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TRAINING LEVELS & GROUPS

Youngs & adults

Beginners focus quite literally on the fundamentals of Aikido: learning how to move, evade, fall safely, maintain proper posture, and develop overall body control. Training also includes basic partner techniques, introductory weapons practice, and light conditioning to warm up both body and mind, all in a safe and encouraging atmosphere.

At the basic technique level , training consists primarily of fundamental techniques, adapted to accommodate practitioners of different experience levels. Once a student becomes comfortable with the beginner fundamentals, they naturally progress to the basic technique level.

Advanced trainees practice more demanding techniques, with content varying according to needs and interest, from more complex weapons work to counter-techniques and free techniques.

A typical training session follows the traditional Aikido training structure: warm-up, stretching, preparatory exercises, ukemi, partner techniques, weapons practice, and a short muscle or fitness training.

Kids

Family Aikido offers a unique way for children to explore the world of Aikido together with their parent, guardian, grandparent, aunt, or even godparent. Training takes place on the children's terms, and both children and adults learn important skills associated with Aikido, such as body control, falling, and sword and stick handling. Aikido training develops motor and social skills as well as concentration skills. Family Aikido classes are mainly taught in Finnish.

PREPARATION & EQUIPMENT

When you begin, please wear trousers that extend below the knees and allow free movement, along with a long-sleeved shirt. You can get a proper Aikido uniform later. We train barefoot, but children in Family Aikido may wear soft-soled gym slippers or grip socks if they prefer. Regular socks cannot be used, as the surface of the tatami mat is extremely slippery. No shoes-type of footwear is allowed on the tatami. Please also bring a water bottle and two small towels.

Your Aikido uniform and any other training clothes must be kept clean. Long hair should be tied back. Any makeup that may smear must be removed so it does not get onto your partner’s uniform or the mats. For safety reasons, jewellery must be removed or securely taped down. Fingernails and toenails should be kept short. Before training, please wash your hands and feet.

When it is time to purchase an Aikido uniform (keikogi), you are free to buy it from any supplier. However, we recommend discussing options with an instructor to ensure the uniform is suitable for Aikido. We also encourage buying a used uniform! We organise group orders as well if enough people are interested. For active practitioners, we recommend having at least two training uniforms.

If you do not yet own the Aikido weapons used in training (jo & ken), you may borrow them from the dojo. When available, the dojo also sells high-quality weapons to its members.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO CONTINUE PRACTICING AIKIDO?

Active training in our mixed adult–junior group costs approximately €385 per year for adults and €265 per year for juniors. These fees include all training sessions, club membership, Finland Aikikai's license, and accident insurance.

You can find used Aikido uniforms starting from around €10. A brand-new uniform typically costs €40–100, depending on the size. A jo & ken weapons set is usually €110–150. A high-quality uniform can last for many years, and well-maintained wooden weapons often last a lifetime.

LICENSE & INSURANCE

Basically, all the members who train must have the License from Finland Aikikai. License includes insurance and it's possible to have License without insurance part in case trainee already have one for Aikido from somewhere else. More information from Finland Aikikai's website (fi).