How fit do I need to be to practice Aikido?
All Aikido classes begin with gentle warming-up and stretching exercises. You will not be expected to push yourself further than you are able to go. Because Aikido does not involve strength in the application of techniques, you will soon find that you begin to benefit, whatever standard of your fitness. We are used to unhealthy and overweight students and cope with them all!
Can children practice Aikido?
Yes from the age of six, we hold a children's class on Thursdays at the Hollinhey Primary School dojo at 5.30pm. Our instructors taking the children's class are CRB checked and trained specifically in training young students. The club has a welfare policy regarding training children.
Click here to read the club information for parents document.
Can women practice Aikido?
Women can practice on equal terms with men. In fact women are usually suppler and less inclined to use force or strength. Therefore, with regular training, women can advance quickly.
How much does it cost?
There is a very reasonable mat fee for each night you practice. There are reductions for unemployed and juniors. You don't pay any membership fee to the club, but you are expected to join the British Aikido Federation (BAF), which is mandatory as this provides you with insurance cover. Membership is renewed annually and allows you to grade.
Mat Fees Junior/Concessions: £2.50
Family discount per extra student: £1.00
Anual Junior Club Membership: £12.00
Mat Fees Seniors: £4.00
Senior Membership: £28.00
Senior Membership Concession: £17.00
Senior Weekly Full Attendance discount: £4.00
NB:Family discount also available to parents.
What do I need to wear?
When you first come, you are most welcome to train in a tee-shirt and jogging pants or loose fitting trousers.
Do I need any special equipment?
Most people want a white practice suit (gi or dogi) as soon as they know that they are staying with us. You can buy these yourself, but we do sell them in the club which will work out cheaper for you.
We also sell wooden practice weapons such as Boken (wooden sword) Jo (wooden staff or spear) and Tanto (wooden Knife).