Aïkido Club La Côte
FR/EN Free trial

Starting aikido

Your first class

No prerequisites, no special kit: all you need to do is come. Here is everything you need to know to take the first step with confidence.

Write to the secretary → See the timetable

Step by step

Taking the first step, simply

The first class is often the most daunting. Yet there is nothing to know in advance: you will be guided on the mat.

When to come?

Adults · Tuesday 19:30–21:00 and Thursday 19:30–21:00

Juniors (age 8+) · Thursday 18:00–19:00

  1. Let us know, or simply turn up

    Write to the secretary if you have a question — or simply turn up for a class. Please arrive 10 minutes before the class starts.

  2. Pack your bag

    Comfortable sportswear with long sleeves and long trousers, a bottle of water for the breaks (no drinking on the mat), and flip-flops to walk to the mat.

  3. Barefoot, no jewellery

    We practise barefoot on the mat. Short nails, jewellery and watch off: it is a matter of safety, for you and for your partners.

  4. The bow

    Class begins and ends with a bow. Don’t worry: just follow the others — nobody expects you to know the etiquette yet.

  5. With partners of every level

    You train in pairs, with beginners and senior students alike — who adapt their pace to yours.

  6. No competition

    No winners, no losers: everyone progresses at their own pace — which is exactly what makes it possible at any age.

How it runs

What a class looks like

Adult classes last 90 minutes, junior classes 60, in a focused but relaxed atmosphere. The order and length of each part vary with the teacher.

  1. Rei Bow Lined up in seiza, we bow together.
  2. Taisō Warm-up Joints, stretching, breathing.
  3. Ukemi Breakfalls Learning to fall softly, forwards and backwards.
  4. Waza Techniques in pairs The teacher demonstrates, then you practise, taking turns.
  5. Buki Sometimes, weapons Some classes focus on the jō and the bokken.
  6. Rei Final bow Class ends the way it began.
Shōmen-uchi
  • Tori — performs the technique
  • Uke — attacks and receives
  • Point of contact

Tori · Uke

Two roles, taken in turn

In each exercise, uke attacks — for example with a Shōmen-uchi (frontal strike) — and tori applies the technique. Then you swap. Receiving a technique is learned just as much as performing it.

The technique atlas →

Free trial

A month to find out

Anyone curious about aikido and the ACLC can try it for a month, free of charge and with no commitment.

All fees and reduced rates →
  • First month Free
  • Registration fee (one-off) CHF 30.– one-off
  • Adults CHF 45.– /month

Later on

Gear, in good time

Keikogi
The white training uniform. No need to buy one before your first class: once you decide to carry on, ask the instructors for advice.
Hakama
The wide pleated trousers worn by senior students. At the club, it is worn from black belt onwards.
Weapons
The jō (staff) and bokken (wooden sword) will come in time. Check with the instructors before buying any.

Grades

You first progress through six kyū grades, from 6th to 1st. Then come the dan grades — those of the black belt. Gradings take place at club seminars.

  1. 6th kyū
  2. 5th kyū
  3. 4th kyū
  4. 3rd kyū
  5. 2nd kyū
  6. 1st kyū
  7. 1st dan
  8. 2nd dan

FAQ

You may be wondering…

From what age?

Juniors from age 8 (Thursday 18:00–19:00). For adults there is no age limit: you can start aikido at any age.

Do I need to be fit or flexible?

No prerequisites. Aikido takes more suppleness than strength, and fitness comes with practice. Everyone progresses at their own pace.

Am I likely to get hurt?

Breakfalls (ukemi) are learned progressively, and partners adapt the intensity to each person’s level. With no competition, nobody is trying to “win”. Just tell the teacher before class about any injury or health concern.

Do I need to bring a partner?

No. You will practise with the members on the mat, of every level.

Are classes mixed?

Yes: women and men train together, at every level.

What language are classes taught in?

In French. It is often possible to talk things through in English with club members.

How much does it cost?

The first month is free with no commitment. After that, the adult fee is CHF 45.– a month, with reduced rates for students and juniors, among others.

All fees →
What if I can’t make a class?

Just send a short e-mail:

Ready?

The simplest thing is to come.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the class starts. Would you rather ask a question first? The secretary will be happy to answer.

Write to the secretary →