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 1 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. 3 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.