Inform your Sensei of injuries or any other problems that may be relevant to your practice. It is not necessary to purchase a Gi for your first practice. Loose clothing will do. When you have decided that you wish to continue, that is the time to think about fees, membership and the Gi. The first classes at Exeter Aikido are offered free of charge. We are required to obtain insurance for students within two weeks of first stepping on the mat.
Exeter Aikido does not have a beginners course. Everyone is thrown in at the deep end. Although we generally practice at quite a pace you must always practice at your own speed. Take your time. Don't rush anything. Advanced students learn much from beginners, so there is no need to feel that you are holding anyone back.
At first you may feel that the volume of information is just too immense. This sensation does not last. You will soon find your body taking over much of what your mind once felt it had to deal with. It helps to remember that those you practice with have all been though this same process. The only thing between you and being able to do all of this is practice.
O-sensei has said that the first step in Aikido is to let go of your strength. You will be taught to use your muscles in a different way, free of unnecessary tension, and yet powerful. The simplest way to approach this is to relax. From a practical perspective taking this advice will also make it less likely that you will do yourself or others any harm.
In Aikido we do not approach or resolve a conflict in an aggressive or violent frame of mind. Our approach to training reflects this and makes Aikido a pleasure to practice.