Your First Classes

Aikido is holistic. Using ‘budo’ to improve yourself inside and out. Because of the non competitive nature of the training people of any size, shape, gender or age may train to a very high level.

We start by learning our training stance ('Kamae') and the six basic movements of Yoshinkan Aikido ('Kihon Dosa'). These are exaggerated to promote fast learning (relatively at least). In your first lessons you will also learn basic rear, forward and side falls.

Please take a look at this video which displays our 8th kyu syllabus in detail.

What next?

During and after this initial period we combine two traditional ways of training.

"Shu" means to study, as in "Shudokan", and it is important that on occasion we take the time to look hard at ourselves and our movements.

"Kurushi" translates rather unfortunately as suffering... However what it encapsulates basically amounts to tough training no matter what your level of fitness or martial arts ability.

The cornerstone of our school is the word "Osu!"

The word 'Osu' is used during Aikido training uniformly as a response to an instruction, It is also used to greet and thank your fellow students, but what does it actually mean?

Literally translated the word has two characters meaning 'push' and 'endure'. It is for this reason that 'Osu' cannot be said weakly. Quite simply a lack of conviction entirely negates the implied conviction of the phrase 'I will push myself to endure more', or 'I will improve'. 'Osu' is at the very heart of our training and always on the tips of our tongues.