Q. What is aikido?

A. "A way of life through harmony with energy."  It is a beautiful and very effective form of self-defense that also can be applied to daily life.  Training does not stop after class ends, one can use aikido to mitigate the day's trials.

Q. Do you offer a particular "style" of aikido?

A. The correct answer is that all people have their own "style" of aikido -- it is a martial you learn, absorb, and transform to your needs and interests.  We do belong to a national organization, the Mid America Aikido Federation, led by Randy Bonifay sensei.

Q. I am interested in classes, but not sure if it's for me.  What do you suggest?

A. You are welcome to contact us directly and/or pay us a visit during regular class hours.  You are free to ask questions when the instructor is not busy with the class, and you can even give class a try!  (Waiver will need to be signed, naturally.)  If you want to try class, come wearing a gi if you have one, or comfortable, loose clothing.  Athletic tops for women are strongly recommended.

Q. If I sign up, which classes can and should I attend?

A. You are allowed to attend as many classes as you like, both at Enso and our dojo in Hudson, WI at no extra cost.  We urge new students to attend as many weekly classes as they are comfortable making time for.

Q. I have an existing injury/condition.
Q. I am of an older age.

A. You will need to tumble on the ground (stuntman's somersault, doesn't hurt the spine), you will need to get used to a kneeling position to a certain degree, and you will also be executing wrist locks and receiving throws.  While none of these are designed to be painful, the techniques can be at times, and the amount of physical activity can stress a damaged cardiovascular system.  Please consult your physician before beginning any activity which you feel may put you at risk.

Q. How long will it take me to get my black belt?

A. There are a million answers, but the most direct answer is "about four years".  Your first test in Enso usually happens 6 months after sign up, and we usually force a test if you go a year without testing.  Aikido is generally not an easy martial art, it takes time.

Q. How many students in adults/kids class?

A. In adult class, less than 20.  For kids, around 10 is normal.\

Q. How many classes should I attend in a week?

A. As many as you can handle!  Most people retain their learning if they attend at least two classes per week.

Q. Are there certain classes that are regularly scheduled which I cannot attend?

A. No.  You are encouraged to attend as many as you and your family/friends/etc. can handle.  Burnout is a real potential, so take it easy, but keep pushing.

Q. Are there any special "black belt" classes, or "instructor's courses"?

A. We occasionally (monthly, usually) have advanced classes for certain ranks.  However, we never charge extra fees, nor do we have "special" classes that you pay for, aside from seminar events.

Q. Seminars?  Does that mean I pay the big bucks for these?

A. Absolutely not.  They usually cost around $60 for an entire weekend and only happen once/twice per year.  We're not after your wallet in aikido, we want your attention and earnest efforts.

Q. Do I HAVE to attend seminars?

A. They're the only event we come close to considering "mandatory".  It isn't often we get to train with one of the greatest teachers in aikido, and since all ranks are welcome to come, it is an opportunity that you really should not miss.  If money is an issue, we will work it out so you can still attend.

Q. What is "initial registration"?  Why do I have to pay that?

A. It includes your uniform and first month's tuition.  If you have a judo gi already and want to use it, you may (as long as it is devoid of decorations and patches), and we will deduct the uniform cost from the tuition. 

Q. Will my monthly rate ever increase?

Johnson sensei doesn't like the rate increases, and has successfully avoided that practice for 5 years.  If you quit, and come back later, then you will be charged whatever the current rate is at, but will not have to pay all of the initial registration. 

Q. What are the other things, besides tuition, that I need to pay for?

A. VERY little.  We do not charge $ for examinations, nor the belt you receive if you pass, it is our gift to you.  Training weapons are optional, but recommended, and can cost anywhere from $25 for a set to hundreds if you get fancy.  There are no other charges until your black belt exam, and that fee goes to our organization head in Texas.

Q. No test fees?  No "organization membership fees"?? How do you stay in business??

A. No test fees, no organization fees.  The only tests you pay for are first degree black belt and beyond.  Johnson sensei has a day job and does NOT run the dojo for money.  He also relies on the savvy and kindness of his senior members to help out -- without them, the dojo would not be where it is today.  Although we DO take donations.  <grin>

Q. Why Have Tests?

A. Testing is an essential learning tool in aikido.  Tests are administered to not only establish a student’s abilities, but also provide you a time where you can learn what you need to work on.

Q. Why Have Colored Belts?

A. In our dojo, wearing a belt serves two purposes, the first of which allows fellow students and teachers to evaluate a student’s abilities.  Teachers find it helpful to know the general abilities of students, making demonstration easier.  Students also can see who has a particular level of knowledge in aikido.

The other purpose is displaying the level of responsibility a students owns in the dojo.  Wearing a belt in our dojo signifies that not only has the student passed the requirements of that level, but the student has returned to the class, and accepts the greater responsibility bestowed upon her or him.  As we grow in ability and spirit, we come to understand that we cannot take lightly what we may have at one time.

Q. What is Involved in the Test?

A. Testing in Enso dojo can be called “stressful”.  During normal class, your instructor can easily see how your aikido is doing when you are [mostly] relaxed.  However, the measure of your true ability comes when you are “on the spot”.  Doing aikido under duress and under the weight of other emotions is when you truly shine, and show where you are at in training.  Remember, your training is useless if you stop practicing aikido when you leave the dojo. 

Q. How do I Pass a Test?

A. You must fulfill all requirements of the exam, and demonstrate character befitting the rank you are testing into.  We strongly recommend staying after class to practice with others and asking questions.  


Q. What If I Do Not Pass?

A. This is rare, but it happens.  Take the recommendations you receive on how to prepare for the retest, and if successful, you will be retested very quickly (weeks, not months).  There is absolutely no shame in not passing a test — it will be a meter of your character and resolve.