Norton Ki Aikido Club in Letchworth G.C.
Welcome
I am Tim Brown, the Sensei (teacher) at the Norton Ki Aikido Club in Letchworth Garden City.
I set up the club to teach Ki and Ki Aikido to anyone who wants to learn and benefit from them.
Please allow me to welcome you to this page which describes the club, and the practicalities of getting started with us.
Beginners are always welcome!
Classes are suitable for all levels of fitness and may be practised equally by men and women of any size, age or ability. Our purpose is to give you the best experience of practicing and learning Ki and Ki Aikido, whoever you are.
I expect that you will have much to ask about Ki and Ki Aikido; if your question isn’t answered here, then please get in touch, or come and ask in person at the hall where we practice (our dojo).
Tim Brown
6th Dan — Ki Federation of Great Britain
What are Ki and Ki Aikido?
In the Art of Ki Aikido there is no aggression, no violence, no tension and no competition. The purpose of the practice is to learn to co-ordinate our mind and body through enjoyable exercise which will enhance the quality of our lives.
Aikido is not merely a series of techniques designed to overcome or subdue an opponent, but are exercises which embrace many universal laws of motion and natural movement. These are understood as the student progresses.
Benefits of Training
Aikido practiced regularly encourages:
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Healthy mental and spiritual disposition
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Good physical well-being
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High moral standards
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Relaxation and calmness
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Confidence
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Mindfulness
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Coordination of mind and body
The true Aikido spirit seeks to help others as well as oneself.
Through the study of Aikido one will discover true values and learn to enjoy a harmonious relationship with one’s fellow human beings.
Class Times and Days
Adults (18+) and Youths (14+)
Ki Class |
Tuesdays |
7.30 — 8.20 PM |
In the Ki Classes you will use the principles of co-ordination of mind and body to find a feeling of calmness and stability. You will soon adopt this as your natural state. |
Ki Aikido Class |
8.40 — 9.30 PM |
Ki Aikido develops co-ordination of mind and body in motion. Through the movement created by the exercises, you will learn how to extend your mind, and move lightly with relaxation and calmness. This will allow you to deal with the stresses in an ever-changing world and generate a state of well-being. |
We have access to the hall from 7.15 PM; so please arrive then to give yourself time to change and help set up the mat.
Classes will only be taught by a qualified teacher from the Ki Federation of Great Britain.
Location
Norton Methodist Community Centre
North Avenue
Letchworth Garden City
Hertfordshire
SG6 1DH
United Kingdom
The hall is wheelchair accessible from the street; and parking is available onsite.
Contact Information
Teacher: |
Tim Brown |
Phone: |
07771714159 |
Email: |
What to Wear
Please wear loose fitting clothes and bring flip-flops (or other slippers).
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To start with, just wear something comfortable that you are happy doing exercises in:
- Top
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a sweatshirt is good, or a heavy T-shirt. Note that we will sometimes take hold of clothing and, even though we won’t be pulling too hard on it, I suggest you don’t wear your nicest party sweatshirt.
- Trousers
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again jogging bottoms are good. We spend a lot of time kneeling and rolling on the mat, so you need something full length and soft. Jeans are not recommended; they are surprisingly abrasive.
Jewellery
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Jewellery should be removed before practice. Sometimes that is not possible, so please cover over any accessories that cannot be removed with micropore (or similar) tape. |
Kidogi
The kidogi (Aikido uniform) is very similar to a judo kit with the sleeves shortened. In time, you will need to wear one. Amongst other things it is comfortable, robust and practical for the exercises.
If you do have something similar like a white judo or karate suit then this is a good choice to start practicing with.
Cost
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We cannot teach you until you have paid your membership for the Ki Federation of Great Britain (KFGB). Until you are a member, our insurance will not cover you. For your safety and ours, we need you to be covered. For this reason, we regret you will not be able to participate in any exercises. Of course, you are welcome to watch. |
However, we do have an introductory pricing for beginners based on the following:
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I want you to know whether Ki and Ki Aikido practice are for you, that you enjoy the kind of exercises we do, and that you are comfortable with the way it is taught in the club.
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I don’t think that you can really get this in a single lesson — an initial commitment of four weeks should give you a better feel.
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The beginners rate will get you signed up with the KFGB and cover the mat fees for four weeks for only slightly more than the licence fee.
After that, fees are due monthly in advance. I do not make a profit from the club, fees go back to hall rental and maintenance/eventual renewal of the mat; charging monthly dues allow me to provide the club in a predictable way.
| Rate | KFGB Membership (Included in beginners price) |
Initial Payment (Beginners Price) | Monthly | One off KFGB visitors (first time free, thank you for joining us) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adult (17+) |
40.00 |
50.00 |
60.00 |
15.00 |
Joint membership |
60.00 |
75.00 |
110.00 |
30.00 |
Unemployed |
25.00 |
35.00 |
45.00 |
12.00 |
Youth (14+) |
18.00 |
25.00 |
40.00 |
10.00 |
Disabled |
18.00 |
25.00 |
40.00 |
10.00 |
65+ |
18.00 |
25.00 |
40.00 |
10.00 |
Honorary (70+) |
0.00 |
15.00 |
28.00 |
7.00 |
Junior |
Sorry, no juniors under 14 |
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Accessibility
The exercises of Ki and Ki Aikido are beneficial to all, and we can adapt to any needs you may have. Please contact me if you want to talk about any concerns, and we will do our utmost to help.
Practical accessibility notes:
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The hall is wheelchair accessible from the street; and parking is available onsite
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The hall has an accessible toilet on ground level (the same level as the practice hall)
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Again, if you need more detail, then please ask.
What to Expect from Your First Lesson
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First things first: Everyone has had a first lesson, we have all put our heads around the door wondering what is about to happen, and we all remember what that is like. There is a lot to learn; and I will make sure you are taught everything you need to know. |
On the first night, however, it’s good to know what to expect in terms of timing/organising yourself. This should help you prepare:
- Arrive early
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Class starts at 1930. Doors open at 1915[1], and we need time to get you signed up and changed. You can see that time is a little bit tight.
- Change
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See [_what_to_wear] above. The first, and about only, thing we will tell you to do before you come on the mat is to be very careful not to step on the floor with your bare feet. I recommend that you do all of our changing with our socks on, and at the last minute take those off and step into your zori (flip-flops).
- Come to the mat
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come to the foot of the mat (it’ll be the most convenient place, anyway).
- Bow
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it shows respect for the mat, we will go into the details of bowing and etiquette later on.
- Step onto the mat
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we want to keep our feet clean, and the side of the mat tidy. Turn around and slip your zori off by pushing the heels against the edge of the mat. Continue to step backwards onto the mat. Turn around and sit facing the head of the dojo (the end with the signs).
Chances are, you will be able to copy someone changing and coming onto the mat. But as I say, the instructions above reduce the surprises.
Overall format of the session
Classes are 2 hours in total:
- 50 minutes of Ki class
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where we will warm up and learn exercises and principles to coordinate our mind and body.
- 20 minutes tea break
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we will learn a lot in that first class, and we need to give it a chance to sink in before we do our Aikido.
- 50 minutes of Ki Aikido class
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we will then learn exercises, training us to keep our coordination while moving with a partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I saw students on your mat who seemed to have practiced a long time, I’m concerned I’ll slow them down.
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Please don’t worry about this.
Everyone practices and learns at their own pace: you will understand some things quicker than someone else and vice-versa.
As long as you are studying sincerely, I will teach you what you need to know at a rate you can learn at. We all enjoy practicing with different people: taller, shorter, faster, slower, more or less experienced — and we learn to deal with everybody with the same amount of respect.
Additionally, even the most experienced students (and the teacher!) learn when a beginner asks a question: the answer is often one they have never heard before!
- Do I need previous martial arts experience?
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Not at all! Whether this is an entirely new kind of experience to you, or you have years of experience with other arts; you are welcome.
Whatever your experience, I will teach you Ki and Ki Aikido from the ground up. Only this way can I be sure that you are being taught the Art correctly. I have only ever practiced Ki Aikido[2], so you can be sure what you are taught has not been confused with anything else.
- What’s the difference between Ki Aikido and other styles?
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I have spent all my practice time doing Ki Aikido with the Ki Federation, so I do not have experience of any other styles; certainly not enough to comment on how they may — or may not — be different.
- What age groups do you teach?
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All ages from 14 onwards. Sensei has taught students ranging from 14 all the way up to students in their 80s. Everyone is taught to their abilities and can benefit from Ki and Aikido practice.
Younger students need to be taught with a slightly different approach to adults; and time doesn’t allow us to run a separate class.
- How fit do I need to be?
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As fit as you are! Even “just” the gentle movement of the stretching and Ki exercises will benefit your health and fitness. When you read: “All the stretching and exercises come naturally within the individual’s physical limits.”, rest assured that we consider over-stretching to be harmful, and therefore actively avoided.
If you are fitter, or after some practice you develop your fitness, the exercises of Ki and Ki Aikido provide an opportunity for plenty of movement within the lesson.
If you are over 65, disabled, or otherwise concerned, we will provide a note for your doctor explaining the nature and benefits of practice.
- Can I watch a class before joining?
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Yes, of course. Please, though, still arrive 5-10 minutes before the class so we can find you a place to sit. I probably won’t be able to talk to you in much detail before class starts, and then I must concentrate on the students.
However, there is a 20 minute tea-break, and we can talk then.
That said, I maintain that the best way to experience Ki and Ki Aikido is to do it!
About the Ki Federation
Our club is affilaiated to the Ki Federation of Great Britain.
The Ki Federation of Great Britain is a non-profit Aikido organization that aims to develop co-ordination of mind and body using the principles of Ki Aikido. The Technical Director of the Federation is Sensei K. Williams, whose teaching method has been specially developed to allow students to easily relate what is being taught on the mat to the outside world, and to bring this into their daily life.
The Ki Federation has its headquarters in Mark, Somerset, with clubs throughout Great Britain and international
branches in Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and Russia.
The headquarters features a 200 square metre dojo, changing rooms, lounge, kitchen, office and parking facilities.
Additional Training Opportunities
The Ki Federation offers regular courses and seminars throughout the year, including:
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Summer Seminar
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Autumn Seminar
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Christmas Course
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Grade-specific courses
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Advanced training for Dan grades
More Information
For more information about Ki Aikido and the Ki Federation of Great Britain, visit:
https://kifederationofgreatbritain.co.uk
To find other Ki Federation clubs in your area: https://kifederationofgreatbritain.co.uk/uk-clubs-directory/