Abertillery Aikido Club. Bushinkai.

This page has been set up for anyone who may be interested in starting Aikido at our club, but may have a few questions. I have tried to list as many topics and answers as possible. If you require any further information, please e-mail to Sensei Jones, who will try to answer your enquiry.

1. Do I need a suit to start training?

There is no need to buy a training suit or Keikogi right at the beginning. It is advisable to wait a few weeks to see if you like the Aikido training first. If you decide to continue, see Sensei Jones, who will order a training suit for you.

2. What should I wear to class in the first few weeks?

Wear something old, which you do not mind getting ripped. This will not happen, but you never know.

3. Are the suits expensive?

The training suits are quite expensive, if you buy them from a High Street shop. We have a wholesale account with Blitz and Nine Circles, who are an international martial arts retailers. Most items are a lot cheaper than the shops.

4. Do I need to join the club?

There is no fee to join the club as such. After 2 training sessions, you will be asked to join the Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society. This is the main organisation which the club belongs too. They provide us with training insurance, which is vital. Senior insurance is £12.00 per year.

5. Weapons are used, when should I buy my set?

This is a very similar answer to number 1 in the list. When you have been training for a while and you feel that you want to continue, you will be encouraged to obtain your own personal set of weapons. Again we can purchase these a lot cheaper then other outlets. With other Associations, live weapons have been restricted under their insurance coverage. Live weapons will be used in Abertillery Aikido Club, but only under strict supervision. (Please Note. We are no longer insured to use live weapons under the BAB insurance. Students who do use live weapons, do so knowing they are not insured to do so.)

6. How much does it cost per week?

At present we charge £3.00 per session. As the class grows, we will look to reduce the cost. Abertillery Aikido Club is a non profit making club. No one gets paid to teach Aikido, so the club fund will be spent on the members, or subsidise their training.

6a. Weapons Training.

Weapons training will take place every other Thursday from the 16th November, 2006. Spare weapons will be available for beginners to use.

7. When will I get my coloured belts?

You will be advised when a grading is scheduled, and your name will be put forward. There is a check list of reasons why someone will or will not be graded. Regular attendance, progression, and attitude to Aikido are all taken into consideration. Please see the grading information page for more details.

8. How long will it take me to get to black belt?

If anyone tells you it is easy to get to black belt, they are lying. It takes a lot of hard work. It should take the normal student 5+ years to get to 1st Dan. First black belt. Some take longer, some less.

9. Will I get back up from other members?

Abertillery Aikido Club has a very friendly attitude, and welcomes all to train. Books, videos, and DVD's are available to borrow. Help is always available. Never be afraid to ask.

10. Are there competitions, and will I win medals?

There are no competitions in Traditional Aikido. All gradings are a test of knowledge only. There are no medals to be won. In 28 years of training, I have only recently been featured in a local newspaper. If you are looking for fame and glory, then Aikido is not the type of martial training you are looking for.

11. Why is the teacher wearing a skirt?

The Hakama is an oversized pair of trousers. They were originally worn by the Samurai when riding horses. The founder of Aikido was a traditionalist, so he expected all students to wear a Hakama. Some of the other arts such as Kendo, Iaido, and Kyudo also wear the Hakama. In Aikido today, male students approaching Dan grade are allowed to wear the Hakama, normally from 2nd - 1st Kyu. And women are allowed from low grade. The Hakama is not a privilege, it is a part of the Aikido uniform, and should be treated as such. In Abertillery Aikido club, you will be advised when you can start wearing a Hakama. The instructor does not believe a student has to pass their Dan grade before being allowed to wear the Hakama. Any students who wants to learn how to fold a Hakama, should see me after class.

12. Can I borrow items from the club library straight away?

Unfortunately, we cannot allow new students to borrow items from the library until they have been with the club a few weeks, and have joined the Shin Gi Tai. Once you are a full member, you can borrow any item which is available from the library page. (High priced items are only allowed to be borrowed by senior students.)

13. I want to learn more about Aikido, but do not live in the area?

Just because you don't live in our area, doesn't mean we won't help you. We are always happy to point you in the right direction. I must stress, we cannot guarantee the quality of the instruction in Dojo's in any other town or city, but we can provide information on how to find them. Please contact Nigel for further advice.

14. How old do I need to be?

Abertillery Aikido Club's new policy, is to admit any student of the age of 18 and above. No children under this age will be allowed to join, or participate in any classes. Children under the age of 18, will only be allowed to spectate the class within the Dojo if accompanied by their parent or guardian. Anyone who is believed to be under the age of 18, will be asked to leave the Dojo by the instructor. No children will be allowed of any age. The club will continue to have a resident Child Protection Officer.

15. I'm not very fit, can I practice Aikido?

Aikido practice is open to all. You do not have to be fit to learn Aikido. As you train, you will become fitter. No one is made to do anything they know they would not be able to do. If the instructor feels you are able to do it, you will be encouraged to go further, but you will not be made to do anything. Even people who feel they are reasonably fit, will find some aspects of Aikido difficult. Training is a progressive thing, as you will use different muscle groups to normal everyday movement.

16. Is Aikido easy to learn?

A quick answer no! When new people start, they will find everything quite difficult and hard to understand. The best advice is to learn what you can, and keep an open mind. As time goes on, everything will fall in to place, and you will begin to understand what is going on. Don't try too hard in the beginning, you will be helped all the way. Talk to other new students, they will pass on tips, and will understand the situation you are in. We were all beginners once, so we know what it's like. It does get easier in time!

17. I have further questions.

If you have any further questions which have not been explained above, please feel free to email us. Our addresses are listed on the Contact us page. All the people who have allowed their email addresses to be published are more than happy to answer any questions you may have, and happy to receive multiple questions, so please don't hesitate to ask. We are never tired of being asked questions, and are more than happy to help.