What is Aikido? 

Aikido is a superb system of self-defence. Besides the usual strikes, throws and locks taught in other martial arts, it also teaches secret Samurai techniques for handling multiple attackers and developing ki-power (life-force or bio-energy) - the amazing power which attracts many people to this elite Japanese art. Ki-power enables even small practitioners to overcome much larger and muscle-stronger adversaries. Because aikido draws on the universe's natural principles, it is excellent for improving and sustaining physical and mental health.

 

What is the beginner's course?

The ANU Aikido Club with John Turnbull Sensei offers a course designed to introduce beginners to aikido. The course focuses on the basics of aikido including ki-power, body movement, and basic self defence techniques, including against multiple attackers. Once you have completed the beginner's course, you can start attending seniors classes as well as the classes in the subsequent beginner's courses.

 

What do I get from the beginner's course?

The beginner's course offer 3 hours per week of real combat martial arts principles from a nationally accredited coach with 70 years of martial arts experience. As well as learning the fundamentals for long-term development in aikido, beginner's will also learn self defence techniques they can immediately apply in real life situations. Students will learn about ki-power, the yin-yang principle, and the basics of Zen and mindfulness - all vital for aikido, and for short- and long-term physical and mental health. At the end of the course, you will be ready to begin taking seniors' classes where more advanced concepts and techniques are covered.

 

Do I need to have martial arts experience to do the beginner's course?

The course is suitable to people with or without prior martial arts experience.

 

What if I have previous martial arts experience? Do I have to do the beginner's course?

Come on down to a free class! The instructors will watch you train, and see if you understand enough of the basics and are safe enough to begin training with the seniors right away.

 

Is aikido suitable for women?

Aikido is very suitable for women. Its focus on ki-power over muscle power means that practitioners of any gender can overcome much bigger opponents, and those with far greater physical strength. Our second-most senior student is female (who trains annually in Japan), and we have several other female students. We find that women make very rapid progress in aikido and self-defence skills.

The club also has a designated (female) women's officer, who ensures our female students get any additional support they require.

 

I'm not very fit or strong. Am I going to be able to learn aikido?

Unlike many martial arts, aikido does not require outside training - like weight training, for example. With training in aikido, your physical stamina and coordination will improve, and the development of ki-power will strengthen and temper your body in ways other forms of exercise cannot!

 

Do I have to be a student?

You do not have to be a student to join the club.

 

Will I have an opportunity to grade?

If you decide to continue training after the beginners’ course, you will have the opportunity to grade.

 

Who are the instructors?

The beginner's course is taught by John Turnbull Sensei who is a senior coach (grade 3) under the Federal Government's National Coaching Accreditation Scheme. Turnbull Sensei started training in aikido under a Japanese master in 1965, and had trained for twenty years in other martials arts prior to this. Some senior students may also take some classes, and many are also accredited under the national coaching scheme. The ANU Aikido Club with John Turnbull is the only ANU aikido club with nationally accredited coaches.

 

When is the beginner's course?

The next beginner's course begins on Monday 19th February 2024, Monday. The course will start with a free 'come and try' class during which you will see a demonstration of advanced aikido, and also have the opportunity to train and practice some basic techniques. Following that, classes are:

Mondays, 6.30 – 7.30pm.

Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30pm

Fridays, 6.00 – 8.00pm.

The beginner's course runs until the end of the university semester - 8 weeks in total. Taking into account public holidays, students will have 16 classes.

 

Where is the beginner's course?

The beginner's course is held in the Dojo, David Cocking Sport & Recreation Centre (DCSRC) building, North Road, Australian National University, Acton, ACT.

 

What do I need to wear?

Beginner's can wear loose fitting pants & t-shirt or a gi (Japanese martial arts uniform). Please do not wear accessories (e.g. jewellery).

 

What is the cost of the beginner's course?

ANU Student - $115
Non Student - $140 (non ANU students also have to join the ANU SRA. $130 per year)
(Prices include GST)

 

How do I join?

To enrol in these courses simply turn up to the first class, email aikido@iinet.net.au. Late enrolments will be accepted.

 

What if I want to start training when the beginner's course isn't on?

The club accepts new students all year round. New students at these times are often restricted from attending advanced classes, and may have to watch some of the more dangerous training even in the junior classes. These students will slide seamlessly into the next beginner's course to gain a better understanding of the basics. Contact us for more details.