Beginners

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Japanese martial art. The idea is to avoid an attack, blend with your attacker and establish control. Aikido is suitable for people of all shapes and sizes.

Do I need to be fit to start? 

At the beginning no level of fitness is required. Benefits include self-discipline, increased fitness, better posture and balance, and a physical competence and confidence in movement.

Are there many competitions? 

Aikido is a non-competitive martial art, the practice method is cooperative.  Working together rather than trying to defeat each other creates a unique training situation and many of the benefits of Aikido.

How do I start? 

Beginners courses are held at the Aikido Centre, Macken St. at various times during the year, at other times beginners will join in on going basic classes. Prospective members must observe a class (closed Bank Holidays) to confirm their interest, times of classes and conditions of membership, then they may register for classes.

What happens in a class? 

A typical class starts with some simple exercises followed by posture and movement work. We then usually move on to ukemi (how to fall) and some Aikido techniques. In the first few classes the emphasis will be more on the movement and ukemi than on the techniques. (Don't worry - we always teach you how to fall before we throw you!)

What should I wear?

Simple exercise clothes, eg T-shirt and sweat pants are fine, no footwear is required.

Can I try a class to see if I like it?

The dojo does not allow 'trial classes' as it is intrusive on regular members training, the instructors and the traditional teaching process. All prospective members must observe a class to confirm their interest in training, further to observing you may request a voucher to participate in a class.

When do I pay? ,

Registration fees must be paid in advance ie before training begins. Please see the schedule for details of suitable classes and how and when to register.

How much does it cost? 

There are a couple of ways you can pay, depending on how often you think you will be practicing.

Student/Youth Fees -50%

10 Class booking

A fee of €150.00, payable in advance books 10 classes which may be taken over a period of 3 months. Any Aikido 10 classes may be attended. 

Open booking

Is available to persons, after 6months, training at an average  8 classes per month for 3 consecutive months. It is for any number of classes in a 3 month or 6 month period.

3 months €220.00,  6 months €350.

Where is the dojo?

Unit 25, Trinity Technology and Enterprise Campus, Macken Street, Dublin 2. 

For further information please register then call +353 (0)87 262 9610.

(Outside Dublin, please contact individual dojos for their particular registration details.)