Beginners welcome! Let’s start Aikido and have fun
Aikido is a wonderful martial art that anyone of all ages and genders can start casually with their own pace and continue for a long time.
There are no competitions in Aikido. We do not compete with others but focus on self-improvement only (your rival is yourself from yesterday!).
We believe Aikido has the potential to enrich the lives of everyone.
The Flow of Trial Lessons and Memberships
Please check the class schedule and express your interest in observing or experiencing (up to 2 sessions) via the contact form or email (aishinkandojo@gmail.com), and let us know your preferred timing. We will respond within 24 hours.
Check the Class Schedule
Observation can be done as many times as you like, and trial lessons are available up to 2 times (for adults, two hours each; for children, one hour each, twice), allowing you ample opportunity to get a feel for the atmosphere of the dojo. You can leave at any point during observation, and the trial experience is conducted one-on-one or in small groups by a designated instructor, making it accessible even for beginners. We respect your decision-making process and assure you that there will be no persistent solicitation when considering enrollment, so please feel at ease.
Once you have gained some understanding of the training content and atmosphere at Aishinkan and wish to continue practicing, please inform Dojo-chief Ogawa of your desire to enroll. The initial fees typically include an enrollment fee (¥3000 to ¥5000), sports insurance (¥1000 to ¥2000), and the cost of a training uniform (¥3000 to ¥10000).
For beginners, during the first 10 sessions, we offer a ‘Beginner Period’ where instruction focuses on one-on-one or small-group basics. Please feel at ease, and join at a timing that suits you best.
Based on attendance and proficiency, you will become eligible to take examinations. While exams are not mandatory, setting them as goals can be a key to long-term commitment. Feel free to take on the challenge!
FAQ
If you have any questions about enrollment or Aikido, feel free to ask. Below, I have compiled some frequently asked questions for your reference.
Reviews
Here are some reviews about trial experiences. (The number of trial sessions is currently reduced from 3 to 2)
Male in his 40s (Thursday, July 11, 2019, 06:47 AM)
“I was practicing Aikido during my university days as a club activity. One day, feeling nostalgic, I watched Aikido videos on the internet, and I got the urge to try it again. I thought, ‘I wonder if there’s a place in Kyoto where I can learn?’ So, I searched and found the Aishinkan website. When I checked the content, it was explained very carefully, and with the added offer of ‘3 free trial sessions,’ I thought, ‘Let’s give it a try.’Upon visiting the dojo, I was warmly welcomed. I thought, ‘Oh, this place has a good vibe.’ I had a fun practice session. It had been a while, and I was concerned about how my body would move, but they took care to ensure there were no injuries, and I felt comfortable receiving techniques.I also appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, where I could drink water anytime. After thoroughly experiencing three sessions, I decided to join and have been enjoying my time here. Practicing Aikido makes me feel like I’m back in my university days, and it’s a lot of fun. Looking forward to continuing. Thank you!”
Pitbull (Monday, June 3, 2019, 14:18)
“Since my child is still young, it’s been challenging to find suitable activities, but if I were to start, I always thought it would be Aikido. I had been looking at the Kokorokan website for a while, thinking, ‘If I’m going to learn, it must be here!’ From that moment, I felt that I could continue if it’s here. When I emailed to inquire about the free trial, the response was incredibly polite, and I looked forward to the trial day. During the actual free trial, everyone, including the teacher, was kind and patient, just as everyone had written in the reviews. I decided to join after the first free trial, but since you can experience two more times, please come when you can! I thought it was very considerate. After joining, I’ve been enjoying the lessons every week, thanks to the thoughtful guidance from Sensei Ogawa and the senior members. I am grateful.”
Pineapple Kobayashi (Thursday, May 30, 2019, 15:40)
”It’s reassuring to be separated for practice with experienced individuals and receive careful guidance.In the world, I think there are many martial arts practices that are strict and stoic, but I was surprised by Sensei Ogawa’s generous and tolerant attitude! It left a strong impression on me.I have poor memory and slow body movements, but receiving warm words of encouragement made me decide to join without getting discouraged. Although it’s a different field, as I work in a job that involves guiding people, I feel there’s a lot to learn not only about Aikido itself but also about communication with others.”
20s University Student (Friday, June 7, 2019, 10:02)
I had always admired martial arts and was looking for a dojo that welcomes adult beginners. I found this site, tried the three free trial sessions, and thought the atmosphere was very positive and enjoyable. That’s when I decided to join.It’s only been a month since I started, but the teacher is humorous and kind, the training is careful and easy to understand, and I’m satisfied every time. The reasonably priced monthly fee, which benefits from the student discount, is much appreciated for students.With the help of the teacher and senior members, I look forward to continuing my practice in the future. Thank you very much!”
Thank you for reading this far!
Through this page, I hope you have developed some interest in Aikido and Aishinkan. I look forward to meeting you in practice or observation. Thank you!