Find a Lancashire Aikikai club near you - Lancashire, Merseyside, Manchester, Cheshire and Wexford (IRL). Go to the governing body's website (BAB) if we haven't got a club near you.
We study traditional aikido but there are other styles - choose a club and style that suits you. Go and watch or better still turn up to have a go.
Q. Do we run beginner's sessions?
A. Not generally - classes are taylored by the instructors for those that are there and their abilities.
Q. Can I just turn up and have a go?
A. Yes - read on - we need to cover some paperwork so turn up before the advertised time - costs vary club to club. COVID may have changed this.
Q. What to wear?
A. We recommend you wear something loose and un-restricting like a track suit. Please try to avoid anything with zips/buttons etc. Shorts aren't the best idea. Gi's from other martial arts are fine as well.
Q. Do I need to be fit?
A. No level of fitness is required to start only a willingness to learn and have a go. Through Aikido you will improve your fitness, flexibility and grow in confidence. There is nothing to bar any one having a go unless you have medical advice against this activity. Our induction process covers a health declaration - so that we are aware of factors that may limit or alter the way we might cover parts of what we might want to teach you.
Q. Are training sessions on all year round
A. Yes - except in holiday seasons when certain classes may be cancelled. Contact the local club for details.
Q. How big are classes?
A. Class sizes differ from one club to another and can change depending on the night. Generally, in our Association, you'll find class sizes ranging from 8 to 15 participants.
If you're new to the club, please arrive about 10-15 minutes early before the scheduled start time. This will allow us to conduct an induction, as it's important to discuss any medical issues that might affect your practice and collect your contact information. The way we record how you found out about our club may differ a bit from one club to another. However, you can check out a standard form, fill it out, and take it with you.
The class begins promptly at the start time, so students should arrive a bit earlier to change and, if necessary, lay out the mats.
The class formally starts with acknowledgement and respect to each other through bows and the Founder of Aikido. (This were you just need to copy others).
Warm up exercises to prepare the body for the class are undertaken in just the same as any other physical activity.
After warming up, we typically practice basic movement and turning exercises.
The heart of the class focuses on learning various techniques, with each student taking turns to practice defense. Techniques may be taught through a series of progressive steps or as a whole. Students also have the chance to learn from those with higher ranks or practice at their own level.
If you're new, you'll be guided on how to safely execute movements, including rolling and breakfalls.
If you're new, you'll be guided on how to safely execute movements and keep both yourself and your partner safe,.
At first, everything might feel a bit overwhelming, and recalling details from your initial classes can be hard. You might find challenges in maintaining the correct posture and figuring out which hands to use. But don't worry; as you continue to practice the techniques from earlier classes, everything will start to make sense.
One of aspects of aikido is the breadth of material to be learnt - this stops you getting bored but equally could be one of fustrations.
Cool down.
Formal end of the class and putting the mat away if this is needed in the location.
We normally practise in a Judo or Karate suit.
However there is no need to buy one until you are hooked on Aikido. Loose trousers or a jogging suit is fine with a top that is not to thin. A rugby shirt type are fine.
In order to avoid grit or dirt going onto a mat - we wear flip flops or sandels to the mat edge. Provided you can get to the mat edge in anything other than bare feet then that is acceptable.
Mat fees range from £5 to £8 per session with some clubs offering a monthly basis instead. Some offer special pricing for your first few practices but this varies club to club. Details are provided with the individual club pages on this website. The British Aikido Board the NGB (National Governing Body} require all practising become a member at £10. Before they put their foot on the mat for everyone's protectionas Insurance is built in.
Full Aikikai membership fees are not paid till towards the end of your first month with us pro-rated LA membership fee valid at the time you started which will be no more than £12. (Concession rate available for students, retired & unwaged)
Full membership is required once the 4 week temporary / trial membership has expired because insurance is only effective when a person is in membership.
