Two Rivers Aikikai offers several types of classes.
Description of Classes, Rules of Practice and Monthly Fees are shown below.

Please note that due to the coronavirus pandemic, all dojo members must show proof of being up to date with the COVID vaccine process. There are no exceptions. We do not have Aikido classes for children under age 12 at this time.

All classes take place in the dojo as of 3/6/2022.

Thinking of Starting Aikido?

Beginner Classes are offered in the following months:

January, March, May, July, September and November. * Our next session begins Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Classes run two times a week for 4 weeks.

On Tuesdays from 5:45 to 6:30pm you will be with other beginners in a small class with lots of individual attention from our highly qualified instructors.

On Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:15 am the beginner class is integrated into the basics class. You will learn new material and practice with other dojo members.

On Sundays from 11:00 to 12:00 noon you are welcome to practice in our Aikido class with bokken and jo. You may borrow bokken (wooden sword) and jo (staff) from the dojo. Practice with bokken and jo augments your understanding of Aikido techniques, ma ai (safe distance) and body posture. Beginners may also practice in the Monday morning open mat to review things learned in the Tuesday and Saturday classes.

What you will learn in the beginner classes:

How to warm up, stretch properly and strengthen your core. Stances and body movements with proper posture, vision and awareness.

Basic backward and forward rolls. Ways to interact safely with partners on the mat so you feel confident to move into Basic Aikido classes after your 4 week session.

Cost: $135

This includes your registration fee, membership dues for one month and your practice uniform (gi).

Pre-registration is required: Come to the dojo at least one week early to observe a class and ask questions.

Fill out a registration form, make your payment and take your new gi home to wash before your first class. A brand new gi is big and scratchy. Washing it helps it soften and fit you better.

Amenities:
We have changing rooms with showers for women and men plus a gender neutral accessible restroom with a shower. Two Rivers Aikikai supports each person's right to use the dressing room of their choice.

Download our Beginners Information sheet as a file (111k) for printing.

Download our Objectives for the Beginner Program as a file (52k) for printing.

Download our Registration Form for teens and adults as a file for printing.

Description of Classes

Basic Aikido Classes

In our Basic Aikido Classes, which are open to all students, techniques and ukemi (taking falls) are broken down to their foundations and practiced methodically. In these classes, advanced students practice with less experienced students. We all learn a lot from each other. Understanding body structure and mechanics is an important part of gaining proficiency in Aikido. Since we all have different body types, we move and react in a variety of ways. Because of these differences, advanced students can learn a lot from the beginning students.

Please note that Saturday's Beginner and Basics classes merge into one 90 minute class. Early on in the beginner session, the beginners will have a chance to bow out after approximately 50 minutes. Once they learn their forward and back rolls, they may remain on the mat for the entire class.

Aikido

These classes give us a chance to practice at a faster and more flowing pace. We still concentrate on the basics, but we might practice with tanto (wooden dagger) or with multiple attackers. We try hard to keep track of our centers and our ki. Maintaining good posture throughout the technique is important for both nage (the person doing the technique) and for uke (the person being thrown or pinned). The circularity of the technique becomes more evident as we learn to keep moving without hesitating from beginning of the attack to the end of the throw. These classes are open to all students comfortable with their falls. Toward the end of class, we practice with bokken (wooden sword), or jo (wooden staff). This portion of class may include jo tori & tachi tori (take away techniques), bokken suburi (solo and partner practice), jo kata (solo and partner practice), kumi tachi and kumi jo.

Open Mat

Open mat is not a formal class, but a time for students to practice techniques, ukemi or basic movements like tenkan, tenshin or enten. Students can practice alone or with other students. An instructor is available for answering questions and guidance. This is a good time to work at your own pace. Beginners can work on stretching and getting into better shape. Students often use open mat to practice for tests. Although this is not a formal class, proper etiquette is observed.

Karate

This is a Shotokan Karate class with mostly individual kata.

Sunday Aikido with bokken and jo

Our Sunday Aikido class will have empty hand techniques along with practice with bokken and jo. All students from beginners to advanced are encouraged to practice in this class to help develop good posture, flexibility, core strength, and familiarity with bokken and jo.

Iaido

Iaido is a non-combative physical and mental discipline based on the prescribed use of the Japanese sword. Practicing Iaido helps one polish the self with a combination of control and flexibility of mind, body and spirit for a particular situation at a particular place in time. Koyanis Sensei's permission is required for observation and participation. Practice is centered on Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido, though several additional series are studied. Please visit our About Iaido page or the Kiyoikaze Iaido Federation website for a list of forms we practice and the testing requirements.

Rules of Practice at Two Rivers Aikikai

• Every student and instructor has the responsibility to cooperate in creating an atmosphere of harmony and respect and a spirit of pleasure and enjoyment in the dojo.
• Every dojo member will show respect to the dojo, to their training tools, to fellow students and to themselves by following the guidelines set forth below and in the Rules of Etiquette for the dojo.
• Before stepping on to the mat, please make sure that your hands and feet are clean and that your fingernails and toenails are trimmed. Do not wear any jewelry during class. Your gi should be clean and in good repair. Keep your jacket closed and your belt tied snugly. Keep a small washcloth tucked in your gi to wipe sweat from your face and wrists during practice.
• Receive instruction thoughtfully and follow the instructor's directions to the best of your ability.
• When you or a partner have a question,it is most often best answered by the instructor.
• When practicing, show respect to your partners by blending in with their movements. Try your best not to push or resist. As nage, lead your partner's energy in the desired direction. As uke, give your partners the energy they need to perform the desired technique.
• The purpose of Aikido is not to fight and defeat an enemy, but to fight and defeat your own aggressive instincts. Aikido is a tool to develop a better society through each individual's character development. Aikido ultimately makes violent behavior obsolete. Be careful not to react with competitive displays of ego, tests of strength or any intention to injure. Always ask an instructor for assistance if you feel unsafe with a partner.
• Always be alert - not just to what is in front of you, but all around you. Pay attention to avoid accidental collisions. Be aware of your limitations and those of your partners. Good posture promotes an enhanced awareness.
• Cleaning the dojo proper after each class is a part of practice. Follow the lead of your senior students or ask an instructor for a cleaning chore. Visitors practicing from other dojos are welcome to help with cleaning.

You may download our Rules of Practice as a file (42k).

 Monthly Membership Dues

Click here to download our current fees as a file (87k).

Two Rivers Aikikai is a 501(c)(3) federal non-profit organization that admits students of any race, color, age, gender identity,
and sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities that are available to all members.