How To Join

General Information:

Aikido RVA is a “NON CONTRACT” dojo. The class structure at Aikido RVA is quit simple, everyone practices in the open class format. The subject matter is not practiced according to one’s rank. Currently we do not offer beginner nor advances classes or classes with special themes.

Upon joining our dojo please be prepared to pay $95.00 to which will includes  Wadokai Annual Dues of $35.00, Dojo Annual Dues of $10.00 and $50.00 for first month dues. The check should be accompanied with the registration forms which can be obtained at the dojo or downloaded from the links below.

All members of Wadokai Aikido are required to practice in a Judo Gi. You will also need a wooden sword (bokken) and a wooden staff (Jo). These items can be purchased from various sites of from the link (See Link).

Transfer Students:

Aikido students new to the area or those in the area and wish to practice with us are welcome to join Wadokai Aikido and practice Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku-Ho Aikido. Please be advise that a transferring student’s rank will not be transferred once the
transferring student becomes a member of Wadokai Aikido.  Because rank is determined by testing, we ask transfer students to attend general classes in order to become familiar with Suenaka-Ha Tetsugaku-Ho Aikido, our philosophy and rules of etiquette.  A transfer student who meet the requirements for testing will be asked to test during our regular testing period where previous experiences maybe taken into consideration. However, this consideration is at the sole discretion of the testing board.

To All Visiting Aikidoka:

Non Wadokai Aikido students are welcome to practice as a guest of Aikido RVA. Mat fee is $5.00 per class.   As a guest of Aikido RVA we do ask that you refrain from teaching your own style of Aikido and comply with Wadokai Aikido rules of dojo etiquette.

Observers Welcome:

Please feel free to stop by and watch a class. Our class schedule is Wednesdays and Fridays 7:00pm – 8:30pm.

Free Trial Class:

Watching a class is a good way to determine if Aikido is the right martial art for you.   However, the best way to determine if Aikido is for you, we suggest that you take a free trial class.  During this class you will have an opportunity to participate in every aspect of an Aikido workout.  You will be guided through such processes as rolling, learning how to fall as well as practice various Aikido techniques.

There are no fees, contracts, or obligations of any kind in order to participate in our trial class. We only ask that you sign our general waiver as is standard practice with all Martial Arts schools.  You should wear clothing that is free of hard objects such as buttons etc. We find that a pair of Sweatpants and a t-shirt or sweatshirt are ideal.

We suggest that you arrive about 10 minutes early so that you can fill out the necessary paperwork and have time to dress for class.