Lancashire Aikikai - FAQ
FAQ
Hakama - Ladies can wear royal blue hakama from Day 1 but the black hakama is subject to permission of the Principal and worn by Instructors and assistants- it denotes Samurai status.
Why do we wear white belts? Most Aikido Associations are similar to us - white belt until your are Dan grade (ie Black belt) its traditional. However some have adopted coloured belts systems to signify changing grade. We all follow a grading system where there are usually 6 grades below black belt.
How do you know what grade someone is - you don't. Isn't that a problem or dangerous - No because all students are being taught to be aware and feel through contact the movements. It is evident to someone differences in grades through the techniques.