About Griffith Aikido

It is always a bit daunting walking into a room full of strangers for the first time. When you come to Griffith Aikido someone will be there to welcome you. At Nathan dojo, it will be Ben, Erwin or Narelle. At Everton Hills dojo it will be Darren, David or Michelle.

Before you start, you will be asked to complete a membership form, a medical disclosure and a disclaimer to release and indemnify our association and its members in regard to acknowledgement of risks, injuries and obligations.

If you want to train at Everton Hills dojo, your fees are payable directly to the Hills District PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club). If you want to train at Nathan dojo, please go to our website https://griffithaikido.com.au/pay-fees/ to pay your fees in advance.

Griffith Aikido is a 100% volunteer organisation and we want to spend as little time as possible doing administration and more time teaching and training. So it is up to you to pay for your tuition on time.

You do not need to buy a Gi (uniform) before starting. Loose comfortable clothing is fine. It is best to wait until you are sure that you want to continue with Aikido before purchasing a uniform. When you are ready we will refer you to a local martial arts supply shop where our students are entitled to a discount.

Also, please bring a water bottle and ensure that all jewellery and piercings are removed.

If you are new to martial arts you will soon realise that there are certain traditions and courtesies to be observed inside a dojo. As with many martial arts, one of the cornerstones of Aikido is self-discipline and respect. That means maintaining self-respect and showing respect for others.

We all leave our shoes just inside the door. You will see plenty of bowing. Don’t be worried. It is a gesture of mutual respect only. Aikido is a Japanese art and the Japanese way of greeting is to bow (rather than to shake hands).