How to Sign Up for the Intro to Aikido Course at Zenshinkan Dojo

Updated

Zenshinkan Dojo runs a 4-week Intro to Aikido course for teens and adults of all fitness levels, and you register by using the "Get Started" link on the dojo's site, which opens a PayPal payment page. Before you pay, confirm that the session dates listed on the site match the course you want, and note that the $100 fee includes a free uniform.

What the Course Includes

The intro course is designed as a beginner entry point into Aikido practice. According to the dojo, it covers:

  • Basic Aikido movements
  • How to roll safely
  • How Aikido philosophy translates into martial training

Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:45–7:30, over four weeks. The session shown on the site runs from Monday, October 26 to Wednesday, November 18.

Step-by-Step Registration

  1. Check the current session dates. Open the Zenshinkan Dojo site and read the intro course section. The dates shown (October 26–November 18) are the session listed at the time of writing; confirm they are still the upcoming session before you commit.
  2. Confirm the schedule works for you. The course requires attendance on Monday and Wednesday evenings for four consecutive weeks. Check that these times fit your calendar, since the format is a fixed multi-week course rather than drop-in classes.
  3. Use the "Get Started" link. The sign-up button on the site opens a PayPal payment page. Payment is handled through PayPal, so have your PayPal account or payment details ready.
  4. Pay the $100 course fee. The fee covers the full four weeks and includes a free uniform, so you do not need to buy a gi separately before your first class.
  5. Watch for confirmation. After payment, keep the PayPal receipt as your record of registration.

What to Expect at Your First Class

The course is aimed at beginners, so no prior martial arts experience is expected. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in for the first session; your uniform is included in the fee. The dojo describes its training as shugyo — intense spiritual, physical, and mental training — combining Aikido and Zen practice, so expect a structured, disciplined class environment rather than a purely recreational one.

Common Snags

  • Session dates may change. The dates on the site reflect one specific session. If you are reading this after November 18, check for a new session before paying.
  • Payment goes through PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, set one up or check whether the payment page accepts card payments before starting registration.
  • The course is not drop-in. Because it runs as a fixed four-week block, missing classes means missing material rather than making it up in a later session.

If the current session has already started or passed, the practical next step is to contact the dojo through the site and ask when the next 4-week intro will open.