How to Join
The easiest way to join us is to come to one of our classes and either join in or watch and see if it’s for you.
Joining Form
All new members are required to fill out a joining form before they can step onto the mat (this is for insurance purposes). This can be done before coming to your first the class or on the day itself. We’d encourage you to save time and fill in the joining form beforehand. Please click on the link to download and print the official form. [Download and Print Joining Form]. From there you’re good to step on the mat and begin your aikido journey with us.
Advice for Beginners
For your first class you can wear clean loose comfortable clothing. You can buy a suit (called a gi) later, once you’ve decided to keep coming. After changing you should wear something on your feet until you reach the mat. As a matter of traditional Japanese etiquette as well as hygiene, footwear should never be worn on the mat. A good standard of personal hygiene is a courtesy to other students.
Once on the mat training will begin. There will be what seems like a lot of Japanese terminology and a certain amount of etiquette. This may seem different to begin with, just follow the other students, especially the seniors, and you’ll pick it up just fine. Above all, don’t worry, you’re not expected to know it for your first class or to learn it overnight! (For those super keen to learn though, the terminology can be found here on our website).
Advice for those a little nervous
The most difficult thing for many people in Aikido is stepping onto the mat for the first time. Joining an aikido class, or any martial art group for that matter, can be an incredibly daunting prospect – and it has been for a lot of our members. The biggest piece of advice we can give anybody even slightly interested in Aikido, and particularly joining us, is to “give it a go”. Be brave, take yourself out of your comfort zone if that’s the mindset that’s needed.
Costs
We have two things that need to be paid for by all members.
- Annual membership, which includes member insurance
- Training (mat) fees.
The annual membership is £40 for adults and £20 for students and juniors.
The mat fees differ across our dojos. The prices for our hombu (headquarters) dojo in Dewsbury (open five nights a week) are listed below. Please contact the instructor of the dojo if you’re thinking about joining one of our other dojos and you require more information, or go along to watch a training session and talk to the instructor and students afterwards.
Beginners Classes and Offers
Hombu Dojo
Beginners are able to train at our hombu dojo any weekday evening except Tuesday, which will be available after the student’s first grading. We have dedicated beginners classes there on Wednesday nights, where the fundamentals of aikido are taught at a pace suitable for those at a beginning level.
We have a special introductory offer for those wishing to train there. The cost is £50 for the first 10 lessons and first year’s annual membership (usually £40).
Pudsey Dojo
Our Pudsey dojo has the same beginners offer as the Dewsbury dojo, £50 for first 10 lessons and first year’s annual membership (usually £40). Please see here for further details, or simply attend one of the classes there.
Hombu Dojo Regular Training Costs
For those having completed the beginners course and having passed their first grading, training at our hombu is available five nights a week, therefore the costs paid on a subscription basis. The price for this is £35 per month.
Junior Classes Costs
We have two junior classes per week at our hombu dojo. These are on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The cost for this is £20 per month, for which a child can attend as many classes as they like.
Safety on the Mat
All members are reminded that safety whilst training is the responsibility of everyone on the mat and care must be taken at all times to avoid injury to yourself and others, especially when practicing with weapons. However, students must accept that due to the contact nature of Aikido, injuries may sometimes occur. All jewellery must be removed and well trimmed nails will help to avoid accidents.
Insurance
All classes are taken by instructors who are qualified and insured through the association and trained in first aid. The association has basic insurance cover via the British Aikido Board. It Is important that your annual membership and insurance subscription are kept up to date.
