UK Clubs Directory

You are always welcome to contact the Sensei (teacher), Pete Bailie. You can do so either by phone 07941 447735 or email aikidobristol@hotmail.com

Before you can participate in a class, you must have had a conversation with the teacher (either by phone or in person) and have paid the appropriate membership fee (see below).

You are welcome to come and watch a class – please see details of class times below.

Location

We practice at The Island, which is a former police station now converted into dance and art studios. This is located near to Broadmead, in the centre of Bristol, BS1 2AA

Please use the entrance to The Island in Bridewell Street, and follow the signs for Ki Aikido. Please ensure you use the Bridewell Street entrance only – the dojo (practice space) is not accessible from other entrances.

Car and Cycle Parking

The centre of Bristol is busy on a Friday evening, and motor access to some roads is restricted.

CAR Parking: There is some metered on-road parking in Bridewell Street and elsewhere. Car parks are listed at http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/bs1_2aa/ closest are either Bridewell St (No 3 on map, £1/hour) or Rupert Street (No 2, £2.50/evening)

CYCLE Parking: Bikes cannot be bought in to The Island building. Do ensure your cycle is properly locked.

Membership and Fees

Before anyone is allowed to practice, he or she must be a member of the Ki Federation of Great Britain (KFGB). Joining the Ki Federation involves an annual payment. This means that we must take cash or a cheque for your first month before you can take part in a class.

First Month: includes membership of the KFGB, and four weeks’ lessons. This is a good way to join the KFGB, practice and be given an introduction to Ki Aikido. The cost is currently £38 per year, or £25 (unemployed) [2013 figures]

Standing Order: after the first month (which has to be paid cash or cheque), payment is by monthly standing order.

Fees: For one calendar month’s practices – four or five classes, each lasting two hours.

Adult: £24.00 / month
Student or Unemployed: £18.00 / month
Disabled / Senior Citizen / Youth: £12.00 / month

What to Wear

When members begin to practise they may wear any loose, comfortable clothing and wear sandals or flip-flops between the changing rooms and the mat. Toe and fingernails should be short and clean to prevent any injury and jewellery should be removed. There are changing facilities at The Island, so please bring your clothes for the class with you. Eventually however a white Kidogi (aikido kit similar to that used for judo) should be worn by men; and a white Kidogi and black hakama by women.

Simon Andrews studied under Sensei Dave Blayney, a sixth Dan with the Ki Federation of Great Britain and founder of the Callington Ki Aikido Club nearly twenty years ago.  Now a 4th Dan and teacher with the Ki Federation of  Great Britain, Simon and the rest of the club would welcome anyone who is interested in Ki Aikido or would like to find out more to come along to the club or call for an informal chat.

With students from Cornwall and Devon, the club offers beginners courses for complete beginners.