Joining North Lake Tahoe Aikido dojo to participate in training is very easy.  It is recommended that you contact Douglas Dale Sensei or Zach Hymanson to confirm the class schedule, and to obtain answers to any initial questions you may have.  Then come to a class to observe and/or begin training.  Wear comfortable (loose) pants or sweats, and a tee-shirt.  You will train in bare feet on the mat.  For your safety, please remove jewelry before training. Bring water or a sports drink.  Classes typically run two hours with a short break after the first hour of training.  

What to expect at an Aikido class:

Aikido classes offer a challenging yet supportive environment for learning.  Quality Aikido offers simultaneous mental and physical training.  Practicing with others of different attributes and levels of skill is key to the training process. North Lake Tahoe Aikido practices the Iwama style of Aikido.  Iwama style Aikido emphasizes training in the fundamentals, and both taijutsu (empty-hand) and bukiwaza (weapons) training.  The interconnections between taijutsu and bukiwaza is a core principle of the Iwama style.

Respect and discipline is a part of Aikido training, like all martial arts. Each class begins and ends with a bow.  Bowing is an offering of courtesy and respect to our art’s heritage, and to each other. Each student wears a white gi (uniform). Its cleanliness is a reminder to come to class with a clear mind prepared to learn. These traditions add an air of discipline and respect to our practice.

After bowing in, class continues with warm-up exercises. Stretching helps relax and prepare the body for partner practice. Warm-up generally end with ukemi (correct falling) including forward and backward rolls. Becoming confident in ukemi is an essential part of every student’s training. Good ukemi permits each student to practice with confidence and safety. The instructor then demonstrates a technique to be applied against a certain attack. The class divides into pairs and each partner alternates being uke (attacker) and nage (defender). Training in a dojo requires trust and mutual respect: both partners depend on each other to safely and smoothly complete each technique. Partners change throughout the class to allow each student to experience the different attributes and abilities of all class participants. In this way, the student becomes conscious of his/her own level of ability, and that of partners. Continued training under the direction of a qualified sensei allows the student to realize progress and proficiency. Every class includes different techniques to give the student an opportunity to examine and ultimately embody the attack-defense system offered through Aikido. As students advance, the number of techniques, including practice with wooden sword, staff, and knife (Aikido weapons), and the level of difficulty is increased.

“True victory is victory over oneself” – Morihei Ueshiba (O Sensei)