New to Aikido?
We are excited to welcome you into the Seattle Aikikai community. We believe that every person can practice Aikido. All the options explained below can be found at that bottom of the page or on our Zen Planner site. Here's how to start:
Visit
We encourage new students to visit the dojo, so you can meet us in person, see what practice is like, and ask any questions you have before you step on the mat. There's no need to register; come during any class time as many times as you like.
Free Trial
New students have the option to take a free trial class. This gives you a chance to get on the mat and try out practice for yourself. Follow the link below to see a list of classes at both our locations and choose the class you want to attend. This option is always available.
Fill out the registration form. You’ll receive a confirmation email once you have registered.
Attend
Mark your calendar and arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled class time to receive an orientation. Dress in clothing suitable for exercise with long pants to protect your knees from abrasions.
Membership Options
If you are ready to train regularly, you can select one of our options for monthly membership. We believe Aikido should be available to anyone who wants to train, regardless of income. We acknowledge that there are inequities in our society. To that end, we offer three tiers of membership dues to help make Aikido more accessible. If you are unsure of where you fit, check out The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice. In addition, we offer scholarships and discounts. Contact us for more information on those options.
Basic $130
Basic adult monthly membership includes unlimited classes at all locations.
Premium $150
Premium memberships allow us to offer financial support to students experiencing financial hardship. This membership option includes unlimited classes at all locations, two private lessons each year, and free admission to any of our workshops.
Subsidized $100
Subsidized memberships allow students with limited financial resources or financial hardship to attend classes. Still too much? Contact us and we can help!
Visitors
Visitors may register with the “Drop-in Daily” option. If you are planning to be around for more than a day or two, please contact us to see what other options might be available.
Youth
Children and teens can join our Youth Program using the “Youth Monthly” membership. We offer a family discount if you are enrolling multiple children. Please contact us for help with that or if you have any questions about the program.
Intro to Aikido
We offer an Intro to Aikido course several times a year. This is a month-long course that covers the basics of Aikido practice in a systematic way. It is designed to give new students everything they need in order to participate in an all-levels class. In it we cover the basics of Aikido practice: conditioning, falling, etiquette, and technique. We also cover some history and philosophy. If you prefer a structured introduction to our art, this is the option for you.
The next course has not yet been scheduled. Please check back or contact us to find out when it will be held.