Thanks for your interest in aikido and in considering TCAC for your training. You are always welcome to visit the dojo and observe a class in person but this video will give you an idea what a typical class would look like. All of us at Twin Cites remember walking through that front door for the first time. Even the ‘old hands’ are still learning.

 Etiquette  is important in all martial arts and we begin class by bowing in, first towards the Founder, then to the instructor (sensei).

Our  warm-up  is almost exclusively stretching and balanced movement. If you’d hoped for pushups on your knuckles or running in the snow, that’s not us.

Methods of falling safely, called  ukemi , are next. This is a skill you may well use outside of the dojo since accidental falls are a leading cause of injury/death in the U.S. New students will likely be taken aside from the class to learn ukemi basics, then re-join the group.

The instructor will demonstrate a technique, perhaps in several ways, and then  students pair up to practice . After a few minutes, sensei will review the technique, perhaps expand on it or move to another attack and defense.

Classes usually run an hour and end as they began, by bowing towards the Founder, then sensei. Some classes ‘circle up’ to thank all our practice partners at once.

Updated basic class video from 2019.

Here is a fun time-lapse of an entire basic class.

Older basic class video (from 2014 at our old dojo)

Please explore the website and you’ll find many of your questions answered. Stop in to chat with any of us—we’ll be happy to fill in any blanks. Again, thanks for your interest in Twin Cities Aikido Center. See you on the mat!