FAQ

Just show up! It is nice if you can email or call us first, but not required. Your first day, you can watch or just jump right in and try it. If you have a martial arts uniform, you can wear it. Otherwise, loose fitting sweatpants and t-shirt are fine. You will be taught how to receive and apply basic techniques, in a gentle manner. Intensity picks up over time based on the practitioner's interest and ability. There is no charge for the first few classes.

No. Although Ben-sensei started in a junior class and deeply believes in the benefits aikido offers all ages, including kids, unfortunately we are not set up to run kids' classes... yet... If a teenager is interested - not just coming because their parents want them to - they are welcome to join from around 15. We have several awesome teens training with us now. We can recommend other excellent martial arts dojos for kids upon request, especially the Shudokan Family Karate Centre whose facility we use.

Like most modern Japanese martial arts, there is a ranking system, based on periodic tests. It is not mandatory, but expected, to advance through the ranks. First, you advance through "kyu" ranks, starting at 6th kyu, going up to 1st kyu. These are represented by different colours (yellow, orange, etc.) in many Japanese martial arts, but not in our dojo where the belt stays white for all of them. Once a 1st kyu is ready, they may test for black belt. Black belts advance through "dan" ranks, starting at 1st dan and rising. The highest dan in the world is 10th in principle, although there are none in the Aikikai organization at the moment. There are a handful of 7th dans in Canada, each of whom have been actively training and propagating the art for over 40 years. We follow the Aikikai Hombu / Canadian Aikido Federation test requirements. The first test (6th kyu) can take place within several months, and depending on how regularly one trains and skill level, one can advance to 1st dan black belt in 6-10 years or longer. It's a very individualized journey.

The founder of aikido said if you can lift a bag of rice, you can do aikido. We believe aikido training benefits everyone, and everyone can practice based on their ability. We flexibly adapt to people with different physical conditions. We aim to train as vigorously and energetically as we can to enhance our physical conditioning. What that means varies for everyone, based on their abilities, needs and motivations. For some of us, that means a very intensive, sweaty session, while others may take it with a much slower, more relaxed pace.