Attire

​In Japanese martial arts, practice is a time where we leave the outside world outside and focus on the art.  For this reason, practice attire should be modest and non-distracting; hence the pajama-looking clothes  called do-gi or keiko-gi (though many in the West just say gi). 

Do-gi are made in thinner and thicker styles.  ​Aikido has techniques that involve grabbing the do-gi at the shoulder and other areas so people at some point end up getting thick sturdy judo-style do-gi for grabbing (we will likely not do any of that kind of grabbing in your first days).

If you are new to Aikido and do not have a do-gi, we recommend loose-fitting workout clothes.

Light
​Stomach

You may consider not eating too much before class.  Aikido involves a lot of falling, and beginning lessons may involve getting down and up from the mat, which can be lot on a full stomach.

Arrive
Early

​New and visiting/guest students are encouraged to get to the dojo as early as possible to check in, change and get oriented,

It may also be a time to do personal warm ups and stretching, etc.  ​No one knows your body better than you do, thus it is wise to tend to your own individual stretching or warm-up needs before class starts as you see fit.

 

Waiver
​Form​​

We have a standard martial arts waiver form that needs to be signed before class.  We have some paper forms at the dojo but you can also fill it out here:

Online Waiver

COVID
Vax + Masks

We currently require proof of vaccination from COVID-19 in order to train at the dojo. If you haven't already, please share proof of your COVID-19 vax before class.

Also note that while Alameda County mask mandates are currently lifted, as a dojo we allow individual instructors to request people to wear masks if they choose, and we mostly all have been wearing masks since there are some students who feel unsafe otherwise. 

SEE FULL DETAILS

Safety from
​Cuts

When training, please ensure that your hands and feet are clean, and that your fingernails and toenails are trimmed.

Please also remove watches, jewelry, and face piercings.

Injuries

IMPORTANT:
If you are cut or scraped during class, notify your partner and/or the instructor, bow off the mat, and get a Band-Aid, etc. from the first-aid box.

Also, if you have an injury, whether from training or from outside of the dojo, please let the instructor and your training partner know.  ​Always let your partners know when you are experiencing pain or discomfort and do not do anything you are not comfortable with.

 

Directions

​5515 Doyle Street, Unit 2, ​Emeryville, CA 94608. We are at the far end of the long 5515 building, at the corner where Doyle street meets 55th.

*Note that you cannot access the building from the walkway in the rear (called "Spur Alley").

5515 Doyle St. Building

Our building, 5515 Doyle St., is a mixed-use building housing a number of small Emeryville businesses. We're at the corner where Doyle Street meets 55th Street; there is a door there and a door bell for our unit in case it's closed.   

Bathrooms are located outside of our unit in the lobby; keys are available at the dojo.

Our Loft

While it may not be necessary for Intro guests and new students who do not yet have a do-gi, our unit ​at 5515 Doyle has a loft, where we have two changing rooms.

​There are also cubbies up there for leaving your belongings during class.

 

ai
harmony; unison; oneness; joining

ki
energy; vital life force; spirit; (Chinese chi)

do
‘the Way’; a path or practice

bokken
wooden sword

​dan
black belt rank

​'domo-arigato-gozaimashita'
"thank you very much" (very formal; in  a  more  casual context, "arigato-gozaimasu" is more appropriate)

​gi
training uniform (also dogi)

​hakama
traditional trousers derived from samurai custom; worn by black-belts in most aikido schools

​hanmi
triangular stance derived from sword work; the basic stance in aikido

​jo
wooden staff about 4'-5' in length

​kyu
white belt rank; any rank below shodan

​nage
1) the person executing the technique; also referred to as tori in some lineages and arts 2) a throw

​'onegai-shimasu'
‘May I?,’ or ‘Please, let's..’ etc. (no exact translation); said to one's partner when initiating practice

​rei
bowing; an expression of humility

​seiza
traditional Japanese seating posture wherein one sits on the heels and the bottoms of the feet

​senpai
a person senior in hierarchy, or older, to oneself; also may be spelled sempai

​shomen
1) the front or top of the head. 2) the ‘head’ of a dojo, usually marked by scrolls, items for kami offerings, flowers, and a picture of O-Sensei

​​uke
the person who attacks and then ends up on the receiving-end of the technique

1
ichi

2
ni

3
san

4
shih/yon

5
go