Class Information
Classes are held on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with open mat time on Wednesday. A student may practice as many or as few times a week as desired, but those who practice more often tend to learn more quickly.
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Class Schedule
- Tuesday
- Children's Class: 6:30-7:25 p.m.
- Adult Class: 7:30-9:00 p.m.
- Wednesday
- Open Mat: 7:30-9:00 p.m. (note: open mat classes are subject to change from week to week. Call ahead.)
- Thursday
- Adult Class: 7:30-9:00 p.m.
- Saturday
- Adult Class/Adult Weapons Class: 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
- Children's Class: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Adult Classes
These classes, for age 13 and up, focus primarily on empty hand techniques, although weapons are sometimes used.
Adult Weapons Classes
Weapons training is an extremely valuable and integral part of Aikido training. Aikido empty-hand techniques have their roots in techniques for using weapons. We train with three weapons, the bokken, a wooden sword, the jo, a wooden staff about four feet high, and the wooden tanto, or knife. Weapons training reinforces our empty-hand training, and all adult students are encouraged to attend the Saturday morning weapons class.
Children's Classes
Aikido is an art ideally suited to children. It teaches discipline, coordination, and compassion. The dojo provides a safe and supportive environment for children to learn how to cope in challenging situations with courage, integrity and confidence while using non-violent solutions. They are encouraged through practice to explore their relationships with others in an atmosphere of respect for self and others.
Aikido practice also teaches body awareness, and provides a framework for acquiring developmental skills. Children practice in an atmosphere of discipline and are held to high standards, but are also encouraged to enjoy training and have fun.
Children and self-defense
Parents concerned for their children's safety often turn to martial arts practice so that their children can learn to protect themselves. While Aikido can certainly be an important part of a child's self-protective skills, there are many things that can and should be done in the home to promote a child's safety and well-being. Click here for an excellent article for parents who want their children to learn to protect themselves. Much of the information comes from the The National Center for Assault Prevention.
Open Mat
Students are free to make use of this time to train in whatever manner they wish.
Membership fees
- Adults: Membership dues are $65.00 per month.
- Children: Children's dues are $35.00 per month.
- Families: The first family member is priced as above. Membership dues for additional family members are $45.00/month for adults and $25.00/month for children.
Parents are encouraged to participate in class with their children at no additional charge, even if they are not training in the adult classes. However, parents are discouraged from watching a class in which their children are participating, as this is often highly distracting.
- Visitors: Visitors from other Aikido dojo are always welcome. A mat fee of $15.00 per day is requested, up to a maximum of $65.00 per month. This fee is waived for open mat times, children's classes, and yudansha.