Getting Started in Aikido: 5 Tips for Your First Visit to the Dojo

Here are some tips to help you as you begin your aikido training.

I. Come prepared to move.

At Aikido Northway, we train together from the start—new students are invited to participate fully. No need to watch from the sidelines. You’ll be moving, stretching, and rolling on the mat, so wear (or bring) something you’re comfortable in. Not too loose, not too restrictive.

There are changing areas available. Please keep your belongings in a bag and bring them into the dojo space rather than leaving them in the changing area. Remove all jewelry for safety. Phones should be set to silent or airplane mode.

II. Come prepared to move . . . awkwardly (at first)

One of the great gifts of being a beginner is that you don’t yet know how things “should” be. This is the essence of beginner’s mind—a state of openness and receptivity that experienced martial artists spend years trying to recover.

So in a very real way, you’re already ahead.

Aikido will likely feel unfamiliar at first. You’ll encounter new movements, new etiquette, perhaps even a new kind of discomfort—mental and physical. You might feel a little overwhelmed. That’s natural. That’s good.

Growth often starts in awkwardness. Stay open. Stay curious. And above all, keep showing up.

We’ve all been where you are. You’ll have support from your classmates and from me. In time, this unfamiliar space will begin to feel like your own.

III. Set aside enough time.

Plan to attend the full class—from bow-in to bow-out. Classes begin on time, and we line up together as a group.

Arrive 15–20 minutes early so you have time to change clothes, fill out a brief liability form, and get oriented before class begins. That little extra time will make a big difference.

"You don't have to go fast if you go early."

Aikido Northway follows a traditional style of training, modeled on dojos in Japan. That includes formal etiquette, clear structure, and a quiet attention to detail. It may take some getting used to, but it’s worth the effort.

After class, take a few minutes to talk with me if you have any questions. It’s a good time to debrief, reflect, or clarify anything that came up during training.

IV. Leave it at the door.

When I first began Aikido over thirty years ago, my mother had just been admitted to hospice. My family was spending long hours in the hospital when I found myself drawn to the dojo.

Training gave me something I didn’t expect: a space to breathe. A place to focus. A way to quiet my mind and steady myself, even in the midst of sorrow.

I hope your reasons for coming to Aikido aren’t as heavy as mine were. But whatever you’re carrying—stress, grief, frustration, fatigue—try leaving it at the door. Let the dojo be a refuge. It can be a place to renew your energy and meet life’s challenges with greater resilience.

The healing power of Aikido is real. I’ve felt it myself, and I hope you will too.

V. Commit to training, and protect your schedule

When I lived in Japan, I learned that both extremes—too much training and not enough—can undermine progress. What really matters is consistency.

At Aikido Northway, we aim for steady, focused, high-quality training. That means showing up—and being present when you do.

Make space for class in your weekly schedule, and guard that time. Not just for your own sake, but for the sake of your training partners. Aikido is not a solo endeavor. We learn from each other, and we grow together.

When you show up regularly, you contribute to the entire dojo.

Bonus Tip!

DON'T practice at home.

I appreciate the enthusiasm of new students—some even build home practice spaces with mats and training weapons, eager to get a head start. But here’s the truth:

Aikido cannot be practiced alone.

Unlike other arts, Aikido is inherently relational. The first character in the word aikido—"ai" (合)—means to meet, to blend, to harmonize. None of that can happen in isolation.

There is, however, one powerful form of “training” you can do on your own: keep a journal.

After each class, take a few quiet minutes to write down what you experienced:

• Techniques and movements you worked on

• Notes or insights from class

• Physical sensations—what felt smooth, what felt difficult

• Emotions—joy, frustration, surprise

• One or two small goals for your next class

Sketch the footwork. Diagram a wrist lock. Capture your impressions while they’re fresh.

This kind of reflection builds awareness and deepens your practice. It also gives you a record of your growth—and a way to stay connected to Aikido between classes.

--TC