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Frequently Asked Questions about Aikido and our Club.
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art, and it does not have an attack form. We do not kick, punch, or in any other manner, attempt to hurt our opponent.
Aikido, in its practical application, is a self-defense art. Aikido emphasizes good body movement, throws, and locks. When you use Aikido properly then you can neutralise violent aggression. This is done quickly and cleanly with control over all the aspects of attack and defense, so that self-defense becomes possible without the necessity for inflicting serious injury.
Which Sports Authority do you operate under?
The Epsom & Ewell Aikido Club is a member of the Association for Harmony with Aikido, which in turn is a member of the British Aikido Board (BAB).
What is the British Aikido Board?
The British Aikido Board is recognised by Sports England, formerly known as the British Sports Council, as the only governing body for Aikido in the United Kingdom . It is an umbrella body established in June 1977 which groups together aikido organizations formed to represent the interests of aikido.
What is the Association for Harmony with Aikido?
The Association for Harmony with Aikido is an association set up by a group of like minded people who believe that the benefits of Aikido can be used in every day life as a means to bring each person to their full personal potential.
How much is it going to cost?
The costs are all shown on the Classes & Cost page.
There is an Annual Subscription due on 1st March each year, pro rated if you join during the year. This covers your insurance and helps provide funds for the club.
You then just pay for each lesson you attend.
Do I have to come every week?
No you don't have to attend every week, however, if you wish to progress in the Art, then you will have to commit to regular training. However, if it is just a hobby, then we are very relaxed about when you want to turn up.
Insurance cover?
When you first attend we ask that you pay a nominal sum to cover your initial insurance, and then you are fully covered when you pay your Annual Subscription fees.
For full details of the Insurance Cover please refer to the BAB website: http://www.bab.org.uk/downloads/downloads.html
(You need to look at Insurance Guidelines, Section8).
How do I know my teacher is qualified to teach me?
The best thing to do is to ask them. They should be able to show you copies of the following documents:
• BAB Insurance Certificate stating that they are insured to teach Aikido.
• BAB Coaching Certificate, to show that they have attended and passed a BAB Coaching Course, as approved by Sports England.
• Certificates of passing their Grades. For instance Trevor Atterton is a 3rd Dan, and has a certificate signed by the people who graded him.
Can Aikido help me to get fit?
The simple answer is yes, but along with other exercise. The warm up exercises that we do at the start of the class are designed to stretch all the parts of the body, and during the lesson you will practice many different techniques that will involve rolling, so you will build up a sweat. Also it's a lot more pleasurable than just using one of the running machines!
What qualifications do you have for teaching my child?
Trevor Atterton has been teaching children Aikido since 1995, and has attended a number of Training Courses, most notably he is UK Sport Child Protection certified, Cert Ed and has a CRB certificate.
What is the youngest and eldest age limit for people to practice Aikido?
We do not take any children under the age of 5. Between the ages of 5 and 12 / 13 depending upon the individual child, we only show some of the moves, as the children are still growing, and some of the moves could be dangerous to them if they were used inappropriately.
There is no upper age limit, and at one of our sister clubs, there is someone still practicing in his 70's!!