Introduction to Aikido

A 4-Week Beginners Course for Adults

Choose from two October courses:

Wednesday Lunchtime

October 7, 14, 21 & 28 · 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Thursday Evening

October 1, 8, 15 & 22 · 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Choose the course that works best for your schedule and attend once a week for four weeks.

$100 · Ages 18+ · No experience needed

You don't need to decide whether Aikido is for you before you begin.

That's what these four weeks are for.

You'll get on the mat, learn some of the basic movements and techniques of Aikido, practice with partners, and begin exploring some of the principles that make Aikido interesting to study.

Four classes won't teach you everything about Aikido. But they will give you a much better idea of what practicing it is actually like.

Then you can decide whether you'd like to continue.

What will we do?

This is a practical course. You'll be doing Aikido from the beginning.

We'll introduce you to basic movement, how we work safely with a partner, some of the ways we receive techniques and fall, and several fundamental Aikido techniques and principles.

You'll also be introduced to how we practice in the dojo: basic etiquette, how we work with different partners, and some of the common language we use for movement and practice.

You don't need to memorize everything or arrive with any martial arts knowledge. You're a beginner. We expect you to be one.

A different kind of martial arts practice

Aikido is a Japanese Budō, or martial way.

One of its distinctive characteristics is that practice is cooperative rather than competitive. We take turns giving and receiving techniques, and both people have a role in helping the other learn.

There is still challenge. Techniques don't always work the first time. Movement that looks simple can take considerable practice. You'll be learning to use your body in unfamiliar ways while paying attention to timing, balance, distance and the person you're working with.

That's part of what keeps Aikido interesting over time.

Choose the course that works for you

We're offering the same four-week introduction at two different times this October.

Wednesday Lunchtime Course

12:00–1:00 p.m.

October 7
October 14
October 21
October 28

Thursday Evening Course

7:00–8:00 p.m.

October 1
October 8
October 15
October 22

Choose either the lunchtime or evening course when you register. You'll practice with the same group once a week for four weeks.

I've never done martial arts before. Is that okay?

Absolutely. That's who the course is for.

No previous Aikido or martial arts experience is required.

Do I need to be fit?

You don't need to get fit before you start Aikido.

People come to us with different bodies, backgrounds and levels of physical experience. We'll introduce the practice progressively. If you have an injury or physical limitation you're concerned about, talk to us before class so we can help you determine what's appropriate.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move is fine. Long pants are recommended.

Please remove jewelry before practice and keep fingernails and toenails trimmed.

You don't need to buy an Aikido uniform for the introductory course.

Who will I be learning from?

What happens after the four weeks?

If you've enjoyed the introduction and want to keep practicing, you can move into our regular adult Aikido classes.

You don't have to make that decision now. The point of the introductory course is to give you a chance to actually experience Aikido first.

We'll explain the regular training options during the course so that, by the end, you'll know what continuing would look like.

Introduction to Aikido

Wednesday Lunchtime

October 7, 14, 21 & 28 · 12:00–1:00 pm

or

Thursday Evening

October 1, 8, 15 & 22 · 7:00–8:00 pm

4 classes · $100 · Ages 18+

No previous experience needed