On your first visit you can wear clean loose comfortable clothing. (Later you can buy a Judo or Karate suit through the club at a discount on shop prices). After changing you should wear something on your feet until you reach the mat. As a matter of traditional Japanese etiquette as well as hygiene, footwear should never be worn on the mat. A good standard of personal hygiene is a courtesy to other students.

You will need to buy a wooden training sword (Bokken) and a staff (Jo) soon after starting training but they are not essential immediately.

Aikido practice involves Japanese terminology which may seem difficult to begin with but instructors can provide translation sheets and you’re not expected to learn it overnight.

All members are reminded that safety whilst training is the responsibility of everyone on the mat and care must be taken at all times to avoid injury to yourself and others, especially when practicing with weapons. However students must accept that due to the contact nature of Aikido, injuries may sometimes occur. All jewellery must be removed and well trimmed nails will help to avoid accidents.