New members are always welcome at any time of the year. We have a broad spectrum of members, spanning many nationalities and of many different skill levels, ranging from a couple of sessions to years. At first things may seem confusing, but you will catch on quickly. Most important of all is that you are willing to learn and develop.
If you are in doubt, just try a session and see if aikido is suitable to your needs.
This year we also ask that all club members register, which is done through the AU.
Contents
Where?
When?
What do I get?
How much?
Does this cover everything?
What should I wear?
What if I don’t study at Cardiff University?
Who teaches the class?
Where?
We train in the dojo at Llys Talybont, Bevan Place, CF14 3UX.
To reach it by car leave Western Avenue (A48) as if to go to Tesco Extra, turn left at the roundabout and then right towards McDonald’s. Talybont is accessible via a signposted lane to your right.
When?
- Thursday 8–10 pm (20:00–22:00)
- Saturday 3–5 pm (15:00–17:00)
These are for University term times. Holiday periods may differ as the Sports Centre often closes during these. Training may continue during summer, but this is dependent on availability of the dojo.
What do I get?
- High quality instruction twice a week
- Affiliation to national aikido body (BAB), insuring you for training at any affiliated club
- The chance to attend seminars with internationally renowned instructors
- Gradings, usually once a year
- Membership booklet with space for insurance inserts, grading record and seminar attendance
- A fun and safe chance to learn and practice at your own pace
- Social events organised throughout the year, with the post-session trip to the Talybont Social being a regular fixture
How much?
This year’s fees are:
- Annual membership fee: £25
- Per session mat fees: FREE
The fee for the entire year includes both semesters. This is one off and there are no individual session fees.
You will also have to pay the AU to affiliate with them. For Cardiff University students it is £5, for others it is more (see below).
Registration for membership and AU affiliation is now done online.
Does this cover everything?
Not quite. We occasionally host optional courses taught by a guest sensei. Often we have to charge to cover their fee or travel expenses. Sometimes we make a collection for charity instead of directly charging a fee. However, these courses, led by internationally renowned teachers, will always be the best value that you can find.
Members are also expected to buy their own training uniform (see below), but you don’t need to get one before you start. In addition to this we sometimes use wooden weapons as a training aid. The club has a store of these and it is not necessary to buy your own. However, some members prefer to purchase their own, and we encourage members to do so both to alleviate demand and because they make a useful solo practice aid.
What should I wear?
Members normally wear a white cotton gi (or keikogi), of the judo variety. However, anything loose fitting and comfortable will be fine. Please also remove any jewellery before practice, as it can harm either yourself or others.
Ask at any session about discounts available through the club on training clothing.
What if I don’t study at Cardiff University?
The club is run by and for students at Cardiff University. However, it is possible for us to accept other members, which can be classed as:
- Staff at Cardiff University
- Students not at Cardiff University
- Nonstudents
The membership fee for all three remain the same, but the affiliation fees for the Athletic Union vary:
- Cardiff Student - £5.00
- Associate: Staff - £50.00
- Associate: Student - £20.00
- Associate: Other - £100.00
There may also be restrictions on the number from each group that we are allowed or prepared to accept.
The best thing to do is contact the club committee who will do their best to help you out; Cardiff is well provisioned for aikido clubs and the committee can always suggest an alternative if something cannot be worked out.
Who teaches the class?
Our sensei, or teacher, is Dave Dimmick. Dave began practicing aikido in 1973 and currently holds the rank of 2nd dan, also known as nidan. He started teaching in 1994 and has been the coach at Cardiff University Aikido since 1998. A registered member of the British Aikido Board, he has over the years been invited as a coach to their national course and to represent the National Aikido Federation on the BAB
In the real world, Dave is a secondary school teacher (BEd) and has a St John Ambulance First Aid at Work certification.
Assisting Dave, and teaching on occasions when he is away, is Ian Llewellyn. Ian is a 1st dan aikidoka.
