FAQs

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The cost is £5 per 2 hour class.

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Yes. For your safety and that of your fellow students, you can only practice if you have martial arts insurance.

You can attend THREE classes before being required to purchase insurance. The insurance fee also buys your membership to Aikido for Daily Life, the association that Rusper Aikido Club are part of, which also gives us membership to the British Aikido Board.

The current insurance and association fee is £36 per annum (£20 per annum concession for unemployed, juniors, over 65 etc.). This insurance is charged quarterly pro-rata so you will only pay for the amount of the year remaining.

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If you've never done a martial art then wear something loose fitting such as track suit bottoms and a t-shirt. If you've done a martial art before then feel free to wear your gi. Bring flip flops, slippers or Japanese zori, so you can take your shoes and socks off and walk to the mat without picking up the dirt from the floor on your feet and then depositing it on the mat.

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Generally most people wear Karate or Judo type suits in order to practice Aikido, they cost from around £15 upwards. There are a few companies who produce Aikido specific gi's and they are available from around £25 or so.

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We have members from all walks of life - Aikido is not limited to any one sex, sexuality or ethnic group.

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Of course! Please feel free to come along on any class and watch, ask questions, or better still, have a go!

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No, not at all, Aikido is suited to all body types and all ages.

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Yes. The practice of Aikido shouldn't be a problem to anyone - we can usually work with you to ensure we all have a safe practice with each other.

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We generally teach 18 years and over but can be flexible. In terms of upper age there is no limit! We have males and females that practice in our association who are aged 75+.

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In my opinion it’s both. Aikido can be extremely gentle or brutally decisive – the challenge is blending the two together.

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For those that know me they will probably say yes but in all seriousness it isn’t. People of all religions and faiths practice Aikido. Aikido is, however, a spiritual pursuit or activity designed to build and develop your character. Aikido brings out your internal and external peace at the same time.

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Achieving a black belt can take a minimum of 3-5 years of diligent training. Like anything, your progress is based on the quality of your practice and the amount of time you put in.

Having a black belt doesn’t mean that you have mastered the art of Aikido. In most martial arts it is considered an indicator of the student’s commitment and that they are ready to move beyond the basics and learn the real art.

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The hakama is pleated, pant-like skirt worn by advanced students and black belts only (although some dojos allow beginners to wear hakama).

The hakama is a traditional Japanese garment that has been kept as it enhances the circular movements of Aikido and, on a more practical level, disguises the movement of the feet.