Getting Started

Bellow are a few of the most common questions I have received about starting class.

When can I start?

Anytime, we don't have sessions that you need to catch a certain start date.  The information we cover goes in cycles so if you start on a different day, or miss a day you won't be lost.  So check the schedule and arrive at the next class time.  Cancelations are listed under Class Cancelations http://www.kinagare.com/#cancel

Can I just watch?

Yes, you are always welcome to watch a class, but to really understand Aikido you are going to have to try it. 

How much does it cost?

Your first month is figured around when you start, and then you pay regular dues the start of each calendar month (see pricing section).  You can stop whenever you like.

What do I wear?

When you are first starting dress in comfortable workout clothes.  Like a t-shirt and sweatpants, shorts are OK, but it is best if you can cover your legs since during class they may often rub against the mat. 

After you have been practicing for a while you can get a uniform (gi, dogi, keikogi).

What if I have a gi from another class?
If you have a gi from Karate or Tae Kwon Doe, you can wear it with a white belt to start with, but you will eventually want to get a regular Aikido Gi (it is a heavier weave like those used in Judo and Jiu Jitsu).

Is this a religious thing? 

No.  You will see we have several habits about showing respect to the Shomen (area at the front of the room with the picture of the founder of Aikido).  We bow coming on and off the mat, and do a formal bow at the start and end of class.  This is a memorial to those teachers who passed the style on to us.  We bow to show respect to the heritage of our school.