Come and Train with West Cumbria Aikido
We offer weekly Aikido classes for people aged 16 and over at St Bees School in West Cumbria. We practise Takemusu Aikido, a traditional form of Aikido, and welcome beginners throughout the year. Email info@westcumbriaaikido.com for details.
New to Aikido? Your first three classes are free
Monday 18:30 - 20:30 | Tuesday 18:00 - 19:00 | Thursday 18:00 - 19:00
St Bees School, Wood Lane, St Bees, West Cumbria, CA27 0DS
When and where we train
Our regular training takes place at:
St Bees School
Wood Lane
St Bees
West Cumbria
CA27 0DS
Monday: 6:30pm – 8:30pm – Tai Jutsu (empty-handed Aikido)
Tuesday: 6:00pm – 7:00pm – Weapons training
Thursday: 6:00pm – 7:00pm – Weapons training
Our classes are led by Jason Fisher and Adrian Punt, with guest instructors visiting regularly.
New to Aikido?
If you've never practised Aikido before, you're very welcome. There is no need to be fit, experienced in martial arts or already familiar with Aikido.
Your first three classes are free, giving you an opportunity to experience the training and decide whether Aikido is right for you.
A typical class begins with a warm-up followed by instruction and demonstrations from the instructor. Students then work with a partner to practise the techniques.
Aikido is non-competitive. Training with a partner allows you to develop an understanding of the movements and learn both how to perform techniques and how to safely receive them.
For your safety, please let the instructor know about any injuries, medical conditions or physical limitations before training.
What do you learn in Aikido?
Our training introduces students to the fundamental principles and movements of Aikido, including:
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Dojo etiquette and training etiquette
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Hanmi – stance and positioning
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Ukemi – rolls and breakfalls
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Tai sabaki – body movement
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Tai jutsu – empty-handed Aikido techniques
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Basic attacks, locks, pins and throws
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Aiki-ken – wooden sword training
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Aiki-jo – wooden staff training
As you progress, you'll develop a deeper understanding of movement, balance, timing and the principles of Aikido.
What should I wear?
For your first classes, you don't need to buy any special clothing. Wear comfortable, reasonably robust clothing such as jogging bottoms and a sweatshirt or T-shirt.
Training is carried out in bare feet. Please wear footwear when walking around off the training mat to help keep the training area clean.
Jewellery and watches should not be worn during training.
If you decide to continue, you can purchase a karate or judo-gi (the traditional white training uniform). The club can help you arrange this.
Aikido Weapons Training
Weapons training is an important part of our approach to Takemusu Aikido.
We practise with jo (wooden staff) and bokken (wooden sword) during our regular training sessions.
The club has spare jo and bokken available for new members to use at no additional cost. If you decide to continue training, the club can help you order your own equipment.
Membership and Training Costs
Your first three classes are free. If you decide to continue training after your trial sessions, you'll need to become a member of West Cumbria Aikido.
Membership includes registration with the Traditional Aikido Alliance (TAA) and Traditional Aikido Europe (TAE), your grading passport and British Aikido Board (BAB) insurance. Membership and insurance fees are renewed annually.
Training fees contribute towards venue hire and the running costs of the club. Wherever possible, these are paid by monthly scheduled bank transfer.
We offer a number of concessions and family arrangements, including:
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Discounts for students, apprentices and people on restricted budgets.
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Additional adult members of the same household can train at half price when one adult pays the full rate.
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Under-18s can train free when a full-rate paying adult from their household is training.
West Cumbria Aikido is a not-for-profit organisation. Our instructors and committee members give their time voluntarily and pay the same membership, insurance and training fees as everyone else.
Joining West Cumbria Aikido
Once you've completed your three free trial classes, if you'd like to continue training with us, you'll need to complete our membership application form.
Online Aikido Training
As well as our regular training in St Bees, online training opportunities are available for those interested in practising Aikido at home.
Online sessions explore weapons work, tai jutsu and body-conditioning exercises, with regular workshops focusing on specific themes.
Online classes are open to practitioners regardless of grade, style or affiliation and are suitable for individuals training at home or groups training together.
Please contact us for current online training times and further details
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