Aikido Sydney Bondi Beach: Beginners Aikido Classes - Membership Information   Aikido Kenkyukai Sydney City
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Sydney City Dojo


General Information
Thank you for your interest in our Aikido classes! Please take the time to read the following information and contact the instructor if you have any questions.

For the safety and enjoyment of all students, the following requirements must be observed before taking part in our classes:


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. If what you see inspires you, you can join us on the mat during your next visit!

Aikido Kenkyukai Sydney City currently offers classes twice per week. You're welcome to come and observe a class prior to participating.

Tuesday  
Thursday  
(*5:30pm) 6:00pm - 7:30pm   
(*6:30am) 7:00am - 8:15am   
(no experience required)
(from 12th May)

If you're coming just to watch, you can arrive at 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.


Aikido Sydney: Aikido Kenkyukai Sydney City Centre & Bondi Beach is a member of the Martial Arts Industry Association
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 MAIA accredited and have undertaken the Australian Sports Commission approved National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS). 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.

The MAIA requires that all prospective students complete a membership agreement and pay a membership fee before taking part in our classes. The annual membership fee is $75. However, new members are accepted on a 4-week trial basis for which a $25 preliminary membership fee is payable, in addition to the regular class fees. Upon completion of the trial period, the remaining $50 will be payable to attain full membership for the remainder of the year.

Membership enables you to train at any dojo throughout our national and international network. You will 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.




Class fees
  • Casual students:  $15 per class


    Clothing
    Aikidoka (Aikido practitioners) wear a white judo-style keikogi or dogi (uniform) comprising a jacket and pants. The jacket is secured around the waist with an obi (belt) which is white for shoshinsha (beginners). Yudansha (students ranked shodan and above) wear a black obi in addition to skirt-like pants called hakama which are worn over their dogi pants.

    We encourage you to obtain a dogi as soon as possible, however you have until the end of your 4-week trial period to do so, if required (dogi are available for purchase at our dojo). Until then, a loose fitting top/t-shirt and tracksuit pants are recommended as the training is dynamic and much of it is carried out on the knees. You will also need a pair of thongs or sandals to be worn in the dojo at all times when not on the mats.
    Above: A blackbelt practitioner and a beginner in typical Aikidoka dress


    Other requirements
    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 to purchase and are available for purchase at our dojo. See your instructor for details.


    General health and fitness
    Although collaborative and non-violent, Aikido is a dynamic martial art and the practice is high energy and quite aerobic. Thus, it is not recommended for people with severe medical conditions such as heart problems. Any injuries or health problems must be brought to the attention of your instructor before participating in the class. Every effort will be made by the instructor and by your training partners to accommodate your individual needs and ensure your comfort in the class.


    Dinner, swim, surf or sauna
    Not a requirement but an invitation! - After class, we often head out for coffee, drinks or dinner. You're more than welcome to join us!


    A final checklist for your first class:

  • arrive 30 mins before class with your completed membership application
  • bring $25 preliminary membership plus your class fee ($15 casual)
  • wear tracksuit pants (no jeans or shorts), a plain t-shirt and a pair of sandals or thongs
  • bring a cup for tea after class, your swimmers and a towel (optional)
  • and finally, bring lots of energy!