JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into aikido

Aikido is the one martial art where the answer to 'how do I start?' is almost always 'show up to class.' Most dojos lend wooden weapons for the first month. All you need is a gi and a willingness to fall. Here's what to buy, in order of urgency, and what to skip until your instructor says otherwise.

By Colin B. · Published June 15, 2026 · Last reviewed June 15, 2026
Aikido students in white gi practicing throwing technique in a dojo

Photo by Nando García on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. ProForce Gladiator Single Weave Judo Gi — A lightweight single-weave gi sized for how aikido actually moves. The right first uniform.
  2. DEPICE Red Oak Aikido Bokken — Red oak bokken with the heft most instructors recommend for your first wooden sword.
  3. E-BOGU Polypropylene Jo Staff (51 inch) — A polypropylene jo from the Japanese brand most aikido dojos already trust for weapons.
Budget total
$80
Typical total
$200
Your gi is the main upfront cost ($50-100). Wooden weapons add another $50-100, but many dojos lend them for the first month.

We earn commission on qualifying Amazon purchases — see our affiliate disclosure. Price tiers and budget totals shown above are editorial estimates; actual Amazon prices vary.

At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
Gi (Uniform)ProForceProForce Gladiator Single Weave Judo Gi$$ See on Amazon →
Wooden WeaponsDEPICEDEPICE Red Oak Aikido Bokken$ See on Amazon →
Weapons BagBudo ImportJo Staff & Bokken Tetron Bag$ See on Amazon →
Knee SupportMcDavidMcDavid HEX Knee Pads$$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Ask your dojo before buying wooden weapons. Some schools lend bokken and jo for the first month or longer, and dojo-specific sizing or style preferences can vary. Buy once you've confirmed what your teacher recommends.

Any white gi will work at first. Aikido-labeled gi, judo gi, and karate gi are all worn in aikido dojos. The main difference is weight and cut. For your first uniform, a single-weave gi ($50-80) is the right call. Double-weave runs heavy and hot for beginners.

Don't buy a hakama yet. The traditional pleated pants are worn by some students from the first day, but at most schools they're reserved for brown belt or black belt level. Your instructor will tell you when it's time.

The gear

What you actually need

Gi (Uniform)

The gi is the only thing you'll definitely need before your first class. Any white gi works at most dojos, but an aikido-cut gi is slightly roomier in the shoulders and sleeves than a karate gi, which matters for throwing techniques. Start with single weave: it breathes better, dries faster, and costs half what a double-weave runs. You'll know you want a heavier gi after six months of sweating through techniques. Not before.

Gi (Uniform) — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Single Weave

Lightweight, breathable, cheaper. The correct starter choice.

Weight
5-7 oz.
Price
$40-90
Dry time
2-3 hours

Best for Beginners, hot dojos, casual practitioners

Tradeoff Wears out faster under intense daily training

↓ See our pick
Double Weave

Heavy, durable, warm. For serious daily practice only.

Weight
12-16 oz.
Price
$80-160
Dry time
6-12 hours

Best for Daily practitioners, cold dojos, hard randori training

Tradeoff Hot and heavy; most beginners regret buying this first

Best starter
ProForce

Gladiator Single Weave Judo Gi

$$

Our rating

Purpose-cut with extra room in the sleeves and shoulders where throws demand it. This ProForce single-weave gi breathes well in a warm dojo, and the reinforced stitching at the collar and sleeves outlasts cheaper imports. ProForce sizes consistently, which is genuinely rare in martial arts uniforms.

What we like

  • Aikido-cut: roomy sleeves and shoulders handle throwing well
  • Single weave breathes better than double in a warm dojo
  • Reinforced collar and sleeve stitching outlasts cheap imports

What to know

  • Runs large; size down if you're between sizes
  • White cotton yellows without cold-water washing
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Fuji Sports

FUJI Single Weave Judo Uniform

$

Our rating

Under $50 and the go-to starter gi at dojos that want a cost-neutral onboarding path. The lightweight cotton is easy on beginners and the judo cut has the shoulder room aikido throws need. Washes easily and holds up for a solid first year.

What we like

  • Under $50 and legitimately usable at most dojos for a year
  • Judo cut has the shoulder room aikido throwing needs

What to know

  • Stitching at the pants drawstring loosens after heavy use
  • Collar thins under daily hard practice; once-a-week students won't notice
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Tozando

AI Single Weave Aikido Gi

$$$

Our rating

When you've practiced for six months and want a gi that feels serious, Tozando is where most committed aikidoka end up. Better cotton, better collar construction, and a cut made specifically for aikido that senior instructors recognize as belonging to someone who isn't quitting.

What we like

  • Premium cotton that gets softer with every wash
  • Cut recognized by senior instructors as a serious practitioner's gi

What to know

  • Significant price jump over a functional starter gi
  • Heavier cotton runs hot in summer dojo without air conditioning
See on Amazon →

Wooden Weapons

Most aikido schools use two wooden weapons: the bokken (wooden sword, about 40 inches) and the jo (wooden staff, about 50 inches). Your dojo may lend them for the first month, but instructors generally want you to have your own for home practice once weapons work begins. Red oak is the traditional material for bokken; for the jo, polypropylene has become an accepted modern alternative in many dojos for its consistency and durability.

Best starter
DEPICE

Red Oak Aikido Bokken

$

Our rating

DEPICE makes some of the most consistently reviewed red oak wooden weapons in the European and US aikido communities. The geometry is correct for aikido, the finish is smooth with no splinter risk, and the 101 cm length matches the standard 40-inch aikido bokken. If your instructor doesn't specify a brand, this is a safe choice.

What we like

  • Red oak with correct aikido geometry, well-reviewed by practitioners
  • Smooth finish with no rough spots or splinter risk mid-practice
  • Standard 101 cm length fits most North American dojo curricula

What to know

  • Confirm your dojo's preferred length before ordering
  • Red oak can develop hairline cracks if stored in very dry conditions
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
ProForce

Hardwood Bokken

$

Our rating

The no-frills entry for beginners who aren't yet sure they'll stick with weapons practice. Hardwood construction, functional finish, and easy to replace when you're ready to move to a better stick.

What we like

  • Budget entry point before committing to a premium bokken
  • Widely available; easy to replace if it splinters

What to know

  • Lighter than what senior aikidoka prefer for muscle memory work
  • Finish can develop rough patches over time; light sanding fixes it
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
E-BOGU

Polypropylene Jo Staff (51 inch)

$$

Our rating

E-BOGU is a longstanding Japanese martial arts equipment company and their polypropylene jo is the standard in many modern dojos. Synthetic material means it won't crack, splinter, or change weight with humidity. The 51-inch length covers most North American aikido schools. Some traditional dojos prefer wood, so confirm with your instructor before buying.

What we like

  • Won't crack, splinter, or change balance with humidity like wood
  • 51-inch length covers most North American dojo curricula
  • E-BOGU is a trusted Japanese martial arts equipment brand

What to know

  • Some traditional schools require wooden jo, not synthetic
  • Slightly different feel underhand vs traditional red oak
See on Amazon →

Weapons Bag

You need something to carry your bokken and jo without them rattling loose in your car. A dedicated weapons bag keeps them from scuffing, makes airport security less eventful, and protects the wood from drying in direct sunlight. Don't spend much here — any bag that fits a 50-inch staff will do the job for years.

Best starter
Budo Import

Jo Staff & Bokken Tetron Bag

$

Our rating

Made specifically for aikido weapons: fits a bokken and a jo up to 54 inches side by side. Traditional Japanese construction, shoulder strap, and a durable zipper. The bag most often seen at North American aikido dojos.

What we like

  • Made specifically for aikido weapons: fits bokken and jo together
  • Japanese construction with a durable zipper and shoulder strap

What to know

  • No padding; keeps weapons together but won't protect antique pieces
  • Fits up to 54-inch jo; measure your weapons before ordering
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Bobags

Martial Arts 60 Inch Weapons Bag

$$$

Our rating

When you're carrying a full set of weapons plus a gi, this is what you want. Fits staffs up to 60 inches, has multiple pockets for smaller gear, and the cordura shell holds up to years of loading in and out of cars. Particularly good for students who carry multiple weapons.

What we like

  • Fits staffs up to 60 inches plus smaller gear in side pockets
  • Durable cordura shell survives years of loading in and out of vehicles

What to know

  • Larger than needed if you only carry one bokken and one jo
  • No rigid frame; roll-based weapons can shift around
See on Amazon →

Knee Support

Aikido's floor techniques (suwari-waza) are performed kneeling and sliding on your knees across the mat. For beginners, your knees will complain loudly until the skin toughens and movement becomes smooth. Knee pads accelerate that adjustment. Thin ones work best: thick pads shift your balance and won't fit under hakama later.

Best starter
McDavid

HEX Knee Pads

$$

Our rating

Thin enough to fit under a gi without changing your stance, protective enough to handle suwari-waza slides. The hex pad design absorbs kneeling impact without bulk. Volleyball and basketball players use these for the same floor-contact reasons.

What we like

  • Thin profile fits under a gi without throwing off seiza stance
  • Hex pad absorbs kneeling impact without adding bulk to the joint
  • Stays in place during active sliding, not just static kneeling

What to know

  • Runs snug; size up if you're between sizes
  • Built for mat surfaces only, not outdoor hard floors
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Bodyprox

Protective Knee Pads

$

Our rating

Under $20 and protective enough for the first few months while your knees adjust. Slightly bulkier than the McDavid but still fits under a gi for most students. Replace them when they start feeling thin.

What we like

  • Under $20, solid protection while your knees build tolerance
  • Adjustable strap keeps them from slipping mid-practice

What to know

  • Slightly bulky; may show under a fitted gi on some practitioners
  • Foam thins out after several months of daily suwari-waza
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first 3 months of aikido

Aikido doesn't click in a week. The first class feels like being dropped into a formal dance you've never practiced. The first month is mostly learning to fall. By month three, the techniques start to feel less random and more like a conversation.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • Hakama — The traditional pleated pants are reserved for intermediate or advanced ranks at most schools. Your instructor will tell you when it's time. Buying one on day one is getting ahead of yourself.
  • Iaito (practice sword) — An iaito is the tool for iaido, the art of sword drawing, not aikido. The weapons in aikido are bokken and jo. Don't conflate the two arts.
  • Wrist braces or hand wraps — Unless you have a pre-existing injury, standard aikido training shouldn't require these. If your wrists are hurting, talk to your instructor about technique before reaching for a brace.
  • Home practice mat — Your dojo mat is enough for the first year. Home mats are expensive and take real estate. Train at the dojo consistently before investing in home infrastructure.
  • Ki development or philosophy books — The philosophy makes more sense after six months of physical practice. Prioritize mat time over bookshelf time, especially early on.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Find an aikido dojo near you and call or email before showing up. · Action
  2. Order your gi so it arrives before your second or third class. · Buy
  3. Ask your instructor what bokken and jo length the dojo uses and whether they lend weapons to new students. · Action
  4. Learn one thing before your first class: how to bow in and out of the dojo and onto the mat. · Learn
  5. Practice forward rolls on carpet at home. Even clumsy ones on a soft floor build awareness before your first ukemi session. · Action
  6. Order bokken and jo after your first class once you've confirmed the dojo's preferred specs. · Buy
FAQ

Common questions

Do I need to buy wooden weapons before my first aikido class?

Usually not. Most dojos lend bokken and jo to beginners for the first month or longer. Call ahead and ask your instructor exactly what to bring and when to buy.

What's the difference between aikido and other martial arts like judo or BJJ?

Aikido focuses on redirecting an attacker's energy and momentum rather than striking or out-muscling them. There's no sport competition in most schools. The philosophy is explicit: use force against itself rather than meet it head-on.

Is aikido practical for self-defense?

Honest answer: aikido takes longer to become functional for self-defense than judo or BJJ, and traditional schools often don't test techniques under full resistance. It's a legitimate art with real depth, but if self-defense is your sole goal, supplement with something more pressure-tested.

How long does it take to earn a black belt in aikido?

Most schools require 4-6 years of consistent practice for shodan (first-degree black belt), some longer. The belt structure varies by organization — some schools only use white and black. The rank matters less than the practice.

Can I practice aikido at home without a partner?

Yes, with limits. Solo weapon suburi (repetitive strikes with bokken or jo) are core to the practice. Footwork patterns (tenkan, irimi) work in any clear space. But most actual techniques and all ukemi (falling) require a partner.

How much does it cost to start aikido?

Budget $80-200 for gear: a gi ($50-100), bokken ($20-40), and jo ($20-35). Monthly dojo fees typically run $60-150 depending on your city. Many dojos offer a free trial class.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • United States Aikido Federation (USAF) — The main governing body for Aikikai-affiliated dojos in the US. Dojo finder, ranking info, and seminar listings.
  • Aikido Journal — The most comprehensive English-language resource: history, technique breakdowns, dojo finder, and interviews with senior teachers.
  • AikiWeb — Active forums with practitioners at all levels. Search the archives before posting — most beginner questions have thorough answers already.
  • International Aikido Federation — The worldwide governing body. Useful if you're looking for dojos while traveling internationally.
  • Aikido Shugyo (YouTube) — One of the clearest channels for beginners: good camera angles, explains the reasoning behind movements rather than just showing them.
  • r/aikido — Honest community with practitioners across styles and organizations. Good for beginner questions and the occasional spirited debate about tradition vs. aliveness.

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