Aikido

Get to know aikido

The best way to find out about aikido is to try it. Newcomers can participate in our aikido classes for two weeks free of charge. Please bring with you sweatpants, a tee shirt with sleeves, slippers, and a towel.

We practice at the Vallila dojo (Päijänteentie 1), next to the Vallila library.

Most of our teachers are fluent in English and most of the practitioners are able to communicate any details. This section concerns adults, for aikido for children check in the section entitled Juniorit.

Instructions for the first practice session

When you decide to join practice sessions

Please send an email to aikido@meidokan.fi and we will let you know when you can come to basic level class or if you are an experienced aikidoka you can join any class. We need you to register in advance via Jalkkis-system and you will get instructions for that by email. By registering you can also obtain a free three-month trial license from the Finnish Aikido Federation.

You don’t need to pay the membership fee immediately; you can try out aikido for two weeks before making your decision. Beginners’ classes focus on basic techniques, progressing according to the skill level of the participants and ensuring safe movement. After an evaluation by the instructors, beginners can join any aikido training sessions they wish.

Instructions before your class:

• Register by emailing aikido@meidokan.fi.
• You will receive instructions on joining Jalkkis, where you can sign up for training sessions.
• Arrive at the dojo at least 15 minutes before the session starts.
• Wear comfortable clothing (sweatpants and a T-shirt with sleeves, for example), and bring a towel and indoor slippers. Before training, wash your feet, and use slippers when walking from the changing room to the dojo to keep your feet clean. Long hair should be tied back, and jewelry must be removed for the duration of the training.

To continue practicing

You can try aikido free of charge for two weeks. The current membership fee for 2024 is 370 € for full year, or 185 € for half year (spring or fall season).

• Fill out an application for membership. Once application form is filled you have a permission to attend all aikido practices.
• The membership payment istructions will be sent you by e-mail in 2–3 weeks.
• All those who practice aikido need an insurance against injury. Please check your insurance company for your insurance coverage against aikido injuries or purchase insurance against injury from Finland Aikikai. More information on insurance coverage can be found on the Finland Aikikai website.
• Finland Aikikai provides every new adult aikidoka for free a beginners licence (“tutustumislisenssi”) with insurance for maximum duration of 3 months or until the first graduation. The beginners licence is free of charge. To get the beginners licence and insurance activated follow instructions at Finland Aikikai website.
• Buy an aikido training outfit; they are available at any budo shop. Ask other aikidokas for preferences.
• Finland Aikikai beginner-service should cover most common questions about beginning aikido training. Service is available in finnish and swedish.

For more information on beginning aikido and taking part in practices, you can send your inquiry to aikido@meidokan.fi.