Getting Started
Everything you need to start your aikido journey.
Your membership includes unlimited classes. 🤩 Once enrolled, you or your child can attend any class during the week. See the pricing →
New student? The Student Guide 🥋 covers common terms, dojo etiquette, and how to tie your belt.
$89 New Student Intro Package
Your $89 intro package includes a private lesson with a black belt instructor and one group class. You will come away knowing an aikido technique and feeling confident and ready to keep training. If you join during the intro period, we waive the $69 registration fee. For new adults only.
Openings: Tuesday or Thursday at 10:00am, Monday or Wednesday at 6:00pm. Be sure to book in advance.
Schedule an Intro Class
Free Trial Class for Kids
Aikido blends exercise, technique, and fun. All children ages 4–16 are welcome to try a class free of charge.
- Ages 4–8: Mon–Thu, 4:00–4:40pm
- Ages 6+: Mon–Thu, 5:00–5:50pm · Sat 10:00am
- Ages 12–16: Tue & Thu, 6:00–6:50pm · Sat 11:00am
Wear sweatpants and a t-shirt, arrive a little early. Call or text at (206) 525-4032 to discuss which time is best for your child's age and experience level.
Schedule a Free ClassClass Descriptions
Aikido for Beginners
An on-going, introductory class for men and women. You will receive step-by-step instruction on the three fundamental techniques that serve as a portal into the entire art. The warm-up helps increase flexibility and core strength, followed by technique practice at an easy pace. Each class ends with 5 minutes of basic meditation.
All Levels Class
Techniques that can be practiced at various skill levels are emphasized. If you are new and come to this class, you will be paired with a black belt who will help you with the basics. Beginners are welcomed and urged to practice in any class on the schedule.
Advanced Class
A challenging workout using rigorous training to forge body, mind, and spirit. Students are exposed to a vast array of techniques including bokken (sword) and jo (staff) practice. Prerequisite: 4th Kyu and/or permission from Bookman Sensei.
Open Mat
Students of all levels do self-directed practice under the guidance of an instructor. Members may practice anything they want and questions will be answered.
Weapons
Basic training in bokken (wooden sword) and jo (staff). Techniques correlate to aikido hand-to-hand techniques and help practitioners project their energy.
Adult Test
Tests are typically held four times a year. See upcoming test dates and review the requirements ahead of your test date.
FAQ
How do I get started? â–¾
Schedule an introductory private lesson with one of our professionally trained instructors. The private lesson costs $89 and includes one group class where you will have a black belt helping you every step of the way. If you join during the intro period, we waive the $69 registration fee.
Can I really do aikido? â–¾
Yes. If you can walk up and down a flight of stairs, you can do aikido. We teach the beginner three basic techniques from which the entire art is derived. The Tenzan Aikido approach helps you build a foundation that will give you clear direction in meeting your practice goals.
What if I am out of shape? â–¾
Compassion is at the heart of aikido practice. At Tenzan Aikido, we know what it's like to be a beginner. Everyone makes progress at a different pace. The approach allows you to learn at your own pace and take the next step only when you're ready.
How long will it take to learn aikido? â–¾
After your very first class you will know how to blend with an attack, do a basic meditation technique and you will have taken a significant step towards physical fitness. To become a black belt takes on average 4 years.
How often should I practice? â–¾
Most people see steady improvement practicing 2 or 3 times per week. The more you practice, the greater the benefits. If you can practice every day, you'll make faster progress.
Is aikido about learning to fight? â–¾
No. While you will gain practical self-defense skills, the main goal of aikido is to bring compassion, sincerity and self-scrutiny into all your daily interactions. In aikido you become the person that nobody wants to attack.
How much does it cost? â–¾
Registration fee is $69. Dues are $175 per month for unlimited practice. A uniform costs $75. Longer commitments offer better value. See our pricing page for details.
What should I wear? â–¾
Until you get your uniform, you may practice in long-sleeve clothes that cover your elbows and knees and that you feel comfortable exercising in.
Questions? Call or text (206) 525-4032 or email dojo@tenzanaikido.com