Frequently asked questions

Aikido is a Japanese martial art. The idea is to avoid an attack, blend with your attacker and establish control. Aikido is suitable for people of all shapes and fitness. You can learn more here: What is Aikido?

At the beginning, no level of fitness is required. Benefits include self-discipline, increased fitness, better posture and balance, and a physical competence and confidence in movement. 

Aikido is a non-competitive martial art, the practice method is cooperative. Working together, rather than trying to defeat each other creates a unique training situation, and produces many of the benefits of Aikido. Practitioners are assessed through grading tests.

First, you should register for the classes you are interested in. Then, you should attend a basic class to try out and observe, and take part is some exercises as deemed appropriate by the instructor (this will depend on the content on the class).

After attending and observing a free class, you can typically book classes in groups of 10, or through a monthly membership (or longer term options).

A typical class starts with some simple warming up exercises, which is then followed by posture and movement work. We then usually move on to ukemi (how to fall). After this, we start practicing Aikido techniques, in pairs, after a demonstration by the instructor. 

People will then pair up and begin practicing, one person 'giving' the technique (named ''tori''), and one person 'recieving' the technique (named ''uke''). After 4 repitions, they will swap. 

In the first few classes, the emphasis will be more on the movement and ukemi than on the techniques. (Don't worry - we always teach you how to fall before we throw you!). Instructors will always take care to keep beginners practicing within their ability.

You can learn more about basic classes here: Basic Class Guide, and where you can see a video showing the structure of a basic class.

For beginners, you should wear simple exercise clothes, like a long sleeved top, and tracksuit pants. There is no footwear worn in Aikido. 

Aikido is practiced in a kekogi, and a hakama for dan-grades (3rd Kyu and above for women), which you can purchase from us after your registration. 

You should take your shoes off in the dojo, and walk in ''zori'' (flip-flops or sandals) or other indoor footwear. 

After you register, you should come and observe a free class, to see if you are interested and it is for you. 

Depending on the class content, we often allow people to join the warm-up, and try some aikido techniques in the class (depending on the content of the class, the instructor will always advise a new beginner on what to practice.) 

After this, each club has it's own fee structure, and you should refer to the Clubs page to see the individual fees for booking classes.

After you register, you should come and observe a free class, to see if you are interested and it is for you. 

Depending on the class content, we often allow people to join the warm-up, and try some aikido techniques in the class (depending on the content of the class, the instructor will always advise a new beginner on what to practice.) 

After this, each club has it's own fee structure, and you should refer to the Clubs page to see the individual fees for booking classes.

For detailed fee information, please see the page of the club you are interested in practicing in here: Classes

You can pay after observing a class and deciding if you want to continue. You should speak to the instructor after the class.

No, please arrive to the class before it starts - it is best to be on the mat 10 - 15 minutes before class start.

When you enter the dojo or tatami (mats), please bow to the shomen (front of the dojo). After this, please conduct yourself respectfully while in the dojo, and bow when entering or leaving the mat.

Yes, but you need to register with the club you would like to practice with, and contact them to let them know when you would like to attend. Visitor fees will be advised by the club instructor.

Seminar & course places always go to our regular members first, and are then opened up to the general public. Please get in touch with us directly if you would like to attend a seminar. 

Yes, we stock some keiko-gi's (in limited sizes, depending on the club). You can enquire and we will offer some guidence on whether we can sell one, or direct you to somewhere you can purchase.

As a general rule, please use a clean keiko-gi for each class. Please be considerate of your practice partners.

Yes, but note: traditionally, a hakama is worn by women from 3rd Kyu, and by men from 1st Dan.

No, essentially you should stay on the mat until the class is finished. If you need to leave early for some reason, please get the instructor’s permission in advance.

No, taking photos or videos is not allowed during the class, without special permission from the instructor.

When the instructor is teaching, please focus on his instruction in seiza.

Please refrain from the following:

- Using a towel during the instructor’s teaching.

- Rearranging your keikoi-gi, belt or hakama during the instructor’s teaching.

- Rearranging your hair during the instructors teaching.