Getting Started

Who Can Practice?

Aikido can be practiced by men, women and children of all ages regardless of shape or size.  The beauty of this Martial Art is that it places emphasis on your ability to blend and control your attacker using timing and correct technique.  It does not depend on strength or fitness.

Beginners

What Do I Wear?

As a beginner, you can wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for the first few weeks. A t-shirt and track suit bottom is usually suitable until you decide to commit to the Art. Training is always done in barefoot on a matted area.

Do I Need To Be Fit?

A certain degree of fitness will be beneficial but it is not necessary as you can train in Aikido regardless of your fitness level.  The ethos behind Aikido is that you work in harmony with your training partner and use their martial energy, speed and momentum against them with correct technique. 

What About Club Membership?

Club Membership is a necessary requirement for your Insurance as well as obtaining your official Club Membership Book for Grading and Courses.  Insurance is obtained via your Club Secretary and the British Aikido Board.

You are more than welcome to come and watch before you practice, our friendly Club members will be happy to see you.  It is free to watch a lesson although your experience on the mat as a participant will give you a better insight of what Aikido is all about.

What Qualifications Do the Instructors Have?   

Both Instructors are qualified Coach Level 2 Instructors, hold full Public Indemnity Insurance, are CRB checked and hold First Aid Certificates with the British Aikido Board.  They both hold further qualifications through the BAB in Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People and Practice, Skill and Techniques to mention a few.  Full details available on request.  Sensei Ken Williams delivers various training to the Health and Social Care Sector and has taught Advanced Life Support to NHS professionals as well as delivering training to Security Personnel in the U.K.    

Experienced Practioners

Haden Hill Aikido Club welcomes all enquiries regardless of your Martial Art background or physical ability. It especially welcomes other practicing Aikidokas with whom we can share our learning experiences, skill and time in the Dojo.

Class Structure:

All classes are delivered by both Sensei’s Ken and Helen Williams.