You don't need much aikido equipment to get started with this martial art.

Aikido Equipment Requirements Are Simple

You don't need much aikido equipment to teach this martial art, which is bad news for the sellers of martial arts equipment. The good news, is that there are plenty of Aikido books (and a few ebooks, too). Plus Aikido videos and lately Aikido DVDs.

While fitting out a hall for Aikido training doesn't require your buying expensive exercise equipment like gymn and fitness machines, you still need some aikido equipment.

Your largest investment will usually be the martial arts mats which are necessary if your aikido students are to take Ukemi (do safe aikido breakfalls) again and again without injury.

The traditional option is to use Japanese Tatami (Judo Mats). These were the sleeping mats of the traditional wooden Japanese home. They were originally made of packed straw, and could seem rock-hard after years of pounding bodies in a dojo (a martial arts training hall).

Today there are many improved options, from interlocking jigsaw mats or puzzle mats, to thick foam floors covered with vinyl or canvas tarpaulins.

Mats can be laid down before class and removed afterwards, as in a shared hall. The floors with tarpaulin covers are for permanent aikido dojos, where the mats stay laid down for months... maybe even years.

They have a wooden frame all around the edges of the hall. The canvas cover is stretched over this and attached to hooks with rubber (bungee) cord.

The great advantage here, is that there are no cracks for you to catch your toes and possibly break them.

One place we trained at had a wooden frame all around the edges of the hall. The canvas cover was stretched over this and attached to hooks with rubber (bungee) cord.

You could move quickly and safely on the tarpaulin using the Tsubi-Ashi, gliding movement we use in Aikido.

Other Aikido equipment includes Aikido uniforms (keigo gi or do gi), which are usually the same as Judo gi.

See also: wearing a Karate gi for Aikido training.