To join the dojo, you need to first come and watch a class. You can come for any class you like, just arrive a few minutes early and introduce yourself. You can sit on the couches on the end of the mat and ask any questions of the instructor afterwards. At that point, they can sign you up for membership or you can think about it and come back.

To take your first class, you will need a white gi and belt, which you can buy from the dojo or from any martials arts supply store. Beyond that, all you need is an openness to learn new things, and a willingness to immerse yourself in an art that can be confusing at first.

New members will need to fill out a registration and release form.

Once you come in for your first class, you will need to sign up to pay your dues. They are payable at the time of registration by credit or debit. After the first month, dues are collected automatically on a monthly basis. Students have a choice of the following electronic payment methods: credit card, debit card or ACH. The New York Aikikai has no long-term contracts; but, 30 days notice is required for cancellation or to temporary suspension of payments. Students are responsible for the terms and conditions of the New York Aikikai electronic funds agreement.

A helpful link for new students is the Code of Conduct produced by the United States Aikido Federation, which we adhere to.

Once the paperwork is taken care of, the fun can begin! We advise two to three classes a week for new students, so that you are not too overwhelmed but can see progress in your training. That said, you can train as often as you want. Most days we have four to five classes. Advanced students will be happy to work with you to orient you to aikido and the dojo community.

Monthly fees for adults

$180 — Adults
$300 — Couple
$130 — College Students (Must be enrolled in a full-time accredited program)
$130 — Police/Fire Fighter/Military

Monthly fees for youth

$80 — Children 6 – 11 years old
$100 — Youth 12 – 17 years old
(Second child 1/2 price)

Email Steve Sensei with questions or call (212) 242-6246. He will be happy to talk with you.

First month dues are payable at the time of registration by credit card, debit card or cash. After the first month, dues are collected automatically on a monthly basis. Students have a choice of the following electronic payment methods: credit card, debit card or ACH. The New York Aikikai has no long-term contract, but 30 days notice is required for cancellation or to temporarily suspend payments due to a leave of absence. That said, exceptions for suspension of dues because of injuries or illnesses will be made on an individual basis. In such cases, the member must contact the New York Aikikai immediately. If the New York Aikikai is not notified immediately, refunds or partial refunds will incur a service charge of $25.

Students are responsible for the terms and conditions of the New York Aikikai electronic funds agreement.

There are no refunds for dues once a member has trained one or more days during any month.