Aikido is a journey. The first step for everyone begins with the first step when you enter the dojo. So come along — you are welcome.

“I initially came to Christchurch for 6 months, I've made a home here and Aikido has been a big part of that.” Colin Grealy

ASC offers Adults classes [ages 13 and over] and Juniors [Kids] classes ages 7 – 12 years. Beginners are welcome to watch any of our classes or train in the general or basics classes.

This page covers where to go, what to expect, costs and the timetable for adult classes. Find out about the junior classes.

“True budo knows no defeat”, The Founder of Aikido

Adult Beginners

Beginners are welcome to watch any of our classes or train in the general or basics classes. To find out the class timetables and dojo addresses click on the links above.

The Adult's classes may be attended by anyone from the age of 13 years. The first class is free so you can simply come along and try things out.

The first step is to find the dojo closest to you by clicking on the location below.

You can find our dojos in the following areas. If you click on dojo it will open a map and timetable showing the basics classes through which we try to bring beginners:

Beginner timetables

• Burnside dojo
  • Monday: 6-7.30pm
  • Wednesday: 6-7.30pm
  • Friday: 6-7.30pm
• Linwood dojo
  • Tuesday: 6-7.30pm
  • Thursday: 6-7.30pm
• Rangiora dojo
  • Tuesday: 6-7.10pm

“After a few months of aikido training I lost a whopping 10 kilos of fat and gained a few biceps and triceps.” Magdalene Huang

What to wear

If you wish to train, wear loose clothing; for example, track suit or training pants and a sweatshirt.

Costs

The first class is free, then if you wish to continue you need to complete our membership form (available at the dojo) and pay our membership fees. To see the adults costs click on Fees

What to Expect

Please try to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled class time and introduce yourself to the instructor (who is called "sensei" which simply means teacher). The class will then begin when all the students and instructor line up and bow.

Your first class will commence with light warm-ups gradually increasing in intensity to ensure that you are thoroughly prepared for training. The warm-ups themselves are excellent physical therapy.

After the warm-up you will probably be taught to breakfall. Be patient you probably will need several classes before you can breakfall properly.

“This aikido business connects us to a large number of amazing people and the warm glow I felt amongst new and old friends is still lit within me.” Miria Lange on travelling to Japan [October 2008].

Probably following this the instructor will demonstrate a technique. You will then bow to a partner and train with that partner practising the technique shown.

The class will finish with some light warm-downs and be completed when you bow out. Following the class usually the students will then clean the dojo.

Do not be concerned about feeling out of place, or that the movements feel strange or difficult. Everyone who trains at aikido has been through this process. The other students who are senior to you and the instructor are all there to help you develop your aikido - that is their responsibility. The main thing is to enjoy training.

The next day you may feel some residual muscle stiffness. Again this is pretty normal and quickly disappears with regular training as your fitness improves.

“Aikido is ‘easy’” Andrew’s favourite saying in Basics class.

If you have any other concerns please feel free to contact us at the e-mail link below: asc@christchurchaikido.co.nz