St Andrews Aikido Scholarship

University of St Andrews Aikido Club

Aikido Scholarship

Enabling participation for all students

Aikido

Of all the martial arts, aikido is neither competitive nor aggressive in its approach. Known as The Art of Peace, its focus is on redirecting aggression and achieving a state of harmony. While in practical terms, this may manifest by resolving a hostile or aggressive encounter; the philosophy of aikido centres on peacefulness, balance and a quiet sense of inner calm and self confidence.

It is an e!ective form of self defence, a useful way to keep fit and is taught from one student to another in practical sessions; developing patience, trust and responsibility.

The values which aikido promotes and the lessons it teaches are valuable beyond the dojo and a part of a healthy approach to life.

O Sensei’

Our Club

Entering our 25th year, the University of St Andrews Aikido club is one of the oldest martial arts clubs at the university. We have over 24 black belt alumni across the globe, many of whom have gone on to teach aikido and open their own dojos.

The enduring social connections between our alumni and the club are an indication of the strong friendships which have developed, in no small part due to the emphasis aikido places on cooperation and mutual respect.

“To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace” Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido

Training Costs

The club’s membership subscription is extremely low at just £30 for a year, comparing favourably with other martial arts clubs at the University.

Membership covers:

Access to all regular training sessionsA"liation to the Aiki No Michi (our parent organisation)Insurance under the Aiki No Michi Use of club weaponsGradings, including a new belt if successfulGrading book, required for seminars or training at other dojosInstruction by yudansha - practitioners qualified to black belt level and aboveClub DVD at the end of the year

Club membership o!ers excellent value for money; outside the university this sum would barely cover 5 classes in most dojos or gyms.

The only additional charge within the club is for the annual Intensive Course, where a visiting 5th degree black belt gives 30 hours of tuition, for which the club currently charges £30.

Of course membership is only first of many financial hurdles. As part of the Athletic Union, the club trains in the University Sports Centre, which has a compulsory annual entrance fee of around £40. Private venues are prohibitively expensive.

EquipmentStudents who decide to train regularly will usually choose to buy a gi, the traditional white outfit common to most martial arts. The cost of these varies, but is usually around £25.

On progression to higher grades, it is traditional in aikido to wear hakama, dark coloured over-trousers. A budget pair will cost at least £45.

As at most clubs, higher graded students are expected to learn kata and techniques with wooden training weapons. While the club maintains a small supply of weapons for training sessions, students would prefer to buy their own to train at home, at seminars, or in other clubs.

The cost of training weapons varies greatly, but is generally in the region of £50, including the required carrying case.

We ExpectStudents who receive an award will be expected to fulfil certain obligations to the club:

Commit to regular attendance at trainingParticipate in club demonstrationsAttend club coursesAssist with recruitment & fundraisingAt all times be an ambassador for the club and a role model for their fellow students.

We NeedRegular donations from private individuals or organisations are essential both to build the initial scholarship fund and to top up its capital throughout the year, helping us to assist as many students as possible.

If you would be interested in supporting a unique scholarship programme that can enable greater participation for more students at the University, we’d love to hear from you.

You can get in touch with us at: [email protected]

The Scholarship

We ProvideThe number of scholarships will vary each year according to funding, but it is hoped that at least one undergraduate student from each year will be able to benefit.

The programme will assist students whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent them from training, with appropriate assessment of need during the application process.

Administered by the club Committee and with input from the Instructor, the scholarship will be awarded annually and will provide:

Purchase of gi or hakama (one or the other)Waiving of ‘Intensive Course’ feesSupport to attend aikido relevant training courses with other clubs

email: [email protected]

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