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 |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 20.00 - 21.30 | Furzebrook Village Hall |
| Friday | 20.00 - 21.30 | Poole Martial Arts and Fitness Centre |
Wellsprings Aikido trains at
Furzebrook Village Hall on Thursdays.
Wareham.
Dorset.
BH20 5AR.
Find Furzebrook Village Hall on Google Maps
Poole Martial Arts and Fitness Centre on Fridays.
156a Stanley Green Road,
Poole.
Dorset.
BH15 3AH.
Find Poole Martial Arts and Fitness Centre on Google Maps
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) | B.A.B. 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. For Wellsprings Aikidoka this is provided by the British Aikido Board (view summary of insurance provided) via membership of the Aikido Research Federation. Students enrolled on a designated beginners' course or trial period have the first year's membership of the Aikido Research Federation, which includes the necessary level of insurance required to train with Wellsprings Aikido, included in the fee paid. 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. Kyu grades wear white belts and dan grades wear black. Hakama are worn by 3rd kyu and above. Beginners can wear light but reasonably robust clothing, such as a sweat shirt and jogging bottoms. 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 requirements and rationale for ranks in Aikido from 6th kyu to 4th dan.Grading 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
