To begin with, comfortable, loose-fitting clothes such as a t-shirt and jogging trousers will be fine. If you you'd like to continue practicing Aikido then we recommend buying a keikogi - a traditional martial arts uniform consisting of a jacket, trousers, and belt.

Each class starts with stretching and warm-up exercises to prepare the body. When the lesson begins, you will pair up with a partner and begin performing Aikido's various techniques, taking time to study them. Partners take turns swapping roles between attacker and defender and you will swap partners regularly. We will sometimes practice with traditional wooden weapons at the end of a class.

The Japanese bow is a traditional greeting and a sign of respect, similar to shaking hands with someone. It has no religious significance. We generally bow when coming onto the mat, at the beginning and end of a class, and towards our partners when we start and finish a technique.

Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art with origins traced back to the 12th century. Aikido was developed in the 1920s by O’Sensei (great teacher) Morihei Ueshiba (1883 -1969). One interpretation of the name Aikido is "The Way of Harmony of Spirit". As an art, Aikido does not seek to meet violence with violence, yet maintains its martial foundation. It is based on dynamic spherical movements allowing an attacker's force to be used against them. Joint immobilisation and throwing techniques are also used.

Don't worry, learning to fall safely is part of training. New students are taught how to do this and as you continue your practice, you will develop your ukemi skills (the art of falling/receiving a technique).

While Aikido can be strenuous for those who want it to be, Aikido is a martial art for everyone and we cater for all levels of fitness. Awareness of your own body and your physical capabilities is essential in any form of exercise. If you have any medical conditions, please let us know when you get in touch and ensure your doctor supports your decision to practise Aikido.