What to Expect

• Before you arrive at class
  • Wear comfortable sweatpants and a t-shirt to train in. We have changing rooms if you want to change at the dojo.
  • Trim long fingernails and toenails to avoid accidentally scratching someone during training.
  • Bring a water bottle.
  • Arrive at the dojo at least 15 minutes before class starts. You will need to sign a medical release form before training.
    
• When you arrive at the dojo
  • Take off your shoes at the door once you enter.
  • Remove wristwatches and jewelry before class so it does not get in the way of training.
  • It is customary to bow towards the kamidana (at the front of the room) when stepping on and off the mat.
  • You are welcome to stretch and move around on the mat before class starts.
    
• Once Class Begins
  • When it’s time for class we sit on the floor in seiza, a formal Japanese sitting position on the floor, and wait for the instructor to bow the class in. If you are unable to sit on the floor in seiza then you may sit cross-legged, kneel, or stand. However, it is considered improper to sit in an overly informal lounging or laid-back position.
  • We train with partners in aikido. After the instructor demonstrates a technique and bows to the class you’ll find a partner. The person with less Aikido experience will attack first. After the technique is attempted twice on each side, bow to each other and switch roles. Keep going until the instructor claps twice to indicate you should return to your seats and watch the next technique. You will normally swap to a new partner with each new technique that is demonstrated.
  • Generally, we avoid talking during partnered training so we can focus on movement, breath, balance, flow, and technique. This is a respectful way to allow your partner to work through the movement at their own pace without distraction. Allow your partner the space to struggle and think through a technique.
  • After you train with a partner, bow and say thank you.
  • Sometimes if you and/or your partner are struggling with a technique the instructor will come over to work with you. It is customary to sit in seiza and watch when the instructor is demonstrating something. Afterward, bow and say thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What do I wear?
  • You can start with just sweatpants and a t-shirt or what you would normally wear to the gym. Be sure your clothing allows you to move around freely and you’re not wearing anything that will snag the mat. Eventually, you can purchase a gi when you’re ready. We train barefoot so always be sure your feet are clean before getting on the mat.
    
• What if I’m not in very good shape?
  • Come as you are! You don’t need to be in amazing shape to learn and train. We’re happy to train with all people!
    
• I have some preexisting injuries, can I still train?
  • Safety is always our first priority. We will train with you at your ability level. There are many accommodations that can be made for injuries. Let us know before class if there is an injury we need to be mindful of and we will work with you to accommodate. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor first if you are concerned.
    
• Am I going to get thrown in my first class?
  • No, we start off slow and make sure you are comfortable with the basics before trying rolls and break falls.
    
• What happens after I complete the 8-week beginner’s course?
  • After the beginner’s course, you can begin attending any of the open regular classes.
    
• What should I bring to class?
  • We have changing rooms so if you choose, you can bring a change of clothes and change at the dojo. You should bring a water bottle and comfortable clothes to train in.
    
• What does a typical class look like?
  • Line up and bow in with the instructor
  • The instructor stands up front and leads the class through several stretches
  • After stretching, everyone sits and watches as the instructor demonstrates a technique
  • Then you choose a partner, bow, and say “Onegai shimasu” (Japanese for “please”), and take turns practicing the technique you were just shown.
  • The instructor will indicate when it’s time to sit again and the next technique will be demonstrated up front while the class watches.
  • Then you’ll find a new partner and the process continues till the end of class.
    
• What if I’m running late to class?
  • If you’re late to class, come in, change clothes quietly, then when ready, sit in seiza off of the mat and wait patiently for the instructor to invite you onto the mat to train.
    

Not Sure Yet?

If you’re not sure if aikido is right for you, you can come to watch a class in person. We love to have visitors!
Or
Put on some sweatpants and try one class for free. Email us and let us know that you would like to come to check out a class.