Training with us - Bullockhead Creek Kokikai Aikido

We try to keep prices down to allow as many students to train as possible, and offer a range of fee options and payment plans for day-to-day training. Generally speaking, adults train for $75 per month (with several discounts available) and children train for $110 per school term (with discounts also available). Mat fees can also be paid annually. For a cost-effective start to your training, we also have beginner packages for adults that are popular with new students. Also remember that your first class is free!

Annual registration fees are also payable, as are grading fees.

We also provide uniforms and training weapons.

More product pricing details are available here.

How do I get started?

What should I wear and bring?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Keep in mind that clothing is occasionally damaged in training, so don't wear your favourite or most expensive outfit! Long trousers are recommended to prevent mat burns on your knees. Be sure to bring a hand towel if you tend to sweat during exercise, and a water bottle, as well as any other items you would normally bring with you for strenuous exercise (eg. asthma medication, knee brace, etc.)

Martial arts uniforms are well designed to handle the demands of training, so if you have one, feel free to wear it. We sell aikido uniforms (gi) and Aikido Kokikai Australia badges as well.

What equipment will I need to purchase?

What should I expect when I get there?

What are the rules of etiquette?

Good etiquette is not always required, but it is always welcome. Below you will find some basic guidelines for good etiquette in an Aikido class.

Remember, every instructor has his or her own expectations. As a student you should strive to understand what they are and follow them to the best of your abilities.

Your instructor

The traditional mode of address for an Aikido instructor is "Sensei." It may be used either by itself or with a name (eg "Allen sensei").

Shoes

Always remove your shoes before stepping onto the mats. At Bullockhead Creek, we remove our shoes at the door and place them neatly in the space provided.

Bowing

Bowing is a traditional greeting in Japanese culture. It is used to say "hello," "goodbye," "please," "thank you," "I'm sorry," and any number of other social niceties.

In the dojo, we bow:

When entering or leaving the dojo,
When entering or leaving the mat area,
At the opening and closing of class,
When we pair up for practice,
When we finish training together,
When we thank each other after class,
When we thank our instructor for helping us,

and any time someone else bows to us!

Opening class

Arrive early enough that you can be ready to start class on time.

Before class begins, you may stretch, talk with other students, practice rolling or perform any duties your teacher may have assigned you as part of your training.

When your teacher sits in the seiza position either on the side or front of the mats, you should stop what you are doing immediately and sit seiza in a line with the other students.

The instructor will turn and everyone will bow to the shomen at the front of the room. Next the instructor will face the class and everyone will bow again. Then the instructor will begin warm-ups.

Closing class

At the end of the class, the instructor will ask everyone to sit. Again, the teacher will turn around and everyone will bow to the front. Then the teacher will turn around, bow to the class and say "Thank you very much." Students bow and say "Thank you sensei." Then the teacher will ask you to thank everyone you trained with in that session. Be sure and thank everyone by name.

How safe is it?

One of the most important concerns for beginners is safety. After a few years, safe practice becomes automatic, but beginners are most in danger of injuring themselves and others.

Some good ideas for safe practice:

Watch your instructor and listen carefully to his or her instructions.
Work with your partners, not against them.
Inform your instructor and your practice partners of any soreness, strain, injury, or illness you may have so that they can take appropriate precautions.
Use common sense. If you have a sore back, sit out techniques or exercises that may aggravate it.
Respect everyone's abilities, both your own and your partner's. Know and repect your limitations and your partner's.

Aikido is a life-long endeavour. If you take care of yourself, you may still be practicing when you are 70 years old. You are better served by taking a few months off to let an injury heal than to cut short your training career for the sake of a couple of training sessions.

NOTE: Before training with any injury, disability, or illness, get your doctor's professional opinion and follow his or her advice.

Hygiene?

Hygiene is a common sense issue. Remember that you will be in close contact with other people, so please take steps to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience.

Some good ideas for good hygiene:

Wash your gi (uniform) after every practice.
Shower or bathe before practice.
Make sure your hands and feet are clean before practice.
Use deodorant, toothpaste and mouthwash as needed.
Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed and filed.

Blood

Blood is an area of special concern with regard to hygiene. If you find that you or anyone else is bleeding, even a very small amount, please cease practicing immediately and inform the instructor, so that he or she can get it cleaned up and get appropriate medical attention.

I'm female or LGBTQ+ will I be taken seriously on the mats?

Hierarchy in a Kokikai dojo is based on rank, with no distinctions made on the basis of gender or gender identity. If we keep the benefits of aikido training in mind, we can see that all students should be able to train together on an equal basis. At the Bullockhead Creek Dojo, we have a strict policy of equality. Male/female/other students receive equal attention from instructors and are expected to train equally hard. Students are expected to behave in a way that is respectful and compassionate to all other members of the dojo.

Modesty

The mats are a place for everyone to feel comfortable. For this reason, clothes should be changed either in a changing room or in the rest room. The only exceptions are uwagi (uniform jackets) when worn over a T-shirt, and hakama when worn over uniform trousers. Please do not bare your torso in the dojo.

Language

Please consider the effect your words or jokes might have on all other members of the dojo community, remembering that victims of assault, abuse, or other trauma, often undertake training to help them overcome their past. If you are unsure whether a joke or comment will offend, save it for beers on the weekend.

It should go without saying that offensive references to other members will not be tolerated.

How do I grade?

We follow the Japan Kokikai grading system for our adult students, with white, brown and black belt levels. Children progress through a series of coloured belts until they reach their black belt rank.

Gradings are held approximately every six months. Your dojo leader will decide when you are eligible to grade, based on mat hours, time since your last grading, your abilities in technique, and your attitude and personal growth.

About training at our dojo

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Your first class is free!