Starting The Journey

Anyone with normal physical abilities can become skilled in aikido. But aikido is also a challenging art. It’s important to prioritize your training by keeping your body healthy and your life organized and free of interference. Aikido is enjoyable and even fun, but it also requires tenacity and perseverance. Progress is only possible through dedicated and consistent training. Good manners are also essential. This means being respectful and having acceptable social skills. Aikido can help refine basic manners and awareness, but it’s not our role to teach remedial social skills. We expect those attributes to be present when you join.

Classes are open to adults 18 and older. Every student must complete an application (click below) in order to be considered for acceptance. Then we will contact you and arrange your start date.

Greenwood Sensei discusses the spirit, nature and purpose of aikido here in an Aikido Journal podcast by Josh Gold, Executive Editor of Aikido Journal. The interview also appears in written form. Part one is Don’t Cut the Person with your Sword: Philip Greenwood on Nishio and Aikido Philosophy.  Part two is A True Aiki Swordsman: Philip Greenwood on Shoji Nishio. Greenwood Sensei was also interviewed on the Modern Aikidoist Podcast.

Class Schedule

The dojo is usually open about 20-30 minutes prior to class time if you want to arrive early and warm up or train a little before class. Please arrive at least 5 minutes before class time. There is changing room and restroom for students. Also please bring your own water.

You are encouraged to train as much as possible. As a member you are welcome to attend all classes.

Uniform & Equipment

The only thing you need to begin training is to obtain a proper training uniform (gi).

You can get either an Aikido or judo style or a medium weight karate style gi. E-bogu has good quality, but feel free to shop other options. Karate gi are lighter for summer training. Aikido and judo gi are pretty much identical and are sturdier, but warmer to train in. It’s up to you. Please do not wear uniforms with patches or insignia. A plain, white uniform only please.

You will want to wear slip-on sandals or flip-flops that can be easily removed when entering the dojo.

We have bokken (wooden sword) and jo (staff) to use but soon after starting you should obtain these for yourself: There is a nice set that includes a bag here from e-bogu. But feel free to shop around. Oak is good for training as it resists breaking and splintering. With care they will last for many years.

If you want to train in iaido (Japanese sword) you can begin by using a wooden sword (bokken) from the dojo. At some point you may want to get a training sword (iaito) which is a non-sharp sword. When you’re ready to get a sword we recommend Tozando.

Rates

All dues are paid through an automatic payment system so please have a form of payment (credit card or checking account) with you when you join.

$150/month.  There is a one-time $85 registration fee.