How do I get
started?
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When can I start?
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Do I need to
have any prior aikido experience?
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Is it OK to
make mistakes?
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Where can I
get a training uniform?
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Do I have to
get a training uniform when I sign up?
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How often can
I come to class?
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How long does
it take to get good?
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How long does
it take to earn a Black Belt?
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What are the
big loose pants called?
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What do the
colored belts mean?
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How are ranks
earned?
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How much does
it cost?
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Why does everyone
bow?
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What is the
area in front of the room?
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Does the shomen
have any religious significance?
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No. It
serves to remind us of the ideals and aspirations of our practice. We bow
to the shomen as a way of showing respect to our practice, our teachers
and our training partners.
In some dojos a "kami" (spirit) has been enshrined
in their shomen. In that case, the shomen is called a "Kami Zama"
(Spirit Seat) and does have a religious significance. We do not. I have
specifically chosen not to enshrine a kami in our shomen so that each student
is free to bring whatever religious tradition they choose to their practice.
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How does aikido
compare to other martial arts?
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What if I discover
that I don't like aikido training?
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