•We have a number of hour-long Beginners and Intermediate Aikido classes spread throughout the week. You can come to one or more classes on a regular basis. If you haven't seen Aikido before, we recommend that you try out a first class before starting (or watch - either is free!). You are welcome to join classes at any time. Beginner's will find themselves in a supportive atmosphere with other beginners as well as helpful, patient senior students. You will learn basic rolling skills from a senior student specially designated to you, after which you will be able to join in with the the regular class.

Beginning Series classes are run according to a graded series of lesson plans. Each lesson is repeated in rotation, so that beginners can have ample preparation for the more advanced classes. A benefit of the Beginning Series of classes is that after 30 classes you will have become eligible to take the test for 6th Kyu, our first belt rank. All empty-hand requirements for this rank will be covered in the Beginners I class; the Intermediate II class covers all the skills required for the next, 5th Kyu, rank as well as reviewing the previous skills.

Class starts with instruction in conditioning core-strength and flexibility, warming up and breathing as ways to better health and to manifest power. Beginners then practice techniques that clearly illustrate the effectiveness of balance and non-contention in Aikido.  Beginners' techniques use pins and light throws, mostly from grabs. About every fourth class, basic sword and staff handling will be introduced (click here for the Weapons Level I and II Schedule), as well as basic strikes practiced in the air and on focus mitts. Class ends with a cool-down technique.

In our more advanced classes, when students are comfortable with the necessary safety skills, we introduce the more spectacular falls and sweeps as well as responses to strikes, kicks and weapons attacks, as well as more sophisticated weapons work.

Your safety is paramount and the pace of Beginning class is such that no prior skills will be needed. You can expect a little soreness in the beginning, as unused muscles begin to be exercised, but this will go away as you keep practicing. Beginning class is not as vigorous as more advanced classes, so you can develop your level of conditioning without strain. Please do your own favorite stretches after class, as this can greatly enhances your flexibility.

Clothing and Equipment: At your first class it's best to wear comfortable exercise clothing that allows a free range of movement. A training uniform and weapons may be purchased from us (or will be supplied to you free if you take advantage of one of our three-month beginner's packages - see fees). Please purchase training weapons as soon as possible. You can get a well-sanded 4 foot wooden dowel, 5/8 inches in diameter from a hardware store for use in your Beginners' class, but high-quality, traditional wooden weapons will be needed after that.

After sixteen classes (or earlier, at the chief instructor's invitation) you will be welcome to train in Intermediate II, as well as the Weapons II classes.  After a further sixteen classes you will be eligible to train in our Basics III, Open III and Weapons III classes. You are always welcome to observe the more advanced classes.

How long does it take to learn Aikido? Aikido is a practice for one's whole life. In general, we recommend that you try it for at least six months before deciding whether this practice suits you and your goals of self-improvement: it usually takes that long before one can really begin to appreciate the breadth and depth of this very sophisticated martial art.

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For a summary of our Aikido classes, please see our Class Description

Click here for our class schedule