What is a beginner Aikido class?
Beginner Aikido classes at Southland Aikido introduce new students to foundational movement, safe falling practice (ukemi), basic partner techniques, and dojo etiquette. No prior martial arts experience is required. Classes are held in Monterey Park and are open to adults across Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley.
New to Aikido? You’re in the right place. Stepping into a martial arts dojo for the first time can feel a little intimidating, but we’re here to make your first step easy. At Southland Aikido, we offer a clean, supportive, and non-competitive environment where adults of any age and fitness level can build physical stability, mental clarity and practical self-defense skills at their own pace.
Every practice starts with a single step. Through our introductory classes, you’ll learn to quiet the mind, strengthen the body, and explore traditional Japanese martial arts at your own pace. We provide a steady foundation so you can feel comfortable and confident from your very first day on the mat.
What You’ll Learn in Your First Classes
Beginner training at Southland Aikido covers the essentials of Aikido practice in a careful, progressive sequence. You will not be thrown into advanced techniques on day one.
Foundational Body Mechanics
You’ll study the basic stance (kamae) and movement patterns needed to keep your balance. The goal is learning how to stay stable and anchored under pressure.
Core Defensive Techniques
You’ll learn the basics of joint locks and body positioning. We focus on how to redirect an attack naturally, showing you how to neutralize incoming force without relying on brute muscular strength.
Traditional Dojo Etiquette
You will become familiar with the bow (rei), mat protocols, and formal training customs that preserve a focused environment built on safety and mutual respect.
The Art of Safe Falling (Ukemi)
Safety comes first on the mat. Before learning how to throw, you’ll learn how to land. We start low to the ground, practicing smooth, controlled rolls so you can protect your body and absorb the impact of a fall without tension.
Saturday Basic Aikido Class
While beginners are welcome to join our weekly all-levels training classes, we feature a dedicated environment tailored specifically for introductory pacing.
Our Saturday Basic Aikido class is a great weekly anchor for new students. In this session, we intentionally slow down the pace to focus on the fundamentals: footwork, centering, and plenty of ukemi (falling) practice. It’s a relaxed, steady environment where you can build muscle memory, ask questions, and get comfortable with the basics before moving into faster partner training.
What to Wear, What to Bring
Your first class: Wear comfortable workout clothing that allows a full range of movement. Long sleeves and long pants are preferred, they protect the skin during ukemi practice. No special equipment is needed to begin.
Footwear: Remove shoes before stepping onto the mat. Clean feet and clean clothing are part of dojo etiquette from day one.
If you continue training: The New Student Introductory Offer includes a heavyweight gi and your first month of membership — all for $99. There is no pressure to purchase anything before deciding Aikido is right for you.
Who This Class Is For
Southland Aikido’s beginner program is open to teens and adults of any fitness level or background. You do not need to be athletic, flexible, or experienced in martial arts to begin. This class is particularly well-suited for:
- Teens and adults starting a martial arts practice for the first time
- Martial artists from other disciplines exploring Aikido
- People returning to practice after injury, family, or time away
- Anyone seeking a structured, community-based physical discipline
Aikido doesn’t rely on muscle power or quick reflexes. Instead, it focuses on timing, leverage, and smart movement. These aren’t traits you need to have before you start; they are skills you naturally build the longer you stay with the practice.
Meet the Instructor
James Graves Sensei, 6th Dan, Shihan
James Graves Sensei holds the title of Shihan — a designation recognizing master-level instruction within the Aikikai lineage. He has trained and taught for decades within the United States Aikido Federation and maintains direct affiliation with Aikikai World Headquarters in Japan. When you start at Southland Aikido, you are training under the exact same standards and lineage as Aikikai practitioners all over the world.
Beginner FAQs
Do I need martial arts experience to start Aikido?
No. Beginner classes at Southland Aikido are designed for students with no prior martial arts training. The curriculum introduces movement, etiquette, ukemi, and partner technique progressively. There is no assumed baseline of experience.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable workout clothing with long sleeves and long pants. This protects your skin during ukemi and is in keeping with dojo etiquette. Shoes are removed before stepping on the mat. A gi is not required for a first visit.
Is Aikido competitive?
Traditional Aikido is completely non-competitive. We don’t have tournaments, matches, or win-loss records. Instead, students train cooperatively in pairs. By working together rather than against each other, you develop technique, timing, and discipline through steady repetition and mutual respect.
Can adults start Aikido later in life?
Yes. Many students begin Aikido as adults with no prior training. The practice does not require peak athleticism, it rewards consistent attention and builds capability gradually. Training can be adapted to your comfort level, mobility, and experience.
Can I observe a class first?
Yes. Prospective students are welcome to observe before committing to a class. Contact the dojo in advance to let us know you are coming and to confirm the schedule. Observing class gives you a clear, honest sense of what practice looks like before you step on the mat.
Schedule Your First Visit
The unique benefits of traditional martial training cannot be fully gathered from videos, they must be felt through direct physical practice. Whether you want to test your coordination, improve your physical balance, or find a dedicated community, our dojo is ready for you.
Southland Aikido
670 Monterey Pass Road, Suite 210
Monterey Park, CA 91754
dojo@southlandaikido.org
Contact us.
Ready to learn more before reaching out? Read about what Aikido is and how it works.