Open Week
Twenty years on the mat in Hamilton. For one week, the doors are open. Come and train with us, free.
Get out of your head. Into your body.
Twenty years ago we opened a full-time traditional dojo in Hamilton. This November we're marking it the best way we know: by opening the mat to anyone who wants to train.
Every class this week is open to beginners. You'll train beside our seniors, under a 6th Dan, in a traditional Japanese dojo. No experience needed. No cost. Just come ready to train.
Three steps to the mat
Register
Leave your details at the bottom of this page. We'll be in touch with your booking link.
Sign up and sign the waiver
Create your account on the free Open Week pass and sign the waiver online. It has to be done before you step on the mat.
Book and train
Choose your class, arrive 10 minutes early, and wear clothes you can move in. We'll show you the rest.
What you can train
Six classes open all week, for ages 4 and up.
Beginners Aikido
Ages 16 and upPartner techniques and learning to fall safely. Real martial training that builds strength and fitness as you go.
Beginners Weapons
Ages 16 and upBokken and jo, the wooden sword and staff. Movement, distance and timing.
Zazen
Ages 16 and upSeated meditation focused on the breath. Simple to describe. Harder to do.
Blue Zone
All adultsStrength and conditioning built for over 55s and open to anyone. Body weight, bars and free weights.
Kids Aikido
Ages 8 to 16Real technique and dojo etiquette, with focus that carries off the mat.
Chiisai Kai
Ages 4 to 7Our little ones' class. When learning gets hard, we're in it together.
Open Week timetable
Monday 9 to Friday 13 November. Book any class on the free Open Week pass.
Mon 9 Nov
- 8:00amBlue Zone
- 9:00amBlue Zone
- 2:00pmBlue Zone
- 3:30pmChiisai Kai
- 4:00pmKids Aikido
- 6:20pmBeginners Weapons
Tue 10 Nov
- 6:30amZazen
- 8:00amBlue Zone
- 9:00amBlue Zone
- 2:00pmBlue Zone
- 3:30pmChiisai Kai
- 4:00pmKids Aikido
- 6:20pmBeginners Aikido
Wed 11 Nov
- 6:30amBeginners Aikido
- 3:30pmChiisai Kai
- 4:00pmKids Aikido
- 5:10pmBeginners Aikido
Thu 12 Nov
- 3:30pmChiisai Kai
- 5:10pmBeginners Weapons
- 6:20pmBeginners Aikido
Fri 13 Nov
- 6:30amBeginners Aikido
- 8:00amBlue Zone
- 9:00amBlue Zone
- 12:00pmBeginners Aikido
- 2:00pmBlue Zone
- 3:30pmChiisai Kai
- 4:00pmKids Aikido
- 6:20pmZazen
16 year olds can book Kids or the adult beginner classes. 7 Bennett Street, Hamilton.
Before you step on the mat
Everyone who trains signs our waiver online before their first class. No signed waiver, no mat. It keeps everyone safe, and it means you walk straight in.
- Create your account on the free Open Week pass
- Read and sign the waiver online
- Parents or guardians sign for anyone under 18
- Book your class
“Training is hard, and it should be.” Michael, 27
BECOME starts Saturday 14 November
Open Week is the taste. BECOME is the commitment. Our beginner program starts the day after Open Week, with one cohort stepping on the mat together, extended to eight weeks to cover the Christmas break.
- Your own gi (training uniform)
- Unlimited beginner classes, around 13 a week
- A 1:1 induction on your first day
- Goal setting and accountability check-ins with a black belt
- An accountability buddy on the mat beside you
- The BECOME app to guide you week by week
- 12 months of insurance cover
- Training under Sensei Darius Wingate-Pearse, 6th Dan Aikikai
Register for Open Week
Leave your details and choose the program you're keen on. We'll be in touch with your booking link.
Free. All levels. Chiisai Kai is 4 to 7, Kids is 8 to 16, and adult classes are 16 and up.
I know walking into a dojo for the first time is a lot. I'd rather avoid it too. But since when did you have to be good at something the first time?
Leis Graham, Community & Connection
Before you come in
Do I need any experience?
No. Most people walk in with none. Every class this week is open to beginners, and our seniors train beside you.
Is it really free?
Yes. Every class, Monday 9 to Friday 13 November.
What do I wear?
Clothes you can move in, without zips or buttons. Aikido is trained barefoot on the mat. Bring water.
Can I just turn up?
Book first. The waiver has to be signed before you train, and booking means we're ready for you.
How old do I need to be?
Chiisai Kai is ages 4 to 7, Kids is 8 to 16, and adult classes are 16 and up. 16 year olds can book either. Parents or guardians sign the waiver for anyone under 18.
I'm not fit. Is that a problem?
No. You train at your own pace and the fitness comes with the practice. Tell your instructor about any injuries before class.
Is there Open Week training on Saturday 14 November?
No. Saturday is the start of the Anniversary BECOME cohort, so Open Week runs Monday to Friday.
Where are you?
7 Bennett Street, Hamilton NSW 2303. Arrive 10 minutes early for your first class.