Yongsan Aikikai  

Depending on how many practices you do a week

1 Practice a week = £24 per month

2 Practices a week = £40 per month

We offer a combined Insurance/membership for £25 per annum. Insurance is through the British Aikido Board.

For the first month you can wear loose fitting clothes like tracksuit trousers (no zips) and t-shirt. After the first month you should look into buying a keiko dogi (training uniform usually judo style) which are about £25

You should also think about bringing some zori (sandals) to walk from the changing room to the mat. And a small towel (flannel size) to wipe any sweat on your face and hands

Yes the classes are open to anyone over the age of 18.  Unfortunately at this time we do not offer children's classes

Absolutely. Aikido can be very energetic and cardiovascular.

Yes, Seats are provided to quietly watch the practice and the instructor and other students would be happy to answer any questions you have after the practice .

We undertake all kyu grades in house. All Yudansha (black belt) examinations are carried out annually under Hiroaki Kobayashi and signed by Yasuo Kobayashi Sensei (8th Dan) and certified by the current doshu Moriteru Ueshiba. All registered in Japan. All students who pass their yudansha examinations receive an international yudansha book, hombu membership card and certificate signed by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.

Fitness is not an issue for beginners and the practice will progress in line with your abilities. So initially the pace is slow and controlled, but as you progress and learn more the practice can be very cardiovascular. But you will have gradually developed and be able to practice at that level

Aikido is a contact martial art, which uses joint locks and throws. However practice is under controlled conditions. We have not experienced any serious injuries at our Dojo.

The class ranges from long time practitioners to beginners so there is always a wide range of abilities to practice with.

You don't have to have any martial art experience to come along and learn Aikido. New students are carefully taken through the syllabus from breakfalls to basic body movements into techniques

Classes are offered on Mondays at the Papworth Everard Village Hall and Fridays at the Huntingdon Medway Community Centre.   Click here for more details

The short answer is no. However the only secret to martial arts is the more you practice the better you become. Class fees are monthly so it is in your interest to practice as often as you are able.

We practice either bokken or jo (wooden sword or wooden staff) every week covering basic movements through to katas and partner practices.

Yes classes are always open and you can start whenever you want.  

From time to time we may run a specific beginners courses; however, beginners are encouraged to come along and join in regular practice.

Classes are open to all levels from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Just turn up in your gi or tracksuit and t-shirt with your mat fees and insurance money.

Depends on how often you practice and your abilities, but a general guide would be around 5 years. Remember there are no short cuts to proficiency