GREENWICH AIKIDO: MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Greenwich Aikido Dojo Aikido has its own terminology, etiquette, protocols, and methods of training. This handbook provides general information and advice to students new to aikido (or more experienced students coming from another aikido organisation or martial art). New students are not expected to learn the handbook off-by-heart but we do encourage you to read it early in your training. We also encourage students to speak to an instructor or senior student if they have any questions or want to discuss any of the topics. Information in red text is particularly important as it relates either your own health and safety or that of other students. The handbook may be updated and the latest version will be available at http://www.greenwich- aikido.com. This is version 4.1 and includes the revised class schedule starting 5 June 2019.

CONTENTS

Aikido 2 Grades 2 Organisation 2 Instructors 3 Location 3 Class times 3 Membership fees 3 Training fees 4 Health and safety 4 Insurance 5 Data protection 5 Advice on equipment 5 Advice on etiquette 5 Advice on training 8 Advice on grading 9 Glossary 12 Forms and techniques 13 Appendix 1: BAF grading syllabus 14 Appendix 2: BAF policy for reporting incidents and accidents 15

GREENWICH AIKIDO May 2019

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AIKIDO

Aikido is a Japanese martial art created during the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) after having reached the highest level of mastery in other classical Japanese martial arts. A simple translation is not possible but aikido can be interpreted to mean the way (do) of harmony (ai) with vital energy (ki). Aikido is accomplished by blending with the movement of an attacker to redirect the force of an attack rather than oppose it head-on. Aikido does not rely on weapons but wooden weapons are sometimes used in training (sword, staff, and knife). Aikido does not have competition: training is by repeated practice where the ultimate aim is not to perfect physical technique but to improve character. Aikido training helps promote physical and mental health, and over time can improve awareness, self-confidence and other skills useful in everyday life. Aikido training is also an opportunity to meet and learn from people regardless of age, gender, occupation, or wider background.

ORGANISATION

Greenwich Aikido Dojo was established in 2004 and is affiliated to the British Aikido Federation (BAF). The BAF was established in 1968 (originally as the ‘Aikikai of Great Britain’) and was the first organisation in Britain accredited to teach aikido by the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan. The organisation was renamed the ‘British Aikido Federation’ in 1977 with Minoru Kanetsuka (Shihan 8th Dan, Aikikai Foundation) as its Technical Director until he passed away in 2019. The BAF is officially recognised by the Aikikai Foundation at the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan and is a founder member of both the International Aikido Federation (IAF) and the Joint Aikikai Council (JAC). The Aikikai Foundation is the primary organisation for the development and promotion of aikido throughout the world, and the current Doshu (head) of the Aikikai Foundation is Moriteru Ueshiba (grandson of Ōsensei Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido).

Links • Aikikai Foundation www.aikikai.or.jp/eng/index.html • International Aikido Federation www.aikido-international.org/iaf-about • British Aikido Federation www.bafonline.org.uk • Joint Aikikai Council www.jointaikikaicouncil.co.uk • Greenwich Aikido Dojo EMAIL [email protected] INTERNET www.greenwich-aikido.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/gwhaikido/ TWITTER @gwh_aikido INSTAGRAM greenwichaikido PHONE Adam on 078 9067 2980 or Derrick on 075 9057 8800

GRADES

Grades are awarded by practical examination against set criteria, starting at 6th kyu and rising to 1st kyu (all white belt). The rate of progress varies by individual but, on average, new students can anticipate grading about once every year. The first yudansha (black belt) grade is shodan (1st dan). Contrary to popular belief, ‘shodan’ designates that a student is no longer a beginner not that he or she is an expert. A hakama (pleated skirt) is worn by all yudansha and, with permission, by women graded 6th kyu or higher. 2

INSTRUCTORS (all grades recognised by the Aikikai Foundation)

Colman Glynn (Shidoin 6th Dan) Colman started practicing aikido in 1985 in Ireland under John Rogers (Shihan 7th Dan). In 1989 he joined the Ryushinkan dojo in London under Minoru Kanetsuka (Shihan 8th Dan) and trained there frequently until Kanetsuka sensei passed away in 2019. Colman was awarded 1st Dan in 1991 and currently holds the rank of 6th Dan. He is a Shidoin (national coach) in the BAF, a certified level 2 coach, and a member of the BAF Technical and Grading Committee. Colman opened the Greenwich dojo in 2004 and has travelled to Japan to train at the Hombu Dojo.

Derrick Norton (3rd Dan) Derrick started practicing aikido in 1986 in Leeds under Ken Marsden (Shihan 6th Dan). In 1988 he joined the Ryushinkan dojo in London under Minoru Kanetsuka (Shihan 8th Dan) and was awarded 1st Dan in 1996. Derrick currently holds the rank of 3rd Dan and is a certified level 2 coach. He joined the Greenwich dojo at its inception in 2004 and has travelled to Japan to train at the Hombu Dojo.

Adam Walsh (3rd Dan) Adam started practicing aikido in 2000 in Kingston-on-Thames under Peter Novak (2nd Dan) and later trained at Ryushinkan. He joined the Greenwich dojo in 2007 and was awarded 1st Dan in 2009. Adam currently holds the rank of 3rd Dan and is a certified level 2 coach.

LOCATION

We practice at Mycenae House, 90 Mycenae Road, Greenwich, London SE3 7SE. The nearest rail station is Westcombe Park (10 minutes’ walk). Street parking is available in the local area.

CLASS TIMES

WEDNESDAY 7.15pm - 8.30pm beginners 8.30pm - 9.30pm mixed ROOM 7

THURSDAY 7.15pm - 8.30pm beginners 8.30pm - 9.30pm mixed ROOM 9

SATURDAY 10.00am - 12.00pm mixed ROOM 15

Beginners may attend any class but are encouraged to attend the first class on Wednesdays and Thursdays initially. We also hold a special weekend course about once every two months, and the BAF also holds frequent weekend courses plus a Spring Course and Summer School each year (further details on website). *Please bring weapons to the Saturday class if you have them.

MEMBERSHIP

Students need to be a member of the dojo and the BAF before starting to train. We regret that, at present, we cannot train people under 18 years of age. People starting aikido may join as a ‘provisional member’ which is valid for the first three classes: students wishing to continue training after the third class pay the balance of the relevant BAF and dojo annual fee. Visiting BAF / BUAF members are welcome to train with proof of current membership and valid insurance.

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Membership category BAF annual fee Dojo annual fee Total annual fees

1. STANDARD £35 £30 £65 2. STUDENT £25 £20 £45 3. CONCESSION £20 £15 £35 4. PROVISIONAL £5 £5 n/a

Student members should be in full-time education and a concessionary rate is available to senior citizens (65 or order). Membership fees (other than provisional) are paid in advance annually, are non-refundable, and the dojo does not accept payment by cheque. The dojo and BAF both reserve the right to refuse, suspend, or terminate membership at any time.

TRAINING

Training fees are paid in advance by monthly standing order or per class. An ‘introductory rate’ is available to people starting aikido which is valid for the first three calendar months: students wishing to continue training after three months pay the relevant monthly rate by standing order or per class as a BAF / BUAF visitor.

Training rate Monthly by order Per class Hourly rate* 1. STANDARD £90 - £4.00 2. STUDENT £60 - £2.50 3. CONCESSION £45 - £2.00 4. INTRODUCTORY £40 £10 £1.75 5. BAF / BUAF VISITOR - £20

Training fees are non-refundable, and the dojo does not accept payment by cheque. Monthly rates allow members to attend all dojo classes in that calendar month or part thereof excluding courses. Standing orders should be paid on the 1st day of each month (Sort Code 60-09-16, Account 51347857) and maintained unless special circumstances apply. *Hourly rates are for illustrative purposes only (based on a member paying monthly and training regularly each week).

HEALTH AND SAFETY

YOU MUST STOP AIKIDO TRAINING IMMEDIATELY IF, AT ANY TIME AT ALL OR FOR ANY REASON AT ALL, YOU ARE INJURED OR FEEL UNWELL OR DO NOT WANT TO CONTINUE. Aikido training should not pose any particular problem to someone with normal health and fitness. However, the risk of injury or illness from aikido training can never be ruled out, and prospective members are required to read and sign a ‘risk warning’ as part of their application. The aim of this warning is to make the reader aware of the risks inherent in aikido training so that he or she can make an informed decision on whether or not to take part. Aikido training is a form of physical exercise: all members - prospective and existing - must seek professional medical advice if they have, or think they might have, any injury, illness or condition which may mean they should not undertake physical exercise or aikido training. Training also involves close physical contact and students must maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and remove any make-up. All clothing must be clean, odour free, and in reasonable condition. Foot hygiene is particularly important and students must wear shoes or sandals between the changing room and dojo. 4

Injuries and first aid To reduce the risk of injury, please keep finger / toe nails short and tie back long hair. Watches and jewellery must be removed (items which cannot be removed must be covered with a plaster or tape as must any cuts or sores). Any injuries should be dealt with immediately and any blood should be removed as soon as possible. A basic first aid pack is available in the cupboard. As soon as practical, the instructor or senior student should complete an ‘incident / accident form’ (copies in folder): the form also has a ‘tear off’ page with NHS advice on sports injuries. INSTRUCTORS: Also see Appendix 2 for BAF policy on reporting incidents and accidents.

INSURANCE

All instructors have a nationally recognised coaching qualification and teaching insurance. BAF members, on payment of a premium as part of the BAF annual membership fee, are covered by ‘member-to-member liability and personal accident insurance’ when training at an affiliated club. No other insurance is provided or implied by membership. Like all insurance schemes, there are important conditions and limitations to the BAF scheme which may mean that the scheme does not apply to an individual in whole or part. Personal circumstances vary so each person is responsible for deciding if the scheme is applicable and suitable to them: see http://jointaikikaicouncil.co.uk/insurance. Prospective members are required to read and sign ‘insurance advice’ as part of their application. The aim of this advice is to make the reader aware there are conditions to the insurance scheme which may mean the scheme does not apply to him or her even if a fee has been paid.

PERSONAL INFORMATION AND DATA PROTECTION

As a club we abide by the BAF Privacy Policy. This policy is kept under review and the current version is here: https://www.bafonline.org.uk/information-for-members/. In summary, we hold Information from each member’s application form and which is shared between dojo instructors and officials, and with the BAF. Prospective members are invited to consent for their personal information to be held in line with the BAF privacy policy, and members may request a copy of their stored information at any time and for any errors to be corrected.

ADVICE ON EQUIPMENT

We recommend new students not to buy a keikogi (training suit) or other equipment until they join the dojo and the BAF: clean, loose and inexpensive clothing is quite acceptable initially but please avoid garish / offensive designs, images or words. Any keikogi should be white in colour with minimal branding and design (most students wear a ‘judo style’ suit but some prefer a ‘karate style’ and other styles are also available). If needed, please speak to an instructor or senior student for advice on the knot used to tie the obi (belt) and other advice on how to tie a belt is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-eFGnVhuRw We do not dictate specific makes or brands and students are free to purchase from any supplier. Having said that, the dojo is a member of a loyalty scheme which allows it - on behalf of members - to buy suits and other equipment at reduced cost from Nine Circles Ltd (www.ninecircles.co.uk). The dojo passes on any reductions in full. Please speak to a senior student or instructor if you have any questions about what suit or other equipment to buy.

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ADVICE ON ETIQUETTE

Introduction Dojo etiquette is derived primarily from Japanese culture and is intended to promote health and safety, mutual respect, and a positive environment in which to study and practice aikido. New students should note all bows are based on respect and have no religious meaning of any kind. It may take time to understand dojo etiquette and some elements may feel strange at first: this is natural and new students should not be concerned if they forget or make mistakes. Before class Please arrive with enough time to help put out the tatami (mats), get changed, and pay any fees. We understand that students may sometimes be late for class and make allowances for this but please make an effort to avoid being late for class consistently. Visitors are welcome to watch but are asked not to distract students during class and to observe etiquette as guests. A senior kyu grade student should complete the attendance register and take any payments before class. Entering the dojo A dojo is a place to study and train. Mycenae House does not have dedicated facilities for aikido training so the practice room should be treated as a dojo once all the tatami are laid out and until the tatami start to be taken up (ie the room only needs to be regarded as a dojo if all the tatami are laid out). Apart from hakama, please avoid getting changed in the dojo and do not consume food (including gum) or drink on the tatami. Smoking is not allowed at any time. As you enter the dojo, perform a standing bow in the direction of Ōsensei’s picture and kamiza (head of dojo). After entering, put your belongings and any weapons neatly along the rear or side wall but not the front. Please do not use another student’s weapons without their permission. Stepping on the mat Put your shoes neatly at the rear of the tatami - heels first - so that you can step on (and off) without bare feet touching the floor. Shoes must never rest on the tatami nor be worn on it. Once on the tatami, perform a seated bow in the direction of the kamiza. If the class has not started, do some stretching exercises or sit in seiza (correct sitting) and prepare mentally for class. Sitting in seiza is part of training but you may sit cross-legged if you are injured or, at first, you find the position uncomfortable. However, please do not sit with your back to the kamiza, leaning against a wall, or with legs stretched out. Start of class A couple of minutes before the start of class, and in any event when the sensei (teacher) enters the dojo, students should sit in seiza in a straight line and prepare mentally for class. The person sitting to your right should be of equal or higher grade; the person to your left, equal or lower grade. If there are other aikido-ka (students) behind you then make sure there is space for them to bow. Ensure your keikogi is tidy and that your obi is tied correctly. The instructor will step on the tatami and sit facing the kamiza before bowing: students should perform a seated bow in unison which the instructor may initiate by saying ‘shomen ni rei’ (bow to the front). The instructor will then face the class and everyone should perform a second seated bow saying ‘onegaishimasu’ (please teach me) which the senior student may initiate by saying ‘sensei ni rei’ (bow to sensei).

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If you arrive late. Please stand at the rear of the tatami and wait until the instructor invites you to join the class. After being invited, and without disrupting training, step onto the tatami, perform a seated bow in the direction of the kamiza, and join the class. During class Please refer to the instructor taking the class as ‘sensei’ (teacher) and in any given class there is only one sensei. In Japanese, the person’s surname is used: eg Jane Smith would be called “sensei” or “Smith sensei”. However, using the surname this way can sound odd when speaking English so it is also acceptable to use the instructor’s first name instead of surname (eg “Colman sensei” or simply “sensei”) noting that other dojo / organisations may use a different protocol. The instructor will demonstrate / explain exercises and techniques: please give this your full attention as a critical part of training revolves around learning how to observe. During each demonstration please sit in seiza (unless injured or difficult) at the rear of the mat: unlike the start / end of class there is no need to sit in grade order. Students should bow to the instructor at the end of each demonstration before practicing together. Begin and end each practice session with your partner with either a standing or sitting bow as appropriate to the technique. If the instructor is training with your partner then please watch in seiza, sitting at the rear of the tatami if possible. After receiving instruction, both partners should bow. You and your partner may postpone training together if the instructor is teaching someone in your vicinity and needs space to demonstrate: again, please sit and watch in seiza unless injured or difficult. Aikido training involves trial and error: if you are not clear about a technique then by all means observe yudansha or senior students and try again. Yudansha and senior students need to set a clear example for beginners and junior students by practicing what has been demonstrated (ie not variations or personal preferences). Unless invited, it is generally better to save questions for the instructor until after the class has ended. If it is necessary to ask a question during a class then approach the instructor but do not interrupt, bow as appropriate, and wait for acknowledgement. If you are a yudansha or a senior student (ie 1st or 2nd kyu) practising with a beginner or junior student then it is acceptable to provide basic advice if necessary but avoid overly long, complex or subtle explanations: it is generally better to ‘show and do’ rather than ‘talk and explain’. Please carry out any directions promptly. The focus during a class should be on training not talking so any discussion needs to be brief, quiet, and restricted to aikido. Too much talk during a class is impolite and may interfere with others’ concentration. It goes without saying that students should never shout, swear, or become angry during class. End of class Students should sit in seiza in grade order as for the start of class. The instructor will face the class before turning to face the kamiza and bowing: everyone should perform a seated bow in unison which the instructor may initiate by saying ‘shomen ni rei’ (bow to the front). The instructor will face the class and everyone should perform a second seated bow which the senior student may initiate by saying ‘sensei ni rei’ (bow to sensei). Students should say ‘domo arigato gozaimashita’ (thank you very much) as they make the second bow. Students should remain in seiza until the instructor has left the tatami or has indicated the end of class. Once the instructor has left the tatami the senior student may initiate a final seated bow by saying ‘dojo ni rei’ (everyone bow). Before leaving the tatami you should find your partners and bow to them, thanking them for training (but this may not be practical if the class was crowded).

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Stepping off the mat Before stepping off the tatami, perform a seated bow in the direction of the kamiza before standing, stepping into your shoes / sandals, and leaving the tatami. If you will need to leave early. Please inform the instructor in advance and leave the mat with the usual bows. IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE DUE TO INJURY, ILLNESS OR OTHER URGENT REASON THEN YOU MUST MAKE THE INSTRUCTOR OR ANOTHER STUDENT AWARE OF THE SITUATION. Leaving the dojo If all the tatami are still down then treat the room as a dojo and perform a standing bow (unless you need to leave urgently) at the door in the direction of Ōsensei’s picture and kamiza. The dojo ‘reverts’ to being a room as soon as the tatami begin to be taken up. After class Please help put the tatami away before any other ‘after class’ practice, discussion or questions. We understand that students may sometimes need to leave as soon as the class has ended and make allowances for this but please make an effort to avoid leaving every class before the tatami are put away. If you still need to pay then do so promptly before being asked, and please bring the correct amount of money to avoid delay.

ADVICE ON TRAINING

Observing the instructor There are many aspects to learning aikido, eg talking with aikido-ka, reading books, watching DVDs and internet clips, self-reflection, grading and so on. A critical element revolves around observing your instructor when he or she demonstrates an exercise / technique. Specific aspects may be pointed out but you should always try and observe the instructor’s movement and position (including when demonstrating ukemi). By doing this, you are training yourself how to see each technique (and its ukemi) and, over time, how to see and use aikido principles. Techniques have many variations and it is a mistake to see one particular version as the ‘only one’ or ‘best one’. If attending a class or course with a different instructor please make every effort to train as demonstrated by that instructor even if it is different to what is practiced at Greenwich. Training with a partner All forms of learning are relevant but nothing can substitute for actual practice: ie routine training in the dojo, typically with a partner. Warm-ups are essential prior to physical training but only perform stretches to your level of ability not that of the instructor or other students: DO NOT STRETCH BEYOND MILD DISCOMFORT OR IF YOU RISK EXACERBATING OR CAUSING AN INJURY. Students will experience different types of training as they progress, from basic exercises and ‘solid’ practice to more ‘flowing’ practice and later ‘free’ practice. Please bear in mind that: • what may appear to be techniques may be ‘kihon dosa’, ie basic exercises to help students learn how to move in preparation for actual techniques; • the ‘practical form’ of a technique may be different to its ‘training form’ (the latter being intended to allow techniques to be practiced with greater safety); and • gaining expertise requires significant repetition: no amount of innate physical skill or mental ability can teach a body how to move or move others in line with aikido principles.

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During training, you will typically alternate between the role of tori (the person performing the technique) and uke (the person receiving the technique). Tori and uke need to work in partnership so that each can learn and develop. Unless instructed otherwise, tori should perform each exercise or technique four times - alternating right and left - before changing roles with uke. There is no need to bow when changing roles, only at the start and end of each partner practice. The role of tori Uke is your partner not your enemy and you must always respect his or her ability to take ukemi. This may mean performing a slower or less advanced version of the technique than demonstrated. Be aware that uke may tap the tatami, their own body, or you to indicate pain or a problem and any tap must be respected: YOU MUST STOP THE EXERCISE OR TECHNIQUE IMMEDIATELY IF UKE ‘TAPS’ OR OTHERWISE SIGNALS PAIN OR A PROBLEM. One of the greatest risks in aikido training is a clash of heads. When executing any technique, but especially nage waza (throwing techniques), take care that your uke does not collide with others and be especially careful if the dojo is crowded: DO NOT THROW UKE WITHOUT REGARD EITHER TO HIM / HER OR TO OTHERS IN THE CLASS. If you are a beginner or junior student, please do not assume that fellow students are invulnerable to injury even if yudansha (black belt): they are not! You may not be aware of your own strength or the risk faced by your uke in any particular technique. Take care when performing armlocks to uke on the ground: uke is more at risk because his or her movement is more restricted. The role of uke Tori is your partner not your enemy and you must always respect his or her ability to execute a technique. This may mean performing a slower or less advanced version of the attack than the one demonstrated: UKE MUST IMMEDIATELY ‘TAP’ OR OTHERWISE SIGNAL IF A TECHNIQUE IS CAUSING UNDUE PAIN OR A PROBLEM. Ideally, you should tap twice - clearly and in quick succession - to avoid the gesture being overlooked. You may tap the tatami, yourself, or tori. Over time, and with practice, students will find they can tolerate more difficult techniques. The role of uke should not be regarded as a passive phase to be completed as quickly as possible. Indeed, many instructors regard ukemi as uniquely important: • the role of uke requires providing your partner with the right sort of attack / physical motion such that it is natural for tori to use the technique being taught and practiced; • taking the role of uke gives yudansha and senior students an opportunity to guide beginners and junior students into the correct form of the technique; • good ukemi improves fitness, reduces the risk of injury, and improves your own level of self- protection since developing your awareness of tori will improve your skill as tori; and • during advanced practice, ukemi opens the possibility of kaeshi-waza (counter-techniques) that can be used to your advantage.

ADVICE ON GRADING

Grading is a part of training and students are encouraged to grade when ready (gradings typically take place at the BAF Summer School but may be held at other times). The advice below is intended for students considering grading under the instruction and approval of Colman sensei: the aim of this advice is not to set hard and fast rules (as exceptions may occur) but to help students manage their own expectations, training, and development.

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Timing and manner of application Students looking to grade should familiarise themselves with the BAF process and forms (see BAF website). Applications with Colman sensei’s signed approval for 1st kyu and yudansha grades must be submitted at least four weeks before the Spring Course in April, and approved applications for all other grades must be submitted on arrival at Summer School. Students considering a grading should indicate their interest to Colman sensei before seeking signed approval: • 6th kyu, 5th kyu: three months’ notice (ie April preceding Summer School); • 4th kyu, 3rd kyu, 2nd kyu: six months’ notice (ie January preceding Summer School); • 1st kyu, shodan: nine months’ notice (ie October preceding Summer School); and • nidan, sandan, yondan: eighteen months’ notice (eg January 2020 for Summer School 2021). These dates allow Colman sensei to consider each student in advance of BAF forms needing to be signed and submitted. Students indicating an interest in grading should also raise any personal circumstances with Colman sensei which may affect their subsequent training or examination. In making a decision, Colman sensei will consider: (a) previous training; (b) frequency of training; (c) regularity of training; and (d) quality of practice. In all cases, a student should meet the relevant criteria or be on a clear trajectory to meet them to be eligible to grade. Previous training Mudansha (kyu grades) The BAF syllabus sets out the minimum number of classes required since joining or a student’s previous grading as shown below. Classes in our dojo vary in duration and each 1½ hours of dojo training is regarded as equivalent to one class.

Prospective grade Minimum number of classes Equivalent minimum in hours • 6th kyu, 5th kyu 40 60 • 4th kyu 50 75 • 3rd kyu, 2nd kyu 60 90 • 1st kyu 100 150

Yudansha (dan grades) Protocols issued by the BAF Technical Committee in August 2013 set out the minimum number of years of active training since a student’s previous grading. ‘Years training’ has also been expressed in terms of the minimum number of classes / hours (where one class equates to 1½ hours).

Prospective grade Minimum years active Minimum number Equivalent minimum training since last grade of classes in hours • shodan 1 100 150 • nidan 2 200 300 • sandan 3 300 450 • yondan 4 400 600

The minimum requirements for each yudansha grade are conditional on a student attending: each annual Spring Course and Summer School; other courses with BAF shidoin; and at least two courses per annum with Kanetsuka sensei over the qualifying period. 10

Frequency of training Previous training is relevant but cannot be ‘kept on ice’ indefinitely and a student with (or is likely to have) the required number of hours / years should also be training frequently. In this context, ‘frequent’ means attending dojo classes / courses in the period before grading to help ensure students are prepared physically, mentally, and technically: • 6th kyu and 5th kyu: at least 1½ hours per week in the three months prior to grading and at least one dojo course over that period; • 4th kyu, 3rd kyu, and 2nd kyu: at least 2½ hours per week in the six months prior to grading and at least one dojo course over that period; and • 1st kyu and shodan: at least 3½ hours per week in the nine months prior to grading and most if not all dojo courses over that period. These guidelines assume that a student is already on track with regard to the minimum number of classes / hours required for the next grade. For example, taking account of dojo closures and student holidays, training 3½ hours a week would result in just over 150 hours / 100 classes in twelve months (the minimum needed for 1st kyu and shodan). Higher yudansha grades require significant training and quality of practice (as tori and uke) over a longer period of time. Regularity of training A student with (or is likely to have) the minimum number of hours / years should still be training regularly to be eligible to grade. In this context ‘regular’ means attending specific dojo classes more-or-less on a predictable basis. Work-life balance can be difficult but students are encouraged to adopt a clear training schedule as part of their own development through aikido. Quality of practice Students should be ready to grade well before an exam not ‘just in time’ for the exam: a student should already have the requisite knowledge and skills as tori and uke (or be on a clear trajectory to attain them) to be eligible to grade. The large number of techniques and variations preclude being able to cover all of them in class: students should study the teaching and grading syllabus to identify any gaps in their knowledge and/or execution of technique and ukemi. Please address issues and/or raise questions with an instructor well in advance of the actual grading. Feedback from grading It is natural to be pleased with success and less pleased with failure but each grading, regardless of the result, is an opportunity to learn. The result of any grading - success or failure - should be seen in its long-term context compared to the aim of aikido in terms of personal development.

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GLOSSARY

Common terms are below (some have a more nuanced meanings). Other useful sources include: http://www.stenudd.com/aikido/aikido-glossary.htm http://www.aikidofaq.com/dictionary/dictionary.htm GENERAL EXERCISES aikido way of harmony with vital energy torifune furitama rowing / centering exercise ōsensei great teacher junbi taiso warm up exercises sensei teacher tai no henko body movement exercise onegaishimasu please teach me hiriki no yosei body line exercise domo arigato gozaimashita thank you very much shumatsu dosa finishing exercise rei bow kokyo ho breathing exercise dozo please (go ahead) haishin undo back stretch modekai once more kotei change POSITION yame stop kamae basic posture dojo training hall hidiri hanmi left stance keikogi training suit migi hanmi right stance eri collar ai hanmi same stance (tori / uke) sodo sleeve gyaku hanmi different stance (tori / uke) obi belt seiza kneeling (feet under legs) hakama pleated skirt kiza kneeling (on toes) bokken wooden sword jo wooden staff MOVEMENT tanto wooden knife tai sabaki body movement tekubi wrist tsugi ashi shuffle step - same stance kote / ude forearm irimi ashi cross step - change stance empi / hiji elbow tenkai hip turn kata shoulder tenkan body turn (usually 1800) or pivot mune chest irimi tenkan step forward and turn jodan upper body sokomen side approach chudan middle body shikko knee walking gedan lower body ukemi breakfall ashi leg / foot geri kick GRIPS mae front katate dori one hand grip (on wrist) yoko side morote dori two hand grip (on wrist) ushiro rear kosa dori cross grip (R to L or L to R) hara / tanden inner centre of gravity kata dori shoulder grip tori person performing techniques ryote dori grip both wrists uke person receiving techniques ushiro ryote dori grip both wrists from rear maai interval between tori & uke kiai explosive shout STRIKES zanshin mental awareness shomen uchi open strike: centre of head metsuke eye contact yokomen uchi open strike: side of head irimi / omote entering version of technique chudan tsuki punch to body tenkan / ura turning version of technique jodan tsuki punch to head

KATAME WAZA controlling techniques NAGE WAZA throwing techniques dai ikkyo 1st control ude osae irimi nage entering throw dai nikyo 2nd control kote mawashi shiho nage four-direction throw dai sankyo 3rd control kote hineri kote gaeshi wrist out-turn (throw or pin) dai yonkyo 4th control tekubi osae tenchi nage heaven-and-earth throw dai gokyo 5th control ude nobasi kaiten nage rotation throw dai rokyu 6th control hiji jime koshi nage hip throw kata gatame shoulder pin kokyu nage timing throw 12

FORMS AND TECHNIQUES

The following definitions should not be regarded as definitive translations as there are other interpretations. Most techniques have two variations: omote (a movement to the front of uke / ‘inside’ uke’s stance); and ura (a movement to the back of uke / ‘outside’ uke’s stance). Some techniques also have variations based on irimi (entering) and tenkan (turning). Training forms § tachi waza tori and uke both standing § suwari waza tori and uke both sitting § hanmi hantachi waza tori sitting, uke standing § katame waza* controlling techniques § nage waza throwing techniques § atemi waza striking techniques § ushiro waza techniques applied to attacks from the rear § jiyu waza free-style attack / defence techniques § kaeshi waza reversal (counter) techniques § jo dori staff taking techniques § tachi dori sword taking techniques § tanto dori knife taking techniques § futari dori multiple attackers

*The types of katame waza are: kansetsu waza (limb / joint techniques); osae waza (immobilisation / pressure techniques); and shime waza (strangulation techniques). Attack forms: gripping § gyaku hanmi katate dori one hand grip (on wrist) either R – L or L – R § ai hanmi katate dori one hand grip (on wrist) either R – R or L – L § kosa dori another name for ai hanmi katate dori § hiji dori elbow grip § sode dori sleeve grip (above elbow) § kata dori shoulder grip § morote dori two hand grip (on wrist) § ryote mochi two hand attack (often abbreviated as ryo) § ryote mochi ryote dori two hands grip both wrists (also called ryo katate dori) § ryo kata dori both shoulders gripped § muna dori lapel gripped at the mid-chest § muna daki jime bear hug from behind § kubi jime strangle (choke) § ushiro attack from behind § ushiro ryote tekubi dori both hands gripped from behind (ushiro ryo katate dori) § ushiro ryo hiji dori both elbows gripped from behind § ushiro ryo kata dori both shoulders gripped from behind § ushiro eri dori collar gripped from behind § ushiro katate dori kubi jime strangle from behind with one wrist gripped § ninnin dori two uke (typically morote dori and ushiro kubi shime katate dori) § sannin dori three uke (typically two morote dori and one ushiro katate dori kubi shime) 13

Attack forms: striking § uchi swinging / sweeping strike § shomen uchi downward strike (centre of head) § yokomen uchi diagonal strike (side of head) § tsuki jab, straight thrust or punch § jodan tsuki punch to the head § muna tsuki punch to the chest (upper body) § chudan tsuki punch to the stomach (mid body) § gedan tsuki punch to the groin (lower body § geri kick (eg jodan, chudan or gedan as per tsuki) § uchi geri sweeping kick

Controlling techniques also called § dai ikkyo 1st control ude osae arm immobilisation (no joint pressure) § dai nikyo 2nd control kote mawashi wrist twist in circle (towards uke) § dai sankyo 3rd control kote hineri wrist twist inside (towards uke) § dai yonkyo 4th control tekubi osae wrist immobilisation (nerve pinch) § dai gokyo 5th control ude nobashi arm stretch (uke palm up) § dai rokyo 6th control hiji jime arm lock (also called ude hishigi) § kote gaeshi wrist twist outwards (away from uke) § kata gatame shoulder control (pin)

Throwing techniques § irimi nage entering throw (body check throw) § shiho nage four-direction throw (multi-direction throw) § kaiten nage rotary (spin) throw § uchi kaiten nage inside rotary (spin) throw § soto kaiten nage outside rotary (spin) throw § tenchi nage heaven and earth throw § ude kime nage elbow lock throw § ude garami nage arm entwined throw § juji nage crossed arms throw § koshi nage hip throw § kokyo nage timing throw / breath power throw

APPENDIX 1

BAF grading syllabus: see https://www.bafonline.org.uk/technical-information/

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APPENDIX 2: BAF POLICY FOR REPORTING INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS (MAY 2018)

Reporting an incident or accident

It is imperative every dojo ensures there is an ‘accident book’ at hand at every practice. Any incident must be recorded immediately, even though it may seem trivial at the time. NB: blank copies of an ‘incident / accident form’ are kept in the admin folder stored in the mat cupboard (with the first aid kit). The form used by Greenwich dojo complies with BAF guidelines below.

Essential details to be recorded

1. Date and time of incident 2. Full name, age, and occupation of the injured person 3. Name of the instructor conducting the class 4. Circumstances 5. Details of injury 6. Action taken 7. Names of two witnesses

Notification of immediate and serious injuries

The Perkins Slade Incident Notification Form should be completed by the instructor taking the class and sent to the BAF General Secretary without delay. Blank copies should also be available in the admin folder and from https://www.bafonline.org.uk/information-for-members/

Indication / notice of intention to sue

In the event that a student, instructor, or officer is given an indication (whether verbal or in written form) of the intention of being sued in relation to their aikido activities, they should proceed as follows:

• Do not comment on the case to anyone other the BAF General Secretary or Joint Aikikai Council (JAC) Insurance Officer, or representatives of the defendant's Insurance Broker.

• All dialogue with third parties (particularly solicitors and representatives of the claimant) must be referred to the Insurance Brokers acting for the defendant.

• Contact the BAF General Secretary immediately (preferably by telephone) with a detailed account of what has been said, plus an account of the incident and when an incident report was or will be sent. Also submit a written account of the incident, together with a copy of the insured person's insurance certificate. The reports should provide full particulars of any claims or circumstances that may give rise to a claim.

• Every writ, letter, claim summons etc. should be sent directly to the BAF General Secretary upon receipt. Written notice must be given to the BAF General Secretary immediately where there is knowledge of prosecution, inquest, or enquiry in connection with any circumstances, which may give rise to liability under a JAC policy.

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