GREENWICH AIKIDO DOJO: 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 1.2 with minor updates. 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 11 Forms and techniques 12 BAF grading syllabus Appendix 1 GREENWICH AIKIDO DOJO March 2018 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 techniques 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. 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. 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 by the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan to teach aikido. The organisation was renamed the ‘British Aikido Federation’ in 1977 with Minoru Kanetsuka (Shihan 8th Dan, Aikikai Foundation) as its Technical Director. Other Japanese and British shihan (master teacher) also instruct at frequent BAF weekend courses and at the annual BAF Summer School. 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 Aikido 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 http://www.aikikai.or.jp/eng/index.html • International Aikido Federation http://www.aikido-international.org/iaf-about • British Aikido Federation http://bafonline.org.uk • Joint Aikido Council http://jointaikikaicouncil.co.uk • Greenwich Aikido Dojo EMAIL [email protected] INTERNET http://www.greenwich-aikido.com FACEBOOK https://en-gb.facebook.com/gwhaikido/ PHONE Adam on 078 9067 2980 or Derrick on 075 9057 8800 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 6th Dan). In 1989 he joined the Ryushinkan dojo in London under Minoru Kanetsuka (Shihan 8th Dan) and was awarded 1st Dan in 1991. Colman currently holds the rank of 6th Dan and is a Shidoin (national coach) in the BAF as well as a certified level 2 coach. Colman opened the Greenwich dojo in 2004, and in 2012 he travelled to Japan to train at the Hombu Dojo. He continues to train regularly at Ryushinkan as well as teach at Greenwich. 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 remains a member of Ryushinkan. In 2012 he 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 Wednesdays REGULAR CLASS 8.00pm to 9.30pm (Room 7) Thursdays BEGINNERS CLASS 7.15pm to 8.10pm (Room 9) REGULAR CLASS 8.15pm to 9.45pm (Room 9) Saturdays REGULAR CLASS* 10.00am to 12.00pm (Room 15) *Please bring weapons to the Saturday class if you have them. We also hold a special course about once every two months, and the BAF holds frequent weekend courses (see website for details). MEMBERSHIP FEES Membership fees are annual (rates below) and students need to be a member of the dojo and BAF before starting to train. At present, we cannot train people under 18 years of age. We also offer provisional membership for £5: this counts towards the BAF fee and is valid for three classes. After the third class, students wishing to continue training need to pay the balance of the relevant BAF fee plus dojo annual fee. All fees are non-refundable, and the dojo and BAF both reserve the right to refuse, suspend or terminate membership at any time. Visiting BAF members are very welcome to train with proof of current membership and valid insurance. 3 Status BAF annual fee Dojo annual fee Total annual fees • Adult (18 or over) £35 £25 £60 • Student / concessionary £25 £15 £40 • Senior (65 or over) £20 £10 £30 TRAINING FEES Training fees can be paid by: cash per class; cash per month; or monthly order (rates below). Our monthly rates allow members to attend all classes in that calendar month or part thereof but exclude special courses. Fees are paid in advance and are non-refundable, and the dojo does not accept payment by cheque. A ‘double class’ comprises the two consecutive classes on Thursday. The most cost-effective method of payment for regular students is by standing order. Payment should be made in advance on the 1st day of each month (to NatWest Bank, Sort Code 60-09-16, Account 51347857) and maintained unless extended absence from training. NB: The ‘hourly rate’ below is for illustrative purposes only based on a student attending most classes paying by order. Status cash per …double monthly monthly ‘hourly class… class by cash by order rate’ • Adult (18 or over) £20 £30 £90 £75 £3.50 • Student / concessionary £15 £20 £55 £50 £2.50 • Senior (65 or over) £10 £15 £40 £35 £1.50 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. Aikido training involves close physical contact and students should maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and remove any make-up. Your keikogi (or other 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. 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).