Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I find out more information?
If you have any questions regarding our Aikido community, please contact Jay Lindholm sensei or stop by our dojo and visit. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have as well as share our aikido experiences with you.
2. How do I join?
Prior to joining our dojo, potential members are required to observe one of our classes. This provides the opportunity for you to gain a feeling for our Aikido community as well as discuss any questions that you may have.
3. What does it mean to be a member?
South Austin Aikido is a membership organization. Payment of membership dues enrolls you as a member of the organization (see Cost & Equipment for cost structure).
Though there are no long-term contracts, membership is a month to-month contract that can be terminated at any time with 30 days notice. Membership entitles you to become a student and attend classes as a benefit of your membership. There are no restrictions on the number of classes a student may attend; students are entitled to attend as many or as few classes as desired.
South Austin Aikido is a non-profit educational organization. All dues and monies collected are used exclusively for the continued operation of the organization and school. We have no employees and no one receives compensation for giving instruction.
Our goal is to provide to all, regardless of economic status, a special place dedicated to learning the principles of Aikido to better our community and our selves. We offer family rates for multiple members from the same household as well as scholarships based upon financial need. Please contact us for more details.
4. What should I wear?
For your first class you can wear sweatpants and a t-shirt or something similar. Shorts are not recommended, as you will be kneeling during class. With your three-month enrollment you'll receive a dogi (training uniform) and instructions on wearing the dogi. All students with good ukemi skills may wear a Hakama.
5. What classes can I attend?
Beginners are welcome to participate in Basics, All Levels and Weapons classes with the understanding that the instructor and/or senior training partner will modify the class material appropriate to the junior student's level.
6. What if I cannot make all of the classes?
Regular attendance is an important part of your growth in Aikido, especially in the beginning. Our students train between 1-3 days per week, depending on their work and/or home commitments. Extended absences should be discussed with the Head Instructor.
7. Am I too old/young/weak/inflexible for Aikido?
Waiting to get into shape or gain flexibility before starting class is not necessary. People of all ages and builds, male and female, practice aikido. Students will never be expected to do something beyond their physical abilities.
8. Does South Austin Aikido have a youth program?
We do not have an independent youth program at this time, but allow teenage students to train in our adult classes. Our teenage students range in age from 13 to 17 years old.
9. Can I still do Aikido if I have an injury?
It is possible to train with many types of injuries, however, this should be discussed with Lindholm sensei prior to training.
10. What should I call the teacher?
The head instructor, Lindholm sensei, should be addressed as "sensei" at all times in the dojo. Assistant instructors should be addressed as "sensei" while they are teaching a class.
11. I'd like to know more about tests, Japanese terms, or etiquette.
We will be happy to help you with these through the course of your training. This information is also available in the ASU Handbook, which you may download from our site.
12. What is the skirt that some students wear?
The Hakama is a traditional Japanese garment worn by the samurai. Aikido students in our organization generally begin wearing it after their first couple tests. To learn more about it and its history see this article by Ikeda Sensei.
13. What costs should I expect above the monthly dues?
ASU Membership Dues: There is a yearly registration fee of $35 paid to the ASU (Aikido Schools of Ueshiba), the organization that sets our teaching qualifications and testing guidelines.
Kyu Testing: Testing is part of the Aikido curriculum. As students progress they will be expected to test in accordance with the standards set forth by Saotome Sensei and the ASU. There are 6 kyu ranks before Shodan (black belt level) with minimum time requirements between each level. The fee for each of these kyu tests is $35.
Weapons: Training with weapons is an integral part of Aikido. We use bokken (wooden sword), jo (staff), shoto (short wooden sword), and tanto (wooden knife) in our training. The dojo has extra sets for members to use, though many of our students eventually purchase their own set. The cost of these items varies with the quality and supplier. Information on different suppliers is available on our LINKS page.
Uniforms: One keiko gi (practice uniform) is supplied as part of our sign-up package. Additional keiko gi's may be purchased as needed. The Hakama, traditional Japanese split pants, are part of the uniform after a student passes his/her first test. Costs vary by supplier and quality. Please see the LINKS page or ask one of our instructors for more information.
Seminars: As part of our development, it is essential that we seek out and experience instruction from advanced practitioners of Aikido. South Austin Aikido regularly invites Senior Instructors to our dojo for teaching and student development seminars (approximately 2 times per year). There are usually additional costs involved in these seminars, ranging from $60 to $100. Attendance at these seminars is not a requirement, though students are encouraged to participate to aid in their Aikido development.