Beginners Info

Beginners Classes

Beginners classes are on every Thursday  at our Cook Dojo 6pm-7pm. All are welcome. Your first beginners class is free, subject to signing an Aikido KenkyuKai Membership Form & Martial Arts Contract. You can download a copy from the Joining Our Club page or just turn up and sign one on the day (make sure you turn up early enough to complete the form before training).

Please just come with tracksuit pants and T-shirt.

Starting Training

New starters can join a class at any time or join a beginners course, which are held several times a year. We have several dojos (training places) around Canberra and the region where you can train; check the Local Training page for details. Contact details are on this page.

The instructor will accommodate you in the class and ensure you are welcomed. It is recommended that you attend one of our dojos and watch a class before participating. You must also join our club prior to participating (there is a 3 month cooling off period in which you can get a refund on your membership fee if you decide not to continue).

Benefits of Aikido

At the basic level Aikido teaches self-defence, as the techniques draw upon centuries of extremely effective Japanese fighting arts such as juijitsu and kobudo. The physical benefits are excellent, as the training process requires you to focus, keep disciplined and is quite aerobic in nature.

However, the greater benefit of the art is learning to resolve conflict positively by moving with your opponent rather than fighting against them, to let go of fear, gain self confidence and ultimately help bring your mind, body, and spirit into harmony. The training process helps uncover the gift of awareness and peace within ourselves, and is indeed a 'Way' to self discovery. Thus the art is really about learning how to live, rather than learning how to fight. You can read through the student resources, such as the essays and interviews to get a better understanding of these greater benefits.

General fitness

While Aikido makes some physical demands of its practitioners, every effort is made to cater for individual needs. The instructor should be consulted at all times. However, it is reasonably aerobic and not recommended for people with severe medical conditions, such as heart problems. There are no restrictions regarding age or gender.

Clothing and other equipment

It is best for beginners to start training in a tee-shirt and light long trousers, such as tracksuit pants, as some of the training is carried out on the knees. Regular practitioners usually purchase a white Judo-style gi, which consists of a jacket and trousers. As students advance, weapons training is practised, and students are expected to purchase relatively inexpensive wooden weapons, such as a wooden sword, staff and knife.

Note on Religious Beliefs

Aikido is not a religious martial art. Although the art comes from a long tradition of Japanese martial arts that have used concepts from Buddhist and Shinto religions, the practice itself is not religious.

Please note that there is bowing involved. At the beginning and the end of the class students are asked to bow to the front of the dojo where a picture of OSensei is placed, and then bow to the instructor. This is simply a mark of respect, not a religious ritual. If your religious beliefs restrict you from bowing to anyone but God, please speak to the instructor and seek exemption from the bowing. In this case you will be asked to sit respectfully to the side of the class while the bowing is conducted.