Class Schedule
We have two classes per week at Live Oak Park Recreation Center, Shattuck Avenue at Berryman (2 blocks north of Safeway Grocery and Long’s Drug on the north side of campus):
- Mondays, 6:00 – 7:30pm
- Saturdays, 9:30am - 11:00am
Please note that there may be times when the facilities hosting the classes are closed (holidays, semester break, etc.). We will do our best to keep you informed of class cancellations in a timely manner and apologize in advance for any inconvenience.
Class Fees
Classes at Live Oak Rec Center (Mon. / Sat.) are $40/month. For new students, the first class attended is free. In addition, students are required to join the TAA, which charges an annual fee of $25.
- New who enroll mid-month will have the classes pro-rated such that the maximum amount paid per remaining offered class session is $5.
- If the regular class fees above are a financial burden, please talk to the instructor about special fee arrangements.
- If you have schedule constraints that will consistently keep you from attending either Monday or Saturday practices, please talk to the instructor about special fee arrangements.
Etiquette
Although we tend not to be overly strict, there are some formalities that should be observed. At the beginning and end of each practice, we bow to the front of the dojo and to each other. Prior to beginning to work with a new partner, we bow and say “O-ne-gai-shi-masu.” After finishing, we again bow and say “Arigato gozaimasu” (Thank you). Please feel free to respectfully ask instructors and upper belts any questions you may have during the course of practice.
Safety
Our first priority in the practice of Aikido is safety. All martial arts, by their nature, involve a certain amount of danger. The risk of injury can be significantly decreased by observing safety precautions. Always remember that your partner is entrusting you with a measure of his safety and wellbeing and that it is your duty to be a responsible caretaker of that trust. Never apply a technique without balance and control. Always make sure that your partner has adequate space and requisite ability to take a fall before applying a technique. Inform your partner of any injuries or physical limitations you may have. Never force a technique with muscle instead of using proper form. Always respect it when your partner “taps out.”
Warm-ups
At the beginning of each practice, we warm up and stretch. It is very important for conditioning and safety to get a complete warm-up. If you arrive late to class, please make sure to do the full warm-up routine and join in with the rest of practice when you are ready.
Attire
We wear uniforms called “dogi” (or “gi”) during practice. Heavy judo-type dogi are worn both for padding and for durability. Beginners are welcome to wear a T-shirt or sweatshirt and shorts, sweatpants, etc., preferably without pockets. Please remove all jewelry prior to practice for you and your partners’ safety.
Examinations and Ranks
Ranks are organized into 6 levels (“kyus”) below black belt and 8 levels (“dans”) of black belt. Beginners and 6th kyus wear white belts, 5th yellow, 4th orange, 3rd green, 2nd blue, and 1st brown. The requirements for each level can be found on the TAA website. Examinations, or “belt tests,” are typically given four times a year: February, May, August, and November. At higher levels, there are longer periods of time between exams. If you are unable to attend class on the exam day, please make arrangements with the instructor for an alternate test date.