Aikido Kenkyukai Sydney CityHow To Get Started
Home Page Childrens Aikido Program General Information Thank you for your interest in our Aikido classes! Our Adults Program is open to men and women of any age and no experience is necessary. Every effort will be made by the instructor and your training partners to accommodate your individual needs and ensure your comfort in the class. Please take the time to read through the following information and contact the instructor if you have any questions. For information on our new Childrens Aikido Program, please click here. For the safety and enjoyment of all students, we recommend the following for any person wishing to take part in our classes:
first observe a class
next complete a membership application then choose a starter pack and you're ready to go! Short-term visitors from other Aikido schools may be exempted from paying membership fees and first observing a class but are still required to complete a membership application. Observing a class Every dojo is different and each teacher has their own unique style and experience. By first observing a class, you can gain a sense of the atmosphere and training approach in our dojo, as well as meet the people you're going to be studying with. If what you see inspires you, you can join us on the mat during your next visit! Aikido Kenkyukai Sydney City offers a range of morning and evening classes as follows, with new classes to be added soon:  When coming to observe a class, please remember the following points of etiquette:
Remove your shoes before stepping up into the dojo.
Make a kneeling bow towards the front of the dojo before taking a seat.
Ensure your mobile phone is switched off or set to silent mode.
Don't eat or drink whilst in the dojo.
Sit quietly with an alert posture and refrain from talking during the class.
If you're coming just to watch, you can arrive just before the regular starting times shown above. If you're actually going to participate in the class, you're encouraged to arrive 30 mins early to help prepare the dojo before class. Once you start training, attendance at 2 or more classes per week is recommended for maximum benefit and progress. 
Membership - an industry requirement We are a member of the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA) and operate under their National Code of Practice. All our instructors are accredited as martial arts instructors through MAIA under the auspices of the National Martial Arts Instructors Accreditation Scheme (NMAS). We have completed a course of modules in general sports coaching as well as martial arts specific coaching, and are bound by the Instructor's Code of Ethics. As per the MAIA's recommendations, all prospective students are asked to complete a membership agreement if they wish to take part in our classes. The annual membership fee for AKI is $110, or only $80 for your first year with one of our Starter Packs (payable after your initial 2 week trial period). As a member of AKI, you'll be able to train at any dojo throughout our national and international network, and will be eligible for gradings which are internationally recognised and registered with Aikikai Japan. You'll also be invited to participate in AKI special training events with our top national and international instructors. See our news page and events calendar for details. Starter Packs We offer a range of different starter packs depending on your level of experience. Our 'Beginners Starter Pack' ($99) includes 2 weeks' unlimited training (up to 10 classes), a white keiko-gi (a judo-style uniform comprising a jacket, pants and belt), $30 off your first year's membership of AKI, and a copy of 'The Art of Peace' by Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba (total value: $190). This book provides a beautiful introduction to the philosophy of Aikido, showing us that the real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature - a must-read for any new student of the Art! 
Other starter packs are available for new students who already have their own uniforms, or for experienced students of other Aikido styles. Please ask the instructor for details when making an appointment for your first class. Other requirements Tuition fees After your initial 2 week trial, you can choose a fee option to suit your needs. An unlimited term pass enables you to attend as many classes as you wish in a 3-month term while making a substantial saving (up to 70%) on your tuition fees. This is the most economical option if you intend to train more than once a week. For students with less predictable schedules, our ten-class passes provide a flexible, low-cost alternative. Ten-class passes are valid for 3 months and can be renewed whenever you run out of classes.
*Excludes public holidays and special training **Concession rate for full-time students / hardship Unlimited term passes and 10-class passes are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Exceptions may be made for injuries or illnesses on an individual basis where written notice has been provided to AKI Sydney City Dojo. Weapons As students progress, they are introduced to weapons training. This is an integral part of advanced practice, honing focus, precision and timing while building speed and strengthening ki extension. The weapons used by Aikidoka include bokuto or bokken (wooden long sword), shoto (wooden short sword), jo (wooden staff) and tanto (wooden knife). These weapons are relatively inexpensive and are available for purchase at our dojo. Please see the instructor for details. Breakfast, coffee, drinks or dinner Not a requirement but an invitation! After class we often head out together for breakfast, coffee, drinks or dinner somewhere nearby the dojo. You're more than welcome to join us! A final checklist for your first class:
phone the instructor and make a booking for your first class
arrive 30 minutes early with your completed membership application and your fees bring a pair of sneakers for occasional outdoor training in the park and finally, bring a big smile and lots of energy!
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