There are no competitions in Aikido. Students' development in Aikido is tested by their interaction with others, their capacity to blend with an attack or deliver one, to take a fall safely, and to redirect the energy of an aggressor. After the teacher has demonstrated a technique, students practice in pairs, alternating turns as the attacker and the defender. Aikido techniques depend primarily on circular movements to harmonize with an aggressor's force. Additional training with wooden sword and staff complement the body art and allow for improved balance, stance, timing, and distance in martial encounters.

Training in Aikido improves flexibility, muscle tone, endurance, and stimulation and direction of Ki (universal energy). Moreover, through disciplined and focused study, Aikido students learn to become more centered in their lives, allowing a sense of calm to penetrate their actions and thoughts.