Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Our dojo charges a monthly fee of $50 per student, which allows you to train at any of our Aikido classes or classes at Aikido RVA in Rockville, VA. There is a grace period of a few classes before we start collecting payment, so that you can make sure our Aikido school is right for you.
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We have an annual $45 Wadokai membership fee, which allows you to sign up to attend any organizational camps or seminars, and is required for rank promotion.
There is also the option to become a member of Mongrel Fitness Gym, which grants you access to any classes held in the gym, including Aikido, BJJ, Judo, Muy Thai, Karate, and more.
Do I need to have previous knowledge in martial arts?
Beginners are 100% welcome. Our philosophy is that everyone trains together regardless of rank, so that we can all help each other improve. If you would like to watch a class first before making your decision there are plenty of chairs around the mat, but the only true way to experience what an Aikido class is like is to jump in and try it!
What do I need to bring?
Yourself! You do not need any special equipment or gear to take part in a class. Over time you may end up wanting your own jo and bokken for practice at home, but this is never required.
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There are water fountains in the gym, but having your own water bottle is a good idea.
What should I wear?
For your first few classes all you need are comfortable workout clothes - shorts, sweatpants, or leggings are all okay. We don't wear shoes or socks on the mat.
If you stick with it eventually you will want to buy a gi, and we encourage these to be in all white so they can be worn at any of our organization's seminars. You can buy any brand of gi but we also have our own Wadokai gis that can be ordered on request.
What if I already have a rank in martial arts?
Everyone generally starts at the beginning rank with a white belt if they are new to our style of Aikido. If you are ranked in another Aikido school, talk to our Dojocho when you arrive.
Do you have children's classes?
Although we have in the past, we currently do not have a children's class. 14 years and older are welcome to train with permission from a parent or guardian.
How do I earn rank?
Testing happens at most once a year, when students are ready as judged by our Dojo Cho. It is part of our philosophy in Wadokai Aikido that students don't ask the instructors when they will test, as this can be seen as a sign of caring more about rank than about self-development. Diligent training is the best way to rank up, and if you train consistently you can trust that you will increase in rank gradually over time.