If you are new then you should arrive 10-15 minutes or so before the start time to register - as this is a physical activity we need to understand if there are any medical issues that could affect your practice as well as taking your contact details

The start time is the start of the class. So, students need to turn up beforehand to change and prepare

The class formally starts with acknowledgement and respect with traditional Japanese bows

Warm up exercises to prepare the body for the class are undertaken in just the same as any other physical activity

Then the main class content of learning techniques - each student practices to improve, taking it in turns to do the defence. The techniques will initially be taught as a series of progressive steps, to help the learning process, and will be repeated many times to allow you to consolidate. Eventually the individual steps blend into a continuous smooth defensive movement

If you are new, you will be taught how to move out of techniques including going to ground safely and rolling breakfalls

It will all seem strange at first and you will not remember very much from your first classes - but gradually the mist will lift as you return to practise techniques you have done in earlier classes 

Classes will also study weapon work in relation to Aikido, using Bokken, Jo and Tanto

To finish there will be cool down exercises, a closing bow and an opportunity to ask any questions

Japanese terminology

At the start of the class the Sensei will say ‘Onegaishimasu’ (one gaishi ma su) and you respond the same. This is a Japanese word used in Aikido to express mutual respect and commitment to support each other in learning and improving Aikido

It is used when bowing in at the start of class and (sometimes when wanting to be formal), each time bowing to a training partner to practice

Basically, the word means "Please, would you train with me"

At the end we all say ‘Domo arigato gozaimas’ta’ (Domo aah ree garto go zay mas ta): Thank you very much