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FAQ
- 1. I don't know anything about aikido. How do I start?
- 2. How do classes work?
- 3. How much does it cost?
- 4. So I don't have to be a club member?
- 5. What does club membership get me?
- 6. Can I train on weekends and during breaks even if I'm not a member?
- 7. I've done aikido before, but it was another style. Can I still train?
- 8. Is club membership the same as Ki Society membership?
- 9. Where can I find out more about ki-aikido and its philosophy?
1. I don't know anything about aikido. How do I start?
Easy. Simply register for the beginners' aikido class through UCSB's Leisure review, and then come to class starting at the beginning of any quarter (including summer) from 8-9 on Mondays and Wednesdays. We'll take it from there.
Classes last one hour. More advanced students are encouraged to attend the beginners' classes to assist. Class always begins with some light stretching and warm-ups, followed by rolling practice. During class the instructor will demonstrate a technique or exercise, after which the class will break into groups of 2 (or sometimes more) and practice until the instructor demonstrates the next exercise.
Currently, the leisure review classes cost $45 per quarter ($25/4 week summer session). Optional club membership, which is separate, runs $45 per quarter. Please see below for details regarding club membership.
4. So I don't have to be a club member?
No, you do not. It is perfectly acceptable to register for and attend the Leisure review courses only, and give the whole club thing a miss.
5. What does club membership get me?
Club membership opens a world of opportunity, including practice every Sunday morning and between Leisure review sessions (including school break times), reduced rates for seminars, testing opportunities, and a nice copy of the club handbook. You also get the satisfaction of knowing that you're helping to contribute to the training of others in the aikido classes by helping to fund the purchase of equipment such as weapons and mats, and dojo maintenance projects.
6. Can I train on weekends and during breaks even if I'm not a member?
Yes, but we ask that you pay a $7 mat fee per training session.
7. I've done aikido before, but it was another style. Can I still train?
Absolutely. Simply join the leisure review class and come to practice at the usual times. Beware, however, as styles are different, and there is a period of "culture shock" while you adjust to how we do the techniques.
8. Is club membership the same as Ki Society membership?
In a word, yes. However, you must pay the Ki Society initiation fee once, followed by yearly membership renewal fees. The initiation fee is approximately $45, and renewal fees run approximately $10, depending on the exchange rate between the dollar and the yen. Renewals are processed for the entire dojo in the fall. If you wish to test for colored belt ranks, you must be a Ki Society member. If you don't want to join the Ki Society, you can still enjoy the other club benefits.
9. Where can I find out more about ki-aikido and its philosophy?
Please consult the resources section of our website.
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