May I watch a class?

Yes. We welcome everyone to visit, watch, and ask questions as appropriate. The Community Center charges a fee of $5/class to cover insurance and so forth.

How do I join the class?

We recommend that you come visit (we always welcome visitors) and watch a class or two. Once you have decided to join, you will register for the class with the community center which hosts our club. If you are participating in class as a visitor, the center may charge a nominal fee (currently $5/class) to ensure that you are covered by their insurance policies.

We welcome all adults (and mature teenagers) who wish to practice Aikido.

What do I need to start the class?

You need a willingness to listen, work hard, and not worry if everything seems incomprehensible at first.

You should wear comfortable workout clothing, such as a t-shirt and sweat pants. As you progress, you will need a judo or karate style gi (uniform), but it is not necessary for beginning students. If you have a gi (white or natural color, with no stripes, etc.) you may wear it.

Are there age limits for the class?

Aikido techniques occur swiftly and can be dangerous if care is not taken during practice. These techniques can also place strain on joints and ligaments that have not fully matured. For these reasons, all students should be 17 years old or older to ensure the physical and mental maturity to prevent accidents and injury in class.

Are there any special safety rules for the class?

Jewelry

You should remove any jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces, etc.) and place them in a safe place before class. If you have a ring which you cannot remove, it is best to tape it over with athletic tape so that it will not scratch anybody in the class.

Stopping Techniques

When a training partner taps out or says "Ma-te" (Japanese for "stop") in any technique or motion, you must stop and release the technique or motion immediately. Failure to follow this rule can result in injury due to the swift onset of Aikido techniques and is grounds for dismissal from class.

Rowdiness

General rowdiness on the mat is not permitted as this can also result in injury. People will be constant motion and are depending on everyone being aware of what is happening around them.

Follow Instructions

You must be attentive on the mat as to what the instructors are saying. Ignoring instruction can lead to injury and is grounds for dismissal from the class.

What does it cost to take Aikido?

If you are not a registered student in the class, the Community Center charges $5/class.

The basic cost of the Aikido class is set by the Community Center and is collected by the Center. As of January 1, 2002, the cost for the 2 night per week class for eight weeks is $50.

At the time you reach yonkyu rank (greenbelt), we request that you join the Fugakukai organization. Your membership supports the organization and confers national recognition to your ranking.

There is also a fee charged for green belt demonstrations and above. These fees are also used to support the organization.

The instructors have a fee schedule available. As of January 1, 2002, the green belt demonstration fee is $45, and the Fugakukai annual dues are $45.

All costs are subject to change.

How is Aikido taught?

Our basic curriculum is to teach you how to move, how to fall, a basic set of techniques, and a basic set of unbalancing/release motions. As you progress, these basics are combined to develop a flexible response to attacks.

We teach the basics themselves in a stepped format, allowing you a chance to learn pieces of new lessons without being overwhelmed.

We use a form of the Japanese sempai/kohai teaching style. Senior students (sempai) are responsible for the safety and instruction of junior students. Junior students (kohai) are responsible for paying attention to senior students. The instructors are responsible for leading the class and presenting class instruction.

Our experience has shown that teaching Aikido is extremely important to learning Aikido. As students become more senior, they are required to perform more instructional tasks.