FAQ

Q: What style of Aikido do you practice?

Our style is Tenchi Kai Aikido (Heaven and Earth Aikido).  The style tends to be classed as a hard style of Aikido with an emphasis on relaxation, breathing and Ki.  Our style is in some respects similar to some forms of classical Jujitsu, though we emphasise relaxed, fluid techniques, whilst retaining the directness and realism of application associated with being a good form of self defence.

Q: I'm a beginner with no experience am I welcome?

Of course!  We were all beginners once, and the sooner you start the sooner you'll master Aikido!

Q: When do you train?

Classes are usually held weekly on Thursdays from 7pm until 9pm.  You should consult the training times section of the site for more information, as to the classes available and their times.

Q: Where do you train?

You should see our pages on where we train to find our Aikido classes in Dundee.   Though to summarise here, we currently train at 

Brooksbank Centre, Pitairlie Road, Dundee, Scotland, DD4 8DB.  

Q: I have sat-nav, what's the postcode?

The postcode for our training hall is DD4 8DB.  

Q: How much are classes?

We train for the love of Aikido and none of us are in it for the money (there is none anyway!). Unfortunately there are costs to meet which include us renting the hall, and occasional travel costs.  For this reason classes are £5.00 per class which is lower than can we really afford to make it; but we're sure you'll agree it's excellent value for a 2 hour training session!

Q: Do you do student discounts?

It's £5 for two hours, we can't make it any cheaper, sorry. :-)

Q: I want to improve my fitness and get some exercise, can Aikido help?

Of course!  Aikido is an excellent way to keep fit and exercise!  All classes feature a good warm up, designed to exercise the whole body...  Whilst the many techniques and breakfalls are an excellent way of improving strength, suppleness and overall fitness.

Q: Do I need to affiliate with your association?

Eventually, yes.  But we'll only ask this of you after you've been coming for a while and are sure you're going to stick at it.  Membership costs approximately £20 for a year.

Q: Do I need a suit or anything?

Not initially.  If you have one, then bring it, but to start with you're probably best wearing tracksuit bottoms and an old t-shirt.  We'd only suggest you buy a suit (Gi) when you're sure of your own commitment.

Q: I'm 58, am I too old?

Not at all, our eldest member is in his mid 60's, and he frequently runs rings around guys in their 20's!  The founder of Aikido also practiced it daily into his 80's.  This said, you like everyone, should aim to take things relatively easy at the beginning, particularly if you're not yet used to exercising.

Q: My son/daughter is 10, are they old enough to come along?

It's important to remember that we don't run a separate kids class, so it really depends on the child.  If they are willing to learn and behave without being disruptive then they're more than welcome to join us.  We've found that kids aged between 10-12 years seem to engage the best, but we have had younger children train with us.

If your kids are adventurous and up for learning Aikido, then you should get them to bring some friends along too, as in the early stages it can help to practice on somebody who's a similar size.

Q: Have you considered running a kids class?

Yes, if we get the demand we may consider starting a separate kids class, at present we run a mixed class for both adults and children. 

Q: Do you grade?  How many belts are there and how long will it take to get a black-belt?

Yes we grade, but do you want a black-belt or the skills that go with it?  It takes a long time to work your way through the belts in Aikido; and the best measure of progress is your own ability.  You can expect to have learned the basics within a few years and you should feel more confident in your own abilities to defend yourself. 

In short you're really best not worrying about belts as you don't see them very often; though there are 6 kyu grades before black, corresponding to the white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown belts respectively.  After a few years of regular training it is possible reach orange belt.  It can take 10 years or more of regular practice to achieve your 1st dan grade (black-belt). 

Q: Who teaches the classes?

Classes are almost always taught by our Aikido Sensei (teacher), Alex Miller 4th Dan.  Alec was introduced to Aikido at a young age by his father (a 7th Dan), and Alex now has nearly 40 years of experience in Aikido, whilst holding high grades in other arts, including Aiki Jujitsu and Atemi Jutsu.  Alex teaches an effective direct style of Aikido with an emphasis on achieving a strong, relaxed technique.

On rare occasions when Alec has other commitments classes are taken by advanced students.

Q: I love the class, how can I help you guys?

Just training with us as regularly as you can is all we ask.

Alternatively if you run a website, or participate on social networking sites like Facebook or X, be sure to provide a link to this website, start a Dundee Aikido group, or let your friends know about us!

If you have enjoyed our classes and training with us, then you can help by writing a review of our classes on Google.

Q: I have some more questions, who can I ask?

You should see our train with us page for information on joining our online forum and contacting our members directly.  We're more than happy to answer any questions you may have.