General information

These sections are about information that does not fit anywhere else.

Etiquette on (and off) the mat

Overall, we tend to be quiet relax and friendly club but there are a few things worth keeping in mind.

Counting in Japanese

Here it is: ichi (1), ni (2), san (3), shi (4), go (5), roku (6), shichi (7) hachi (8), kyu (9), ju (10). Then it is ju-ichi (11), ju-ni (12), ju-san (13), ju-yon (14), ju-go (15), ju-roku (16), ju-nana (17), ju-hachi (18), ju-kyu (19), ni-ju (20), ni-ju-ichi (21) ... etc till hyaku (100).

Note that four can be pronounced shi or yon. The kanji for death and four are pronounced shi hence the change to yon. You can tell the difference either by context or if in writing by different kanji. Seven can be pronounced shichi or nana. The latter being used to differential between shichi and hachi which can sound very similar. After ten, use yon and nana.

Costs of Aikido

Overall, practising Aikido is not expensive. But before you buy anything make sure that Aikido is for you and that you want to keep it up. For the first few sessions, just come in comfortable clothes and see if you like it. We use the money gathered to invite instructors to come and teach at least twice a year.

What?

How much?

When?

A session

£1

Every time you come and train if you are a student during term time.

A session

£5

Every time you come and train if you are a town member.

Weekly fees

£10

If you wish to train two or more sessions a week.

Membership

£20

Once a year if you are a student, including insurance.

Insurance

£6

Once a year.

Dogi (white suit)

£25

Once every 5 years.

Bokken (wooden sword)

£10 to £20

Until it breaks.

Jo (wooden staff)

£10 to £20

Until it breaks.

Grading and new belt

£5 to £30

Increases with each kyu grade.

Grading to first dan

£110

One time fee but you get a JAA certifate and a shiny black belt with Kanji on it...

Grading to second dan

£135

One time fee.

What does the kanji on the banner say?

It says mu shin, mu gamae which means no mind, no posture. It is a calligraphy by Tomiki sensei. He felt that mu shin mu gamae reflected what an Aikidoka should be like. The Shodokan symbol is on the left and more info exists on the Shodokan Honbu site.

''Ukemi-waza'' or the art of break falling

Some beginners seem to have problems with ukemi so I thought I would help and provide some more information:

Fudebakedo ukemi

31 jo kata

Fudebakedo jo kata

Ki in Aikido

Fudebakedo ki in aikido

Information (last edited 2009-09-08 11:00:40 by YannGolanski)