New Members
Q: I’d like to start Aikido. What do I do?
A: Feel free to go to any Shoheijuku dojo and watch a class and have a trial lesson. The only requirements are loose, comfortable, sport-suitable clothing. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the class and introduce yourself to the teacher. You are welcome to begin training at any regular class at any dojo. The regular members will help you get started. We also sell uniforms directly.
Q: I’d like my child to start Aikido. What do I do?
For children, feel free to go to one of the children’s classes and watch a lesson. You can also watch a lesson on the videos page. Many children’s classes are held at local junior high school dojos in addition to the classes at the main dojos, so you may find one that is reasonably near to you. For more information please contact the Shoeheijuku Hombu Dojo (in Japanese if by phone) for more information.
Lists of practice locations (other than the main dojos) are available on the Japanese web site here. If you need help finding a local dojo, please contact us.
Visitors
Visitors are very welcome at Shoheijuku dojos at any time. Please do let us know that you’re coming via the Contact Page. No other arrangements need to be made, but please organize your own visa, travel, accommodation, and insurance. We do not have any accomodation. We do not have uchi-deshi (live-in students).
Training
Shoheijuku has 6 main dojos: Hombu, Fukuoka, Takasago, Gokoku, Fujisaki and Tenjin. Depending on day and location, from Monday to Saturday there are three main training times: 7am, 10:30am and 6:30pm (7pm at Tenjin). Class times and instructors are listed for each dojo on their respective pages.
There are no restrictions on which classes you may attend, except the women’s class. Except for the beginners’ class, practice is for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
For people wishing to train with Suganuma Sensei, please see the Calendar page for his class timetable. This also lists events that he will be attending, as well as public holidays when the dojos are closed.
Fees
There is a daily training fee of 2,200 yen allowing you train at any of the 6 main dojos any number of times for one day. This fee can be paid at any dojo. If you’re coming for more than 5 days, there is a flat fee of 11,000 yen for up to one month of classes.
Groups
If you would like to bring a group of people to the dojo, please do contact us, either via email, or through the contact page. We’ll be happy to organise a great training experience for you.
Our training style is relaxed, friendly and considerate of others and safety with a focus on gentle, precise technique. Advanced members are always happy to train with you at your level and desired intensity. We have had visitors who have from only a few months training up to those who have over 50+ years of practice visit.
If you would like to see what our training looks like, a video of an entire class can be watched on the videos page.
If you are practicing Aikido for the first time in Japan, you may find that the Japanese mats are much harder than what you are used to and you may wish to use knee pads.
We do about 10-15 minutes of warm-up stretches at the start of class. Please feel free to skip any parts of warm-up that you are unable to do.
Likewise, it is OK to do suwariwaza (seated) techniques standing if desired. Please inform your training partners if you have any injuries or other physical limitations.
The dojos are not heated or cooled. Please drink and bring plenty of fluids if you are visiting during the summer months and take breaks during training if necessary.
Suganuma Sensei has tea on the mat after training in the tradition of O’Sensei Ueshiba. During that time feel free to either join him, and/or ask him questions. Sensei’s classes are often attended by at least one member who can translate to and from English and French.
After the formal class and cleaning has finished, members often train for around 30-60 minutes where they might review techniques, do more vigorous and challenging practice or weapons training, so please feel free to ask another member (“O-ne-gai-shi-ma-su!”) to practice with you.
Please note that while Hombu dojo does have staff present during working hours, they do not speak English. If you have any questions, please use the Contact page.
Dojo Etiquette
Q: What should I do when I arrive at the dojo?
- Upon entering the dojo, please do two seated bows, off the mats. One towards the front (towards O’Sensei’s picture) and one to the people on the mat and say “O-ne-gai-shi-ma-su”. You can do this by yourself or with other people who are entering at the same time.
- Upon leaving please do two seated bows, one towards the front, then a second to everyone else while saying “Arigatou gozaimasu” (“Thank you very much”).
- Please introduce yourself to Suganuma Sensei (or the instructor) upon arriving for the first time.
- Please knock and say “Shi-tsu-rei-shimasu” when entering or leaving the change room.
- Please carefully observe the other members’ behaviour so as to understand what formality is required.
Q: I cannot sit in seiza / I have bad knees and have trouble sitting and bowing. What should I do?
If you cannot sit in seiza comfortably it is OK to sit with your legs crossed instead. If you have any trouble with sitting and bowing please let us know. Likewise please skip any stretches or techniques that are too difficult or you are unable to do.
Q: Can I drink water during practice?
Drinking water or sports drinks during class is allowed. In the hot season, the instructor will make a break for drinking during the class, otherwise you should ask permission from your partner to drink. Please keep in mind to:
- Leave your bottle at the back of the dojo (please don’t drink from a can).
- Don’t drink when the instructor is teaching.
- When you drink, please face away from the front of the dojo.
Q: What happens if the class starts and I have no partner?
Please sit in seiza at the edge of the mats and say to some pair ”onegaishimasu”, then join them.
Q: Can I take videos or photos during the class?
Please ask the instructor beforehand about taking photos and videos.
Q: Can I participate in the cleanup after practice?
Yes, please join the cleanup in a positive manner. We appreciate it if you could help clean up the dojo which you have practiced. We sweep, then wipe the mats after each class. Please follow the lead of the other members.
Q: Can I put on my hakama in the dojo?
It is customary to put on one’s hakama in the changing room before you get onto the mat. However, as some dojos do not have enough space in the change room, it is usually OK to do so in the dojo.
Q: Where can I fold my hakama?
You can fold your hakama on the mat after the dojo clean-up. We recommend you do it at the back or sides of the dojo in front of the wall so as not to obstruct other people. It is disrespectful to fold your hakama with your back towards the kamiza (the front of the dojo where O’Sensei’s picture is).
Q: What else should I be aware of to not be disrespectful during the class?
When the instructor is teaching in the front, please focus on his instruction in seiza or seated as you are able.
Please refrain from the following:
– Using a towel during the instructor’s teaching.
– Rearranging your keikoi-gi, belt or hakama during the instructor’s teaching.
– Rearranging your hair during the instructors teaching.
If you need to leave the dojo briefly for any reason during class (eg: to go to the toilet) please do a standing bow at the entrance when leaving and returning.
Q: I have a kyu grade, can I practice in the regular class?
Yes. Beginners are welcome too. Members are always happy to train with people at any level.
Q: Can my child practice in the regular class?
Yes. A number of elementary/primary school and high-school students practice in adult classes and others are welcome.
Q: I have a question that isn’t answered here.
Please do contact us.
