Some schools offer classes focused exclusively on training with the jo (staff), tanto (wooden dagger), and bokken (wooden sword), the three basic weapons used in aikido. However, since the primary purpose of aikido is not the use of weapons, students are advised to attend at least two classes per week without weapons.

There are several reasons for the inclusion of weapons in aikido training. First, many aikido movements originate from classical weapon-based martial arts. For example, all striking techniques in aikido originate from sword strikes. For this reason, hand strikes in aikido techniques appear slow and ineffective, lacking power, especially to someone trained in arts such as karate and boxing.

Initially, weapons training helps the student find the correct ma’ai (distance between two opponents). Constant movement in and out of a weapon’s range enhances the instinctive perception of distance and time, two concepts that are very important for unarmed training.

Another important reason for weapons training is the existence of many advanced techniques for defending against weapons in aikido. To ensure that such techniques are performed safely, it is important for students to know how to attack properly with a weapon and how to defend themselves when attacked.

Often, key concepts behind the movements and techniques in aikido are demonstrated more effectively through the use of weapons.

Furthermore, training in weapon kata facilitates an understanding of the general principles of aikido kinetics.

Furthermore, training with weapons adds a dynamic element to aikido training, especially in defense against armed attacks.

Weapons training offers the aikidoka the opportunity to develop a kind of reflexiveness and sensitivity to the movements and actions of those around them. An aikidoka more easily sheds a competitive mindset when training with weapons and can better focus on their cognitive development.

Finally, training with weapons is an excellent way to learn the principles behind the lines of attack and defense. All aikido techniques begin with the defender moving away from the line of attack and creating a new one—which is usually never in a straight line—in order to execute an aikido technique.