Do I need any prior martial arts experience?

Not at all! We welcome complete beginners. The most important thing you can bring is an open mind and a willingness to try new things. That said, you'll never be forced to do anything you don't feel comfortable with, aren't ready to try, or that feels beyond what your body can do at the moment. Everyone starts where they are and grows from there. You know your own body better than anyone else, and we encourage you to listen to yourself and communicate any concerns to your instructor. Safe, happy students are our top priority.

What should I wear to my first class?

If you have a judo or karate gi, feel free to wear it, but it's totally fine to come in comfortable exercise clothing. We do recommend long pants, as we do some training on our knees and you'll want to avoid mat burn. You don't need to purchase an Aikido gi until after you've passed your first belt test. It's also a good idea to bring a water bottle, towel, and sandals for moving around the dojo. We have water to fill your water bottle and changing rooms.

Can I watch a class before joining?

Absolutely! We really encourage it. In fact, to help you get a feel for Aikido and decide if our dojo is right for you, we invite you to take advantage of an entire week of classes for free. This way you can experience the art firsthand and see the different teaching styles of our instructors.

Is Aikido good exercise / will it get me in shape?

Yes! Our dojo focuses on fitness as well as traditional Aikido movements. We incorporate strength and conditioning exercises into each class, along with stretches for flexibility. Aikido especially improves coordination and balance through whole-body movement and relies heavily on core strength. Continuous movement with a training partner develops timing, quick reflexes, and aerobic capacity. You'll use muscles you don't normally engage in other activities, so it's perfectly normal to be a little sore at first. With continued practice, your fitness levels will improve quickly.

What's the difference between Aikido and other martial arts (like BJJ, karate, judo, etc.)?

Aikido does have common roots with Judo and Jujitsu. Like those arts, it's considered a "soft" martial art because it focuses on self-defense without injuring your opponent. However, a major difference is that Aikido has no competition whatsoever. It emphasizes cooperation and harmony rather than winning, dominating, or controlling. And unlike karate, we don't learn punches or kicks except to understand how to defend against them. Aikido is about redirecting an attack and finding peaceful resolution to conflict.