Beginners are always welcome. We also welcome watching or trying a
session before joining the club. If you want to try a class, please wear
loose clothes such as sweat pants and a T-shirt if you don't have a gi.
(You can buy a gi from the club if you need one).
Membership is open to anyone at IU and to the general public (i.e., you
do NOT need to be a student to join). Due to university insurance
rules, members must be at least 18 years old. To join, just come to any
regular practice session and talk to the instructor.
FEES
Club dues: $35/semester, and $20/Summer (or $10/month
in the Summer). We use the same fee schedule for students and non-students.
Individuals may train for up to six classes in any given time period (Fall,
Spring, Summer) before being required to pay dues. Members joining in
the last two full months of a Fall or Spring semester may pay $20 dues.
BASICS
We are often asked how our classes work. Sometimes we have special beginner
workshops, but don't wait until then to begin! At general practice, all
levels practice together, and everyone should adjust their technique to
the level of their partner. (This is actually an important aspect of training
for everyone.) A general rule of thumb is: Take care of your partner and
yourself (i.e., don't injure others by training above their level; and
don't risk injury by training above your own level, and be sure to let
everyone know if you have special training needs--training tape, a bandana,
armband or other marker can be tied on to help everyone remember).
The best way to check us out is to visit a class (watching
or participating), but many people like to know what to expect.
Following is some basic information, but just follow along. When
it is time for class to begin, everyone lines up (sitting in
seiza, or kneeling) along the line on the mat. The instructor
then walks onto the mat, and everyone bows toward the front,
then claps twice, then bows again toward the front. (This is
Japanese tradition, but some people prefer not to clap. That's
fine.) The instructor then turns toward everyone, and all bow,
saying onegaishimasu ("oh-nay-guy-she-mahs" meaning
please). The instructor then leads everyone in silent stretching
and warm-ups. Then everyone will line up again, and the instructor
will call someone up to help demonstrate the first technique.
(If you have bad knees, you may sit cross-legged rather than
kneeling during this time.) After the demonstration, find a partner
to practice with (just turn toward someone and bow, saying onegaishimasu).
You will be uke (receive the technique) four times (twice on
each side), and then you will be nage (do the technique) four
times, etc., until the instructor claps. Then everyone lines
up, and the rest of class continues this way. (We usually change
partners every technique. If you find there is an odd number
of students, the partnerless person should kneel or sit cross-legged
at the edge of the mat, facing any practicing pair. The practicing
pair should notice the third partner and rotate him/her into
their practice.)
At the end of class, everyone lines up and repeats the beginning
bowing sequence. Then we usually make a circle near the front
to discuss any club business.
Finally, remember that everyone was a beginner once! Our club founder, George Bevins Sensei, often recommended that beginners focus first on giving good attacks and taking good ukemi (rolling, etc.), in order to be able to practice at a higher level more quickly and thus able to improve in technique more quickly.
See also our Dojo Rules and Etiquette for more important information.
UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT
We recommend a judo or karate uniform (dogi or gi) be worn
to classes. This is the toughest and most practical piece of clothing
to wear for martial arts practice. Sweats are OK but won't last long.
 |
In the ASU, students are encouraged to wear a hakama as soon
as possible, but it is not required. It has no connection with
rank for our organization. We order our hakama from BuJin Design, also an excellent equipment source. |
Our training also includes the use of traditional weapons, primarily
wooden sword and staff (bokken and jo).
The club has a supply of weapons for use during class until members can
purchase their own weapons.
The club has a supply of uniforms
and equipment for sale at volume discount prices.
Excellent quality equipment specially designed for Aikido may also be
ordered from BuJin
Design
