Getting Started
On the day you plan to begin training, please arrive at the dojo at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the class. This will provide time for you to register, get changed, and orient yourself to the dojo. Arriving early to class will also allow you time to warm up and stretch prior to training. One of the senior students will show you around and teach you a few of the basic formalities of training in our dojo. When the class begins, you’ll simply line up with the rest of the students and join in. Usually for the first few classes, you will pair up with a more senior student so that you can more easily pick up the basics. In the early stages of your training, please make sure to let your training partners know that you are just beginning, so they can practice with you accordingly, and assist as needed.
Observe a Class
If you are not yet sure you would like to train in aikido, but would like to find out more about it, we suggest you come to the dojo, talk with our instructors and students, and watch a class. Visitors and prospective students are always welcome to observe a 
class. There are chairs set up at the edge of the mat so you can get a better sense of aikido in action and see if it is right for you. The instructor or a senior student will probably come over to exchange introductions, see if you need any particular information and answer any questions you may have. Observing a class is an excellent introduction to our dojo and provides a great opportunity for prospective students to determine whether aikido seems like a good fit for them. You can watch all or any part of a class. If you’d like to join the dojo, you can also do so at that time.
Schedule
Beginning students are encouraged to attend as many of the Fundamentals classes as possible. This will provide a strong foundation for learning and mastering the basics. Supplementing training in the Fundamentals classes with training in the All Levels classes will enhance the beginners’ ability to apply the techniques and principles of aikido with many different types of students and situations. As the basics develop and skills advance, students may assess their degree of comfort with the Intermediate/Advanced classes. If there is a question or concern of readiness, please check with the instructor teaching that evening. Since our full schedule offers daily opportunities for new students, there are plenty of classes to attend appropriate to everyone’s level of ability.
Fees
As a beginner, there are two ways to join the dojo. Basic membership dues include unlimited training in all classes appropriate for your level. For beginners, this includes all Fundamentals classes, as well as the All Levels classes, and Sunday morning Weapons class. For experienced students all classes are available for the basic membership fees. Training at City Aikido is by mutual agreement and respect; there are no long term financial contracts to sign.
- Membership dues are $105/month, paid monthly via automatic payments (credit card or bank account)
- One-time $25 registration fee, which is paid with your first months dues
In addition to the basic monthly membership, we also offer a Beginners Special for those new to the dojo. This reduced rate introductory special gives new students an opportunity to fully check out aikido and the dojo for three months. This beginners program provides everything new students need to immerse themselves in the art and develop a foundation for further discovery.
- We offer a Beginners' Special, which includes three months of membership, the $25 registration fee, and a free training dogi (uniform), all for $270 (a $115 savings!!)
If work, school or vacation brings you to San Francisco, we invite you to consider packing a dogi and joining us for training. We would be happy to answer any questions or concerns; however, there is no need to call or email in advance. Please review our descriptions of the classes so you can determine which class fits with your level of ability and experience. If you are not sure which class is appropriate for you, please check with the instructor of the class you would like to participate in. Make sure you plan on arriving a bit early to class, so that you can warm-up, meet the instructor, complete the "waiver" form, and pay the $15 mat fee.