The Grass Valley Aikikai practices Hombu dojo style. Kyu ranks go in inverse order from fifth to first. Black belt ranks start at first degree and go up.
Most aikido techniques have two versions, omote and ura.
The omote version brings the action to front of the partner's body. The ura version takes the action behind the partner. This is a traditional phrase said to one's partner when initiating practice. It can be translated several ways, and is sometimes used to answer the phone or when entering a store. Altar at the front of a dojo.