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FAQ - Frequently asked Questions

FAQ for children and women are also available

Question

Answer

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Japanese martial art based on the principle of Ki, that is, the harmony or balance of energy. One seeks to overcome an attacker by first blending with the incoming attack then redirecting its energy.

Taking the attackers balance both physically and mentally and then controlling the movement is important in Aikido, as is the development of the use of Ki rather than strength. Many of the movements in Aikido are based on movements with sword and other weapons. Read more

Can anyone take part?

Yes - Our class is only open to those over 16 and adults.

Older people should weigh risks to make an informed decision regarding infections and whether they are fully vaccinated. See what our precautions are.

Do you need to be physically fit to start?

Classes are coached to suit students' abilities and fitness levels. So the answer is 'No'. But Aikido is an activity where a willingness to try is more important than fitness initially.

Are there any age restrictions?

See our answer to "Can anyone take part?"

Mature people are welcome.

We don't currently run a Junior class but accept 16 & 17 year olds as Juniors on a Senior mat.

Where do the classes take place?

Our class is at The Grammar, Marlborough Road, Bowdon, Altrincham WA14 2RS.

When does the class take place?

Sunday afternoon 15:00 to 16:45. Arrive 15 minutes beforehand to help lay the mat if there is no user in the hall.

We tried running a second class in late 2023 but need more members not to run at a loss. We will try again later in 2024

What about classes for younger students?

Participants need to be 16+,

The shape of our aikido community has changed considerably since lockdown. The coaching team has shrunk,  has less availability and flexibility to run classes. Also very few of our graded students below black belt have restarted which limits the assistance we previously had supporting the junior class. This means the Junior class is not reopening in the long term.

What is the format of classes?

Classes start with gentle stretching and warming up exercises. We then carry out some basic body movement (taisabaki) exercises to practice the basic steps of avoidance and blending which underpin the Aikido techniques.

This is followed by the instructor (Sensei) demonstrating techniques which are then practised by the students in pairs or ability groups.

Lesson plans are varied by our qualified coaches to suit abilities and experience of those present.

Do I need any special clothing or equipment to start?

No special clothing or equipment is required to begin with.

We recommend you wear something old, loose and un-restricting like a track suit. Please try to avoid anything with zips/buttons etc.

You can buy judo suits and other equipment at discounted prices through the Club once you decide Aikido is for you.

Do I need to do any preparation before attending classes?

No specific preparation is required - a willingness to try is important.

Why are you wearing flip flops or sandels etc to the edge of the mat?

We remove footwear at the mat edge and step barefoot onto the mat directly to avoid bringing grit on the mat surface - which is a hazard.

How do I start?

Need to sort forms and other admin matters out before attending a class.

 

Do you have grades in Aikido?

There is a formal grading structure in Aikido which takes students from beginner level through Kyu grades to Dan grade (black belt) just like other martial arts. 

As you settle into the club and build your skill level - you will start approaching your first grading between 40 and 60 training hours.

How will I be treated as a beginner?

You will be welcomed onto the mat after registering and will practice alongside and with other students.

During your first sessions you will be taught basic breakfall (ukemi) techniques; blending and avoidance movements. You will also work with other students practising various pinning and projection techniques.

We also provide after your first class our Beginner's Booklet that gives greater detail about us and Aikido.

Are there any Aikido competitions?

Our club practices traditional Aikido which builds defensive skills and so there are no competitions.

We rely on working with partners so that the attacker (nage) and defender (uke) work in unison to develop and perfect techniques.

Do I need a background in Martial Arts?

Absolutely not.

I am not very fit - can I practise Aikido

Aikido can be vigorous but classes tend to run at much lower levels particularly so for beginners - it's the quality of the movements that are important and to grasp those the speed of movements is much lower.

Your fitness will improve class on class.

Can I practise at home to improve?

It's really hard to practise at home --- especially when starting out except for some of the turning movements and solo weapon work.

I can't remember what was taught in my first class is this normal?

Yes - It can seem like a fog at first - but gradually you find you repeat items from earlier classes and then have the satisfaction of feeling you know something; and the fog starts to lift. 

Why do we train with Weapons?

Defending against weapons is part of Aikido and is part of our defensive system.

Learning weapons, which we do also, serves to enhance your own Aikido by increasing your spatial awareness and improving body movement and posture. Together with developing an understanding of lines of attack and the defences needed.

What's the difference between a Bo and a Jo?

Bo is larger and longer we use jo a smaller variety of stick.

Kokyu throw