For New Students

Aikido Los Angeles - Southland Aikido
Aikido for Beginners Class
New students who join as regular members are encouraged to attend our Aikido for Beginners Class as if possible. (Fee is waived if you join a regular member paying the monthly dues).
Dojo Environment: What to expect
Etiquette and manners, or Reigi Saho, is a fundamental part of life in a dojo setting. It is essential in the practice of Aikido, or any other form of Budo. It is vital to remember that Reigi Saho is a part of one’s daily Aikido practice, and should not be treated as optional conduct. Below are select, timeless principles for all students to adhere to:
Helpful guides to download
Aikido: What to expect
In Aikido, there are both physical and mental aspects of training. The physical training in aikido is diverse, covering both general physical fitness and conditioning, as well as specific techniques. Because a substantial portion of any aikido curriculum consists of throws, the first thing most students learn is how to safely fall or roll (ukemi).  The specific techniques for attack include both strikes and grabs; the techniques for defense consist of throws and pins. After basic techniques are learned, students study freestyle defense against multiple opponents, and techniques with weapons. Aikido students undergo periodic tests to provide a measure of their skill development and to foster their progression in Aikido. Testing frequency is determined primarily by a prescribed number of practice hours, as well as recommendation by the chief instructor.
Aiki-Weapons: What to expect
Weapons training in aikido traditionally includes a wooden staff (jo), wooden sword (bokken), and wooden knife (tanto). Both weapon-taking and weapon-retention are taught, to integrate armed and unarmed aspects. The Aikido’s founder developed much of empty handed aikido from traditional sword and spear movements. Consequently, the practice of these movements both gives insight into the origin of techniques and movements, and reinforces the concepts of distance, timing, foot movement, presence and connectedness with one’s training partners. Below is a view to the Aiki-weapons curriculum practiced at Southland Aikido:
Iaido: What to expect
Iaido practices smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard (saya), striking or cutting an opponent, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard. While new practitioners of Iaido may start learning with a bokken, they eventually are expected to use a blunt-edged sword (iaito). Upon progression as recommended by the instructor, Iaido practitioners can use a sharp edged sword (shinken).
Videos 
For reference only. These should only be practiced in the presence of a certified Aikido instructor.