New students are very welcome any time – contact us first or just turn up. Some students prefer just to watch the first time, while others prefer to join in – it’s completely up to you.

All students are fully insured. Please let one of the instructors know if you have any injuries or health conditions, or any other concerns about training, when you complete your club membership form.

For your first lesson, you don’t need to wear an aikido gi (training uniform) – in fact it’s probably better if you wait a few weeks before buying one, to make sure that aikido is right for you. In any case, please wear comfortable sports clothing (long sleeves, and trousers not shorts), and please remove all jewellery. We train in bare feet. Personal hygiene is important. Please make sure you start the class well hydrated.

The classes are mixed ability. Beginners are paired with an instructor or experienced student, who will teach you at your own pace. Safety is paramount, and as a beginner you will be taught to fall safely, and never pushed beyond your ability. 

We observe some structured etiquette, such as bowing at the beginning and end of class. We also use a small amount of Japanese in class. The basic instructions you will need to know are:

Rei: Bow

Hajime: Start

Yame: Stop

Above all, just turn up and enjoy yourself. It will probably take several (or many!) lessons for the basics to “click”  but we have all been there ourselves at one point . . .