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Getting Started

Getting started is simple. Just come and watch, and visit with us! You can join at any time, there are no designated introductory classes. Instead, we will mix you in with the class, so that you have partners at all levels to train with.
 
First Day
Show up early - preferably up to 30 minutes beforehand. Visit with the instructor and club members, so that they can introduce you to basic rolls, exercises, and prepare you for class.
 
Clothing
Wear loose clothing. If you have a martial arts uniform, wear that - even if all the colors or logos are different. If you don't, just wear sweatpants and a sweatshirt or T-Shirt. Eventually, we will want you to get a plain white karate or judo uniform.
 
Waiver
Please print, sign, and bring in the appropriate waiver for adults (Adult Participation Waiver) or for minors (Minor Participation Waiver). You can give it to one of the club officers when you arrive.
 
Age Requirement
Instruction is offered for adults and mature adolescents age 10 and older. However, students under the age of 13 must be accompanied on the mat by their parent or guardian in every class (e.g., the child and parent must both participate). This is for safety reasons, because Aikido is a complex and subtle art, and because our class environment is not oriented toward adolescents.
 
Dues and Fees
There is a $5 visitor's fee per person required at the door of our facility, and a parking permit must be purchased from one of the kiosks in the surrounding lots (also $5). There is a monthly fee to join and participate in our club, which is detailed under our "Dues" section.
 
Training Record
Once you have begun training, we ask that you register with this web site and keep track of your training hours using the online record. A link will appear once you've registered and signed in. The instructors use this to help determine who is approaching requirements for promotion.
 
Etiquette
Mostly, you will pick up on the terminology and etiquette just by participating. However, there are a few things to know:
  • Bow when you enter or leave the room, and when you step on or off the mat.
  • The "bowing in" ceremony at the beginning of class has the students lined up in order of seniority. If you are new, you will join the left side.
  • If you are late and class has started, warm up and wait by the side of the mat until the instructor invites you to join.
  • If you have to leave the mat temporarily - to use the restroom or get a drink of water - you do not need the instructor's permission. If you have to leave early or are injured, please notify the instructor.
  • Class will begin with warmups, fundamental exercises, and progress toward more complete and advanced techniques.