Other Costs and Equipment
As you progress there will be other costs involved
and equipment needed. A summary of these follow:
Testing
Testing is part of the aikido curriculum and an important part of the
mind, body, spirit growth process. As you progress you will be expected
to test in accordance with standards set forth by Shihan Shoji Nishio
Sensei and approved by Hombu Dojo. Testing is under the supervision
of the Yurusu Aikikai. There are fivet ranks before Shodan
(first black belt level). There are minimum attendance requirements
plus certain skills and techniques required for each level. The fee for each of
these tests is $45.
Weapons
Training with weapons is an integral part of Aikido. We use the
bokken (wooden sword), jo (staff), tanto (wooden knife), and Iaito
(practice sword made like a real samurai sword but without the sharp
cutting edge) in our training. These pieces of equipment, though not
required to initially start practice, do need to be purchased eventually.
The costs of these items will vary greatly with the quality purchased and
the supplier. Speak with Sensei to discuss the best timing for you
to obtain these items and the quality that is right for your situation.
Uniforms
The do-gi (or gi) is the white uniform, both top and bottom, that you must
wear for each class and is part of your sign up fees if you do not
already have one. The gi must be kept in good repair and will need to be
replaced once it wears out.
The hakama (traditional Japanese pants) may be wore
at anytime in Iaido class, however it is necessary in Iaido once you get
your Iaito sword. Also, you are required to wear the hakama in Aikido after
passing your first black belt test. In our dojo we do not wear the
hakama during Aikido prior to obtaining your black belt.
Seminars
As part of our development it is essential that we seek out and
experience instruction from advanced teachers of Aikido. We regularly
invite senior instructors to our dojo for teaching and student development
seminars. There is an additional cost involved in these seminars ranging
from $70 to $100. You are highly encouraged to
participate in as many of these seminars are possible!
