Wellsprings of the East
"In your training, do not be in a hurry, for it takes a minimum of ten years to master the basics and advance to the first rung. Never think of yourself as an all-knowing, perfected master; you must continue to train daily with your friends and students and progress together in the Art of Peace."
Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido
Training with Wellsprings Aikido
Training Times
| Day | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 20.00 - 21.30 | The Canford Room at The Junction, Broadstone. |
| Sunday | 19.00 - 20.30 | The Canford Room at The Junction, Broadstone. |
Wellsprings Aikido trains at
The Junction Sports and Leisure Centre on Fridays and Sundays.
The Junction
Station Approach,
Broadstone.
Dorset.
BH18 8AX.
Find The Junction on Google Maps
N.B. The Junction is on the opposite side of the road to marker on the map.
There is a council managed car park in front of the building. Parking is free after 6pm.
As at 15th March 2013 the Junction charges a £1.50 entry fee to non members. This entry fee is in addition to Wellsprings Aikido mat fee. If you are training regularly with Wellsprings Aikido at this venue we recommend that you take out an annual Bronze Membership of The Junction.
Format of a Typical Session
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Warm up, aiki taiso and ukemi practice | 10 min. |
| Tai no henko (kihon and/or kinonagare), morotedori kokyuho | 5 min. |
| Teacher's choice or syllabus work | 30 min. |
| Bukidori (weapon techniques) | 25 min. |
| Kokyunage or jiyuwaza | 15 min. |
| Suwariwaza kokyudosa | 5 min. |
Mat Fees
| Payment method | Aikidoka (waged) | Aikidoka (unwaged/students/pensioners) | TIAE coaches* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay per session | £9 | £7.50 | £6 |
| Pre-pay by Standing Order for 1 session per week | £27 per month | £22.50 per month | £18 per month |
| Pre-pay by Standing Order for 2 or more sessions per week | £39 per month | £32.50 per month | £26 per month |
* prepared to help out occasionally with teaching!
Insurance Requirements
All aikidoka must have valid insurance to train with Wellsprings Aikido. Students enrolled on a designated beginners' course or trial period have temporary insurance for the duration of that course/trial period included in the cost of the course. At the completion of the course/trial period the aikidoka must join TIAE if they wish to continue to train. Membership of TIAE includes includes the necessary level of insurance (provided by the British Aikido Board view summary of insurance provided) required to train with Wellsprings Aikido. Students are at liberty to arrange additional insurance at their own expense.
Visiting aikidoka must provide proof of insurance before they will be allowed onto the tatami.
Minimum Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years old to train with Wellsprings Aikido.Clothing
We wear the traditional white gi during our training. The colour of the belt worn with the gi indicates the standard which the aikidoka has attained and the level at which they are training. Beginners can wear light but reasonably robust clothing, such as a sweat shirt and jogging bottoms. The traditional hakama are worn by dan grades (black belts). 1st kyu (brown belts) are allowed to wear the hakama at the discretion of Tony Sargeant Sensei and Paul McGlone Sensei. We train in bare feet but footwear is worn whilst off the mat to avoid bringing dirt onto the training area.
Several times a year Wellsprings Aikido places a bulk order for gi and other equipment on behalf of members with Nine Circles.
Equipment
You will require a bokken and jo (wooden sword and staff) to train in Iwama Aikido. Later you may want to purchase a tanto (wooden knife).
We recommend that you purchase bokken and jo made from oak. These are a little more expensive but will last and are less likely to splinter or fracture if they receive a wack! The bokken used in Iwama Aikido has a squared off saki (tip). If your bokken has a pointed tip this must be sawn off before being used in training.
Mark Sensei keeps a small stock of Iwama bokken and jo for sale. Weapons can also be purchased over the internet.
Grading
Grading Requirements and Syllabus
View a .pdf document giving details of training requirements and syllabusGrading Dates
6th kyu - 2nd kyuRegular gradings are held for 6th - 2nd kyu. The dates may be found in the diary.
1st kyu and above
Gradings for 1st kyu and above are by arrangement.
Grading Fees
6th kyu - 2nd kyu £101st kyu and above Fee to be advised prior to grading
