valuable skills, but they were developed with different goals in mind.

[Read more: Aikido vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://tricityaikido.com/knowledge-center/aikido-vs-brazilian-jiu-jitsu)

## Why Do Japanese Bow?

One of the first things new students notice when they walk into a traditional Aikido dojo is that everyone bows. Students bow when entering the training area, before practicing with a partner, after completing a technique, and at the beginning and end of class.

[Read more: Why Do Japanese Bow?](https://tricityaikido.com/knowledge-center/why-do-japanese-bow)

## What Does Shinken Mean?

Every time an Aikido student picks up a *bokken*, *jo*, or *tanto*, they are handling little more than a carefully shaped piece of wood when practicing in the [Weapons class](https://tricityaikido.com/index.php?Itemid=198). Yet if they think of it as only a practice weapon, they miss one of the most important lessons traditional Aikido has to offer.

[Read more: What Does Shinken Mean?](https://tricityaikido.com/knowledge-center/what-does-shinken-mean)

## Why Doesn't Aikido Have Competitions?

One of the questions prospective students often ask is, "If Aikido is a martial art, why aren't there tournaments?" It is a reasonable question. Many martial arts hold competitions, award medals, crown champions, and use tournaments to measure success.

[Read more: Why Doesn't Aikido Have Competitions?](https://tricityaikido.com/knowledge-center/why-doesnt-aikido-have-competitions)

## Can Seniors Learn Aikido?

Many people assume martial arts are only for children or young adults. At Tri City Aikido, we've found the opposite to be true. Every year, adults in their 50s, 60s, and even beyond walk through our doors looking for a healthier lifestyle, better balance, and a new personal challenge.

[Read more: Can Seniors Learn Aikido?](https://tricityaikido.com/knowledge-center/can-seniors-learn-aikido)

## What Should I Wear to My First Aikido Class?

One of the most common questions new students ask is, **"What should I wear to my first Aikido class?"** The good news is that you don't need any special equipment to get started.

[Read more: What Should I Wear to My First Aikido Class?](https://tricityaikido.com/knowledge-center/what-should-i-wear-to-my-first-aikido-class)

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