Q.  Is there a beginners' class?  

A.  Because aikido is always practiced with a partner, it is best to work with  more experienced practitioners from the beginning, so new students are welcome to join at any time.  For the first several weeks you will be learning basic stances and movements from advanced students.  As you progress you can begin doing more advanced practices, but always under the guidance of the instructor and the senior students.  Each new student is encouraged to keep their own counsel and set their own pace, paying special attention to their own safety and level of conditioning.

Q.  What do I need to bring to the first class?

A.  Please arrive 15-20 minutes early for your first class so that you can sign some paperwork.  If you do not own a gi (training uniform) we have some clean used ones that we can loan you until you feel you are ready to buy one.  Everyone is welcome to come to a trial class to see how they like it, but when you formally join the dojo you will need to pay a $30 initiation fee and the first month's donation.  We suggest $100 per month or $75 per month for full time high school or college students.  The monthly donation is just that, a donation, so special consideration will always be given to serious students who have financial difficulties.  We will also make allowances for couples or other family groups to pay a reduced donation.  If your financial situation and commitment to aikido allow you to donate more than the suggested amount, it will be graciously accepted.  Aikido of Prescott has never been a business and has always been supported by donations.

Q.  Is there a ranking system similar to other martial arts?

A.  Aikido of Prescott is a member dojo of the United States Aikido Federation, which is directly connected with the International Aikido Federation in Japan.  We do not use colored belts and there is no competition, so rank is determined by a series of standardized tests to demonstrate proficiency in various techniques.  For more information please download the Guide for New Students.