About Aikido

Contents

• Introduction
• Etiquette
• Arriving at the Dojo
• Before and After Stepping onto the Matted Area
• The Beginning of Class
• During a Class
• What to wear
• Grading
• Glossary
• The Club
• Times, Venues and Costs

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Introduction

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that uses an opponent's strength and force against themselves. It utilises locks, throws and pins. It does not teach how to punch and kick, but teaches how to defend such attacks and much more. In a broader sense Aikido can be used as self defence, and in fact the British Police learn a variation of Aikido for their User Force training. However, Aikido can teach you much more physically and mentally.

Here at the University of Leeds we learn Shodokan Aikido. Shodokan is one of the main styles of Aikido to come from Japan. Other styles include Aikikai, Yoshinkan and Shin Shin Toitsu (or the Ki Society). The Shodokan system includes striking techniques (atemi waza), joint techniques including the writs, elbow and shoulder (kansetsu waza), throwing techniques (nage waza) and pinning techniques (kime waza) - very similar to other styles of Aikido. The main difference with Shodokan Aikido is the introduction of bouts where aikido techniques can be refined in a free form environment as a training method. For the promotion of aikido, regular events are set up where Embu (fixed kata) and Randori (free form bouts) are played amongst many competitors. Shodokan is sometimes referred to as Sport Aikido.

If you have never tried aikido before, or you've had many years experience, why not come on down to one of our sessions. Beginners are always welcome, and due to an enthusiastic club you will soon pick everything up.

Etiquette

Aikido evolved from the martial arts of feudal Japan, techniques that were designed to be dangerous, but by following a few basic guidelines the risk of accident and injury can be minimised. Some are also for hygiene purposes, and some are to create a pleasant training atmosphere.

Arriving at the Dojo

• Remove shoes before stepping on the mat area.
• Switch off mobile phones upon entering the dojo.
• Make sure finger and toenails are kept short and clean.
• Remove all jewellery, watches etc before stepping on the mat area.

Before and After Stepping onto the Matted Area

• When stepping onto or off the mat area, it is customary to rei (bow) to the mat area. This has the dual purpose of preventing people wandering on and off the mat without thinking (improving safety), and it satisfies Japanese tradition.
• Try to arrive on time! If you do arrive late, i.e. the class has begun, wait in seated position for permission to enter the matted area from the instructor.

The Beginning of Class

• When the session starts and at the end, there is a line up before bowing to shomen (front of the room) and to the instructors- just follow the people with coloured belts on.
• The highest grades kneel on the left, and the line goes down the grades until those with a white belt, and then on the very right end, those without a dogi join.

During a Class

• When a technique is being demonstrated, sit either in seiza or cross-legged.
• Pay complete attention to the instructor when demonstrating, but feel free to move to get a better view or to ask a question.
• Always rei to your partner before and after practicing with them, it's just polite.
• Always stop when told.
• Always stop if your partner taps out - this is probably the most important rule.
• Keep the dojo clean and tidy- no food or drink on the mat, throw all litter in the bin etc.
• Make sure you are in a generally clean and hygienic state - it sounds patronising but it can be unpleasant as aikido is a contact sport.
• Be aware of your surroundings, we have limited space!
• Treat everyone on the mat with respect, do not use foul language.
• Enjoy yourself! You'll pick up the routine quickly enough.

What to wear

• For aikido we wear a Japanese martial arts suit called a Dogi (or Gi for short). This consists of trousers, a top and a belt. You can bring your own Gi or we can supply one for you at reasonable price.
• If you are coming to practice and do not yet have a Gi, or just want to come and check it out, please wear something comfortable such as a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms.
• We practice aikido on mats in bear feet.

Grading

• At the University of Leeds we are teaching the Shodokan student syllabus. With continued commitment and training you can become a Yuudansha (Black Belt) withing 3 years. The syllabus was desiged for university students to complete their initial training within their degree period. You will receive the grade of Shodan - it is noted that in Japanese the term Shodan, although often translated as 1st dan actually means master of the basics and is the beginner level. Gradings take place when you have completed enough hours of training and are recommended by your instructor. Grading events are held every 3 months.

Glossary

• Here are a few useful terms you might want to know:

• Essentials

  • Onegaishimasu - Used when bowing to a partner and represents "thanks for training with me"
  • Arigatou Gozaimashita - "Thank you very much"
    

• Counting

  • Ichi - 1
  • Ni - 2
  • San - 3
  • Shi - 4
  • Go - 5
  • Roku - 6
  • Shichi - 7
  • Hachi - 8
  • Ku - 9
  • Jyu - 10
    

• Instructions

  • Seiretsu - Line up
  • Rei - Bow
  • Shomen ni rei - Bow to the front
  • Otagaini rei - Bow to each other
  • Unsoku dosa - Foot movements
  • Tegatana dosa - Knife hand blade movements
  • Hajime - Begin
  • Yame - Stop

The Club

Shodokan Aikido Leeds started in 2007 at the University of Leeds. It started with a small group who were interested in practicing aikido and has grown ever since. In the summer of 2008 had many new student participants and a committee was established. We train as often as we can in the University sports centre, and we expect to grow substantially over the years.

All instructors have competed nationally and internationally, and all have spent time learning aikido in Japan in the Shodokan Honbu Dojo under Nariyama Shihan (president of the Japanese Aikido Association and World Technical Director). Shodoakan Aikido Leeds has already received medals nationally and internationally including:

• Student Nationals (2008), York, UK.
  • Gold - Tanto Jyuunanahon
  • Gold - Goshin no kata
  • Gold, Bronze - Individual Tanto Randori
  • Gold - Team Tanto Randori
  
  
• Koshyama cup (2008), Geneva, Switzerland
  • Gold - Goshin no Kata

This year (2009) instructors Justin and Tom have both been invited to be part of the Shodokan British team in the Aikido World Championships held in Japan.

Times, Venues and Costs

We train at the University of Leeds Sport Centre on the main campus at the University of Leeds. We are also on Facebook (Shodokan Aikido Leeds). To gain access to the sports centre you will need sports membership. If you are a student this is from £70 per year. Without membership it will cost £5 to enter the sports centre each time.

Each week we have a class it's just £2. The lesson fees are used to pay for club registration, equipment and expenses to host competitions. On top of the weekly cost you will need a Dogi, which we currently supply for £30 (we are trying to find a cheaper price!) and insurance which costs £10 for the year. After you have been training for a while you may be invited to visit other dojos and to take part in events. Costs will be subsidised as much as possible.

We have many events throughout the year both aikido related and social. As part of our committee we have a Social Secretary who organises regular events. We believe that aikido is a social environment as well as martial arts training. Aikido events include the Student League, Student Nationals, National Seminars and the Student summer camp.