CLASS SCHEDULE & FEES
shuji brushed by Kakizawa Mieko, Japan.
Current Class Schedule
| Days |
Visitors Permitted |
Class | Toyama-ryu |
Aikido |
|---|
| Tuesday | Yes | Regular | 8:00 - 9:00pm | 9:00 - 10:00pm
|
|---|
Classes are conducted every Tuesday evening in Gardena (off of Western Avenue, south of
Redondo Beach Boulevard) under the instruction of
Kenji Oshidari. The current class curriculum features a (1) hour class in pre-war style
aikido (self-defense), and a (1) class in Toyama-ryu (swordsmanship), once a week (Please arrive
early to clean, dress out, and warm up). In additition to regular training, there may be
periodic 4-5 hour optional "shugyo keiko", generally held on a designated Saturday, for
those interested in training more seriously (at no additional cost).
Further information on the dojo can be found at the Branch Structure
& Philosophy page. Further information on the instructors can be found under the
Instructor Bio page.
Interested parties will need to contact a dojo representative to make an appointment to view
a class. No new students are accepted until they have first viewed classes and met with the
dojocho (head instructor). Please read the guidelines for observing training
provided below.
Membership Rates:
Aikido (traditional self-defense)
- $65.00 - Gessha (monthly)
- $20.00 - Annual OAA membership fee
Toyama-ryu (swordsmanship)
- $65.00 - Gessha (monthly); Regular class
- $20.00 - Annual OAA membership fee
Both Toyama ryu & Aikido
- $85.00 - Gessha (monthly)
- $20.00 - Annual OAA membership fee
* Prospective students are invited to come watch class, but please call/ email first so that
we can expect your arrival.
* Members must remain financially in good standing with both the dojo and the
organization(s) before being invited to test for rank advancment.
* For special instructional requests, please contact the dojo instructor.
Guidelines for Viewing Classes at a Traditional Dojo:
The following information on class viewing etiquette is provided for the benefit of those
new to traditional martial arts. Please keep in mind that visitors are not required to
follow the etiquette provided here, but many traditional dojo will view breaches in etiquette
as an insult, and may in fact ask the offending visitor to leave depending on the nature of
the infraction. Since many prospective students simply do not know what is expected of them,
it is hoped that these notes will prove informational. To begin with, it is traditional to ask
permission to view a class (kengaku) and meet the teacher before asking to be accepted
as a student, for the benefit of both parties. Once an appointment has been arranged, the
following points should be considered:
1) Arrive on time (which means 15 minutes early) and introduce yourself to the senior
student or instructor that greets you. Remain attentive until the class is finished. Thank the
instructor for their time and say good bye before leaving.
2) This is a big one - turn off your cel phone, pagers or other noise making devices. It
is inappropriate to answer such interruptions while visiting a dojo, but if your profession
requires it, put the device on silent/vibrate and go outside to deal with any transmissions to
such device. Apologize later for any interruptions.
3) It is preferable to wear clean, appropriate clothes, since it will be a first
impression. In Japan, serious prospective students wear suits to the dojo, and bring letters of
introduction (shokai-jo; ideally from someone the instructor knows). In America, it is enough
to simply dress neatly; ie: don't wear greasy clothes with holes in them. A letter of
introduction is preferred, but typically not necessary.
4) After being invited to sit down, watch the class carefully, sitting up straight in
the chair. Don't fold your arms, yawn, or talk to others (unless approached by a dojo member)
during training. Also avoid standing up, walking around or going in and out of the dojo or
anything else disruptive or rude while the class is in session. Such behavior demonstrates the
prospective student's inability to focus on anything for a reasonable length of time, and is
considered a sign of weak willpower.
5) It is generally best not to chat excessively unless invited to do so by the instructor
or dojo members. Keep discussions to dojo-relevant polite inquiries unless further discussion
or information is asked for. As long as inquiries are raised politely and with tact, there
should not be any problems getting answers to any question you might have.
6) If you can't keep an appointment to view a class, or are running late, be sure to call and advise the instructor in advance. Also, if you've viewed a class, it is nice to leave a message or email thanking them for their hospitality.
7) Even if you decide early on that this is not the dojo for you, it is best to follow the above etiquette anyway. The budo world is small, and you may come across the same people repeatedly. If you have previous training, your manners will reflect on your previous teachers as well as yourself.
Etiquette is a part of traditional budo, not an option.
Supplies:
Students are required to obtain a standard white "Judo" style uniform, and preferably a bokken ($10-$35) for practice. These items can be ordered through the Instructor if desired (probably at a slight discount), or purchased at any of the following local supply stores provided below (the dojo does offer the use of bokken and uniform during class for those that need extra time to acquire these items):
Valley Martial Arts Supplies
(Raphael) 5638 Lankershim Boulevard (just N. of Burbank Blvd.) North Hollywood, CA 91601;
(818) 769-0436.
K.I. International 222 West Florence Avenue
(just E. of La Cienega) Ingelewood, CA 90301; 310/ 674-5205
Kens Trading Co. 737 N. Western Ave
(just N. of Melrose) LA, CA 90029; 323/ 871-8004
I&I Sports 2657 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
(S. of Pico) LA, CA 90064; 310/ 444-9988
Shureido (Ryukyu Enterprises, Inc.) 438 W. Taft Avenue (off the 57 & 91 fwys - E.
of N. Batavia Street) Orange, CA 92665; (714) 921-0946
©1997 Tsuki Kage Dojo