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Frequently Asked Questions & our answers
Main contact number 01522 889620
What is the History of Aikido? click here to read about it
How much do classes cost ?
New student: If you are a new student, we would suggest that you join the (Wednesday evening) Beginners Course. The course runs for ten weeks; one class per week.
Each class lasts for one hour and the fee for the whole ten weeks is £45.00.
Within this fee you will be given your own Gi ( Aikido suit).
Please note that if you wish to join the Beginners’ Class then it is necessary to phone beforehand 01522 889620
Alternatively: you can attend any class: Aikido, Yoga, Tai Chi for the cost of £5 per class, to be paid to the teacher at the end of class. Most classes last for one and a half hours.
Monthly club subscription: If you decide that you would like attend classes regularly then the most economical way to pay is by direct debit through your bank. The cost of this is £37.50 per month as you will quickly calculate that this works out at a very reasonable rate if you intend to attend two or more classes a week. At present the club runs nine classes a week.
Is there an age limit for learning Aikido?
Definitely not. Aikido is open to all ages, young, old, men, women, boys and girls and all shapes and sizes. Aikido is a true art of mind and body and does not rely on strength or gender, as you will see when you attend your first class. Members range from teenagers to people in their fifties and older. All are welcome.
Is Aikido really suitable for women and young women?
Aikido is without doubt totally effective in application and virtually unique in its philosophy. The question of gender is irrelevant, such things as strength or height are unimportant. Aikido relies on form, balance and focusing the mind. Training regularly can quickly build confidence and competence, giving you the edge to be in control when you most need it. So yes, above all martial arts, Aikido is ideal for women of all ages.
I want to be able to look after myself but I am not aggressive by nature... would Aikido work for me?
If you have a gentle nature and don't like fighting but know you should learn something to defend yourself, then Aikido will work for you. Since this is a purely defensive martial arts form that uses the other person's momentum & energy against them, there aren't any attack-based techniques to learn.
How do I join?
This is easy... you can call the contact number for a quick chat or just arrive 15 minutes before any scheduled class. Ask to speak with the Aikido instructor and someone will guide you. If you initially just wish to observe a class, that will be quite acceptable.
Please note that if you wish to join the Beginners’ Class then it is necessary to phone beforehand 01522 889620
Where do we train?
At the Lincoln Aikido Dojo, in Monson Street, just off the Old High Street
What does “Dojo” mean?
The word Dojo means "training hall." The Lincoln Aikido club have a spacious facility with padded training mats, a mens’ dressing area and a ladies’ changing room, male and female toilets.
I understand that Aikido teachers are called Sensei, What does Sensei mean?
Sensei is an honorific title meaning "teacher". The head of a dojo is always referred to as Sensei and other instructors as well. O-Sensei means great teacher. In Aikido this refers to Ueshiba Sensei, the Founder of Aikido.
I see that there is a lot of falling and rolling in Aikido, I am concerned about hurting myself ?
Students are taught from the first day how to fall safely. This is in fact one of the most important and pleasant aspects of Aikido training. We train on soft mats. There is some risk from the throws, rolls, etc. in Aikido. However, Aikido emphasizes safety. Each student is taught to be aware of his or her own, as well as the partner's, ability. Aikido is non-competitive. When you are on the mat you learn Aikido by receiving as well as giving techniques.
How often should I attend class?
It is up to you how often you train but if you want to progress at a reasonable rate we would encourage students to attend classes 2 to 3 times a week. And don’t forget if you pay a monthly fee you are entitled to attend an unlimited number of classes which also include Yoga and Tai Chi.
What can I expect when I begin classes?
As a new student you will be under the wing of the teacher (Sensei) or one of his instructors who will work with you whilst you find your feet. We must stress again, all training is carried out at the pace of the individual, there is no rush. You will find that the students and teachers, no matter what rank, will be there to help you when you need it.
What do I wear?
For your first visit be sure to wear loose fitting clothes e.g. joggers or something similar. The traditional wear is a karate or Judo style suit; the correct name for this is a Gi. If you join the beginners 10 week course you will be given a Gi within the price of the course. Alternatively you may purchase a Gi at the dojo for about £25
I understand that you progress by taking “grading” and wear coloured belts to signify your grade.
Yes this is correct
What is the order of the coloured belts?
In our syllabus they run as follows. White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Brown, Black.
What are the big black skirt-like trousers I see worn ?
This is called the Hakama. In our syllabus, black hakama are worn to indicate that someone has attained their black-belt (Dan Grade).
Must I be in good physical condition?
As with most martial arts it helps for students of Aikido to be in good physical condition but in saying this, as you train, you will naturally and quickly build up your fitness, strength and endurance.
Is Aikido a good form of Self-defence?
The short answer is yes. The trained aikido practitioner can acquit himself very well in most self-defence situations. Aikido is especially effective for defending against punches, kicks and grabs, as well as attacks with knives, sticks, bats, etc. Finally, as a measure of the effectiveness of Aikido techniques, it should be pointed out that nearly all the submission techniques taught to police officers are either Aikido techniques or very similar jujitsu techniques. As you know, the police lose very few fights.
Summary: Aikido is for everyone
No matter how long we have been training, one day or twenty years, we all are learners. Everyone mixes in, regardless of status or grade. Aikido is non-competitive; Aikido is peaceful in philosophy but an effective self defence.in the face of confrontation and danger.
Aikido is good for Men and Women of all ages:
it is an ideal method of self defence that does not rely on strength or size; it is as effective as Yoga & Aerobics for suppleness and fitness, it is (unlike other martial arts) non-aggressive. It burns up calories (unless you go to the pub afterwards!) and it is an excellent fitness regime, improving confidence, mental and physical fitness. It encourages natural body development and is effective against all forms of attack
For older people:
it improves stability & enhances suppleness of joints and muscles. It promotes general fitness with gentle exercise routines and is an ideal way to keep the old grey matter fit and focused.
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