We are happy that you wish to sign up for our Aikido program! Please note you can do this in person too. However, if you would like to get it all out of the way and jump right in, this page will lead you through our simple sign up process for unlimited monthly classes of Aikido at the Long Island Aikikai. Please note that we do not have children’s classes and members must be 12 or older to participate.
If you would like to try a free introductory class to see if Aikido is right for you, you can take a trial session after filling out the waiver form in the waiver section below.
Trial sessions are weekly:
- Tuesdays at 7:00pm
- Sundays at 11am
Waiver Form
Whether you plan to take the trial class or jump into monthly unlimited classes, please fill out this form:
Once the waiver has been received, we will reach out via email and text to answer any questions you may have. Sometimes our emails bounce into spam, or the phone number provided either cannot receive texts or had an off digit so if you don’t hear from us, it’s okay–So long as you filled out that form, you’re all set.
You can then come down for the Tuesday or Sunday free trial session, or if you also paid for a one month session (link below), to begin general monthly classes.
Tuition
Our monthly fee for the Aikido program is a flat $100 per month, which you can purchase via the Paypal button below. This monthly fee means you can join any of the classes located on our schedule page (https://www.liaikikai.com/schedule/), as many as times as you’d like with no restrictions. We also accept cash, check, and credit card authorizations before or after class.
Your payment is good for any month (starting on the first of that month).
PURCHASE ONE MONTH OF AIKIDO CLASS HERE
We recommend starting with our Tuesday or Sunday session as a first class since the dojocho (manager) will be there to answer any administrative questions but you are free to start with any class once payment is remitted. (However, the free trial class is only on Tuesdays and Sundays.)
Members usually begin arriving 20 minutes before class start so they can stretch. You will be shown around the dojo and given your membership card so you can sign in and track your classes.
Benefits of Aikido
Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art that combines joint locks, throws, and pins with the philosophy of blending and harmonizing with incoming forces. It can be practice slow and methodical, or fast and dynamic, and is adaptable to everyone’s specific needs (we have students of all ages and walks of life!) Short staff (jo) and Japanese swordwork is also part of the curriculum.
- Improve flexibility, balance, and stability
- Learn how to fall safely
- Physical benefits of exercise and aerobics
- Mental health and wellness
- Increase body and self awareness
- Have fun while honing new skills
- Learn about Japanese culture and traditions
- Make new friends and become part of an amazing group of dedicated practitioners
Click to learn more ABOUT AIKIDO
FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What should I wear to my first class?
A: If you previously practiced Aikido, Judo, or Jiujitsu and have a white or off-white Aikido or Judo Gi, you can bring it to change into or arrive changed. If not, we recommend clothes that are loose fitting and comfortable to move around in that covers your knees and elbows such as a long sleeve t-shirt and sweatpants. We recommend you do a few classes first before you commit to purchasing a uniform (which the dojo has for sale as well) to see if you wish to stay with it.
Q: I am (x) years old, can I still do Aikido?
A: Yes! We have members that are anywhere from their teens all the way up to Hagihara-sensei who practiced into his late 80’s. Your practice will be tailored to your pace as safety is of utmost importance to us and health and longevity is our goal.
Q: How many times should I come a week?
A: Since Aikido has no competitions, rank promotion is based on time put in. The more times you come per week, the faster your progression will be. Many members feel they consistently progress at two to three times a week. However, since the monthly fee entitles you to unlimited classes, you can come as often or as little as you’d like. Remember, this is your journey which means you should do whatever you feel most comfortable with.
Q: I have a medical condition, what do I need to know about my practice?
A: First thing you should do is speak with your primary care physician to make sure you are allowed to do physical activities that will involve rolling and controlled falling to the ground. Then you should let both the instructor and your training partner of the day know of your condition so they may make whatever adjustments that will be necessary for you to safely practice. You should always verbalize any discomfort you may have to both your partner and the instructor.
Q: Is Aikido good for self-defense/fighting?
A: As a dojo, we believe in order to be effective at anything, you must practice it—including fighting/self defense which should be in the form of sparring. This means that the normal format of classes which include no sparring/competition will not be effective at teaching you fighting skills—it will teach you how to improve your body mechanics, footwork, cool choreography, how to fall without hurting yourself, cultural tidbits, traditional Japanese weapons work, rolling, and be a good avenue for health and mental fitness, which are all self-defense adjacent. However, if you are interested in fighting/self defense, we suggest that you cross train in a live art (boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiujitsu, Judo), which will supplement your Aikido practice (and that many of our members and instructors do.)
Q: I really like Aikido and wish to continue training, what should I do once this month is up?
A: After this initial month, we can keep your credit card on file to run every month until you ask us to stop. We will never lock you into a contract, and if you end up paying for a month you don’t use, we will credit you that month for use in the future or refund you, if you prefer.
Q: Are classes scheduled by experience (beginner, advanced, etc.)?
A: Our classes are mixed rank with all experience levels. If you are new and have no experience with Aikido, you will be paired with an advanced student who will be happy to walk you through the class and teach you at your comfort level, whatever that may be. Our dojo exemplifies the idea that helping lower rank improve helps us excel in our own training.
Q: Am I required to be vaccinated against COVID?
A: While we have lifted our vaccination requirement for general members, we do highly recommend members to be vaccinated for the safety of all of our community. It is a requirement for our teaching staff to be fully up to date with their vaccinations. Regardless, we request that members inform us if they test positive, and to stay home if they have any symptoms of illness (even if it’s not COVID) including but not limited to: fever, cough, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, headache etc. Failure to do so may result in the termination of your membership.
Q: Do you have children’s classes?
A: We do not currently have children’s classes. However, teens 12 and older can be signed up and take class. The exception to this is if a parent of a child who does not meet the requirements is willing to take class with them, then that child can participate in general classes.
Student Handbook
Feel free to peruse our student handbook for information on dojo etiquette and policies.
And that’s it! Feel free to come in and begin your Aikido journey here! We’re very happy to have you and hope to meet you soon.