Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors are always welcome!

Visitors are invited to come watch any class that is in session — just come in and find a seat. The instructors may not be able to speak with you immediately, but please don’t feel that you are being ignored. We will be happy to answer any questions after the class has finished! We are always interested in growing our family of dedicated students. Visitors are encouraged to watch both fundamental beginner  and  advanced classes to get a complete picture of what Aikido looks like.

Please do not take photographs without speaking to the instructor in charge.

What should I wear?

A new student should plan to get a plain white karate or judo gi (uniform) without patches or logos. These are widely available on-line or at local sporting goods stores. After your first test, you will be encouraged to purchase and wear a hakama – the formal pleated pants that the instructor will be wearing. For your first few classes, you do not have to have a gi, you could just wear something loose such as a plain tee shirt and sweatpants.

What classes can I attend?

As a new student you can start at any time, and can attend any fundamental beginner class. The instructor in charge will make sure that you receive any special instruction or attention needed to help you feel comfortable.  In your first class, you will be introduced to other beginning students with a range of experience and skill levels.

If you have previous martial arts experience, it would be best to meet with our Dojo-Cho, Jonathan Posnick Sensei, to determine which classes would be best for you to attend.

After five classes new students may attend Friday classes, which are more intermediate and often include weapons training. This ensures that students are comfortable with the basics of rolling and dojo etiquette. At this stage, students may also attend the various weapons mini-classes throughout the week.

Students who have tested for at least one or two rank promotions will be encouraged to try the “regular” training classes on Tuesday and Thursday.  Attendance at these classes is at the invitation of Jonathan Posnick Sensei, and depends on the student’s skill level. Traditionally, these classes are attended by senior (black belt) students and focus on higher level techniques; in order to keep these classes challenging for senior students and safe for all participants, a strong base of Aikido training is required for all students who attend.

How much does it cost?

Adult dojo dues: $90 per month

College, university & trade school students (w/current ID): $60 per month 

Youth dues: (11-15 years old): $50 per month 

Dojo mat fee (for visiting Aikidoka ): $10 per class

There is an initial registration fee for membership (optional) in the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (the aikido organization of which we are a member dojo) of $45.  Thereafter, this is the amount of the annual fee to maintain membership in ASU.

Beginning the study of Aikido can be very daunting. Unlike many arts, all techniques are practiced with a partner – who will be actively resisting your efforts. You must learn new ways of moving, which can make you feel clumsy. You will probably be surrounded by people who make the things you have difficulty with look effortless and graceful. You will learn to roll and fall to avoid injury, which can be frightening at first – and can generate a wealth of bruises and stiff joints until you become comfortable.We want all new students to know that is is natural. Even more importantly, every single person in the Dojo has gone through the exact same experience! In fact, just about any senior student can probably share humorous stories of when they were beginners too. It takes a lot of guts to enter a new school, filled with strangers, and commit to the long process of training in a martial art.

So hang in there! We all know how discouraging it can be, but before you realize it you will be helping others!

How long does it take to reach black belt?

This is a very common question. In the United States, we are raised to seek external recognition and rewards, so this is understandable. However, the black belt rank is not a terminal degree, pedigree, or certificate of skill, and it certainly does not mean one has “mastered” a martial art. In fact, the japanese term for black belt is “shodan”, meaning “first step” – traditionally, attainment of a black belt means the student has learned enough of the basic movements that they can finally focus on studying the real core of the art. Actually, Aikido practitioners can train and receive up to the 10th degree of black belt (though only after a lifetime of service and at the very highest level of attainment)!  What this means is that in a traditional Dojo such as ours, attainment of a black belt is not easy or quick. Depending on the student’s determination and discipline, natural skill, and progression, it could take as little as five years or as much as ten or more. Do not be discouraged; learn to appreciate the subtle changes you are creating in yourself. The study of Aikido is its own reward and goal.

Are there any belts and ranks before black belt?

At the JionJuku Aikido Dojo, there are 6 junior (white belt) ranks, and a different test to progress between each. We do not use colored belts, only white or black. When you enroll in the Dojo, you will receive a handbook that explains the testing an progression requirements.

How do I progress?

Testing eligibility requires a minimum number of classes attended, a minimum period of time (between a few months and a year between tests, depending on rank), and skill level. You should keep track of classes and seminars you have attended on the ledger in the Dojo. If you feel you are ready and eligible to test, please speak with your instructor; however, your instructor may also prompt you to prepare. There are no “surprise” tests; special classes will be conducted to rehearse test techniques and to demonstrate “practice” tests.

Do I have to test?

At the JionJuku Aikido Dojo, we don’t require testing; progression is up to each student. However, testing is a very important part of your training; there is no lasting value in being humble by not testing. As human beings, we tend to quickly reach “plateaus” in our skill advancement, where we can get diminishing returns from our training. This is only natural, as we all develop habits very quickly. The process of preparing for tests, and performing in front of your peers, plays a very important role in breaking those habits and starting us out on a new level. For the good of your own training and advancement, we encourage you to test as soon as you are ready.  Tests also help the instructors, as they demonstrate to the instructor’s peers and teachers where they need to improve their teaching. Testing also helps other students as they help you prepare, and helps improve the combined excellence of the Dojo.

Are there any special exercises that I can do to help my Aikido training?

In order to improve at Aikido, the best thing you can do is practice Aikido. Aikido practice is based on person-to-person practice. However, if you are interested in exercises you can do at home that can help you memorize your techniques or practice basic Aikido movements, your Aikido instructor can suggest some “suburi” or “kata” (solo weapons forms) or “kihon waza” (basic exercises).  Many students are tempted to supplement their martial arts training with anaerobic weight training to build strength. However, too much strength training will quickly reduce flexibility, suppleness and speed in muscles, and can be a serious detriment to your Aikido training. True martial power comes from timing, structure, and developing your “center”, which can only be distilled in martial training.

However, most martial artists will agree that low-impact cardiovascular and aerobic exercises (running, swimming, bicycling) can be good complements to martial arts training as they increase endurance, lung capacity, and circulation.

Are there any Aikido books or videos I should buy?

Again, there is absolutely no substitute for training, and a regular schedule of training is best. As such, it is not necessary to buy books, videos, or other paraphernalia to improve your training and reach your goals.Nonetheless, high-quality instructional books and videos (your instructors can recommend some) can occasionally be helpful for memorizing complex movements, understanding the Japanese terms, learning the history of Aikido, or just spurring new ways of thinking about your training. However, a student should keep in mind that books and videos are unable to capture many of the subtleties of live training, and cannot teach your body. There are many “armchair” martial artists with impressive libraries!

A lot of Japanese words are used.  Do I have to memorize them?

Japanese terms for the techniques we practice are used in Aikido Dojos around the world.  This allows students to travel and visit other Dojos (even where language barriers exist) and be able to train and practice with other students.  However, at the Aikido Dojo we do not place a special emphasis on Japanese terminology, and generally students simply “pick up” all the common terms over time, as part of hearing them in regular practice.  It is unnecessary to make a special effort to memorize the terms.  A glossary of common terms is contained in the student handbook that is provided to every new student.

What happens if I stop training?

Sometimes, for health or personal reasons, students feel they must stop training for an extended period of time, for months or even years. The student may have to travel, devote more time to their family or work, or even just explore the need to “try other things.”  Since Aikido is meant to complement and strengthen your everyday life, we understand this and do not think poorly of students that must take time off.  No matter how long a student has been away, they are still part of the Dojo and will be welcomed back without question.

The instructors of the JionJuku Aikido Dojo welcome all comments, questions, and concerns; we are strongly interested in any feedback our students have to give. Please talk with your instructor, or send us an email to the address listed on the “Contact” page