Abertillery Aikido Club. Bushinkai

This is the final page on this site. It will give you an idea of what will happen when you turn up to your first class. It's not going to be a thorough list, as many different things might happen that night. So only the basic's will be shown.

At this stage you have made your mind up, you want to come along to see what Aikido is. It is understandable you will be very nervous, as you will be walking in to something unknown, with people you don't know. The first step will be to informally introduce you to the current club members. You will see we are a very friendly bunch, and will welcome you to the club.

You will be introduced to a light warm up. As time goes on, you will start to develop and increase the amount of effort you will put in to the warm up exercises. We will not make anyone do anything they are not capable of doing. Nor will you be made an example of, if you can't do something. This is a very important point. You do not have to be fit, to practice Aikido. Fitness will come, as you train.

Breakfalls. Breakfalls are an important part of Aikido. As you are thrown to the mat, you will learn how to accept this throw, and land safely. Plenty of time over the coming weeks and months will be set aside, so you feel comfortable with what you are learning. Breakfalls are easy to learn, but the hardest part is over coming the fear of hurting yourself. This is a natural built in fear, which is programmed from birth. You will be shown how easy they are to do, and as time goes on, you will enjoy doing them.

Body movements. There are no stances in Aikido as such. There are body movements you will have to learn. These are done at the beginning of every lesson. This is how much importance is stressed on them. You cannot successfully practice Aikido without them. Again they are very easy to learn. Most people understand them during the very first lesson.

Aikido training. Once you have completed the warm up, and body movements. You will be placed with an experienced member of the club. They will stay with you for the first couple of weeks, while you learn the very basics. You will then join in with the rest of the club students in normal training practice.

There will be a lot of Japanese terms used, which in the first instance you will need to ignore. It will be quite hard to remember what you are trying to do, without having to try and remember a different language as well. Over the coming weeks and months, you will start to pick up some of the terms and remember them.

Please remember. You will be given help and support from the very first night. All the students have a common bond in helping each other. There will never be a time when you will feel alone or no one will help you. It is the club Instructors job to make sure the class runs smoothly, and everyone is doing what they should. You will also need to take example from the Instructor, who will give you individual instruction at all times.

By the end of your first class, you should be able to take away at least one technique in your mind. This is a start. Aikido is not easy to learn, although once you have the basic foundation in place, everything becomes a lot easier. We very much hope you enjoy your lesson, and want to come back for more. If you ever have any questions or concerns, always see the club Instructor. He will be able to give you advice and help.