Whitefriar Aikido Club

Beginners FAQ

Some questions and answers about training in IAA Whitefriar Aikido Club.

The first few weeks in any new activity is always the hardest, getting used to a new environment, new people, strange customs and behaviour. This article is designed to make your entry into the wonderful world of Aikido smoother and more enjoyable. Before you train - there are so many questions you want to ask. Here we try to answer many of them.

What do I need to do before I start training?

Nothing, just turn up and join in. However, If you have any reason to doubt your suitability to practice Aikido, especially from a medical point of view, please consult your own Doctor before training. The teaching staff at our Dojos are not medically trained to make such a decision. Please be sure to inform the instructors if you have a condition/ailment that requires consideration or special attention.

What should I wear?

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in... preferably some loose clothing (track suit, karate gi etc). For the safety and comfort of both your self and the other people in the Dojo, please make sure that there is nothing sharp in your pockets, that you are not wearing a belt and that you remove jewellery, watches etc before you step onto the mat.

What about footwear?

During Aikido practice you will be training in your bare feet (unless there is a medical reason not to). Naturally, our own personal hygiene is very important in this regard. Hands & feet should be kept clean at all times, with both finger and toe nails well trimmed. It can be embarrassing for the instructor to have to bring these matters to your attention - so please, take responsibility for your own cleanliness. It is a good idea to take a pair of flip-flops or slip-on's with you to wear from the changing rooms to the training area.

What is the traditional Aikido costume?

Most people who are practicing Aikido regularly will eventually wear a white suit (Keikogi) - cost price to club members - and the black Hakama which is a tradition part of Japanese dress. In the I.A.A. the wearing of the Hakama is a matter of choice, after one years steady practice, and is not a sign of grade or seniority. Do not hurry to spend your money on a suit until you are sure you would like to continue training. If you do decide to wear the Aikido attire you are asked to treat it with due respect - in acknowledgement of the Japanese tradition from which it has been borrowed.

What is all the bowing about?

You will notice a lot of bowing during Aikido training. This is, once again part of the Japanese ambiance that is maintained in an Aikido Dojo. We bow to the centre piece at the start of the class to acknowledge the source of Aikido. We bow to each other to show our mutual respect and our readiness to commence training. The instructor will exchange bows with whomever he or she is demonstrating with and students will bow to each other at various stages during training. All bowing is simply an acknowledgment of respect.

So when do I bow?

You don't have to at all if you don¢t want to. However, it is a safe bet that you will not go far wrong if you bow when everyone else does, or when somebody bows to you personally. What happens during a normal class? Ever class begins with a gentle warm up for about 20 minutes, gradually moving on the the basic Aikido body exercises and steps. The rest of the class is usually spent on paired training. The instructor will demonstrate a move with a club member and, when she/he is finished, the class will form pairs or groups, to explore the move.

How do I recognise the other beginners?

In Irish Aikido Association clubs beginners do not have to work with other beginners. All students, of all grades, work together. It is a good idea to work with as many different people as possible during any class - working with each person is a different experience. If you would like a copy of the IAA Grading policy - please ask the instructor.

What fees do I have to pay?

The annual registration contribution is 10.00 Euro per year, per member. This is the only mandatory payment and should be paid before your 2nd class. There are no class fees, however, there is a voluntary contribution towards the running of the club of about 5.00 Euro per class. Please do not restrict your Aikido training due to a lack of money. It is the spirit in which we train that makes a good Aikido class - not the money that we pay.

What do I call the Instructors?

Brendan, Brigid or whoever they are. The Whitefriar Aikido Club likes to keep the atmosphere in our Dojo as natural as possible. So please - no Sensei ! Sirs or Madams !

Can I visit other Aikido Clubs?

Yes. The IAA acknowledges all other Aikido organisations and at all times we encourage our students to visit other Aikido Clubs/Dojos.

What are my rights as an IAA member?

As a member of an IAA club you have the right to:

to learn in a safe and hygienic environment.
to practice without abuse, humiliation or hurt.
to choose who you do, or do not, train with.
to ask questions of students and the instructors
to set your own schedule of practice/ attendance.
to enjoy your practice and rest when you need to.
and very importantly you have the right to refuse to do anything that you feel is against your nature, better judgment or ability.

What are my responsibilities as an IAA member?

As a member you will be expected to:

to give to others the same encouragement, welcome, and respect that has been extended to you.
to help in the ongoing maintenance of the Dojo.
to respect all other Aikido organisations, of whatever style, and to generally promote Aikido.
to pay your insurance contributions when due.
to sign both your name and insurance number in the attendance book at the beginning of Every class.
to inform yourself of first-aid and bleeding procedures during training in IAA Dojos.

Ego Free Zone

Please Note: The Dojos of the Irish Aikido Association are declared Ego free zones. Any Egos found active within the IAA Dojos shall be challenged and deflated - with tender loving care.

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