CLASS SCHEDULE & FEES


'Tsuki Kage' shikishi

shuji brushed by Kakizawa Mieko, Japan.



Current Class Schedule:


Day Visitors Permitted Class Toyama-ryu Aikido
Tuesdays Yes Regular 8:00 - 9:00pm 9:00pm - 10:00pm

Classes are conducted in Gardena (Crenshaw between Rosecrans and Redondo Beach Boulevard) under the primary instruction of Head Instructor Kenji Oshidari, with periodic instruction from the Chief Instructor, Nathan Scott. The current class curriculum features (1) one hour class of Toyama-ryu, and (1) one hour class of Aikido once per week. In additition to regular training, there are periodic (4) 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 Dojo 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 Fees:

Martial Art Monthly Dues for
New Members		 Monthly Dues for
Shugyokan Members		 Monthly Dues for
Students
Toyama-ryu
(swordsmanship)		 $60.00 $40.00 $20.00
Aikido
(self-defense)		 $60.00 $40.00 $20.00
Both Arts

$75.00

$50.00

$30.00

* Since we are an independent dojo, we do not impose any annual organization fees!
* We do not offer children's classes for either of these arts due to the nature of the training.
* Prospective students are invited to come watch class, but please call or email first so that we can expect your arrival.
* Members must remain financially in good standing with the dojo, AND train regularly, before being invited to test for rank advancment.


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 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; bring letters of introduction with them (shokai-jo; ideally from someone the instructor knows); and if accepted, offer an appropriate entrance / registration gift (sokushu; traditionally a folding fan, calligraphy brush, or meat jerky) followed by the signing of a pledge of secrecy and commitment (hyoho kisshomon). In America, however, it is generally adequate to simply dress neatly (don't wear stained clothes with holes in them). A letter of introduction or referral 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:

For Toyama-ryu, students will be required to obtain: A standard white "Kendo" or "Judo" style uniform top (without patches or designs); a kakuobi (traditional stiff belt) of any color, a black hakama (pleated split pants); a bokken (wooden sword); and preferably a suburito (conditioning exercise sword). For Aikido, students will be required to obtain: A standard white "Judo" or "Aikido" uniform (wht pants, wht top, and wht belt) without patches or designs. Some of 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):

  • K.I. International 222 W Florence Ave (btwn 405fwy & La Brea Av), Inglewood, CA 90301; (310) 674-5205
  • E-Bogu.com 1581 Browning (off of Dyer Road & Red Hill Av), Irvine, CA 92606; (866) 365-3636
  • Shureido USA 438 W. Taft Avenue (off the 57 & 91 fwys - E. of N. Batavia Street), Orange, CA 92665; (714) 921-0946
  • Kiyota Company 2326 North Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21218; (800) 783-2232


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    ©1997 Tsuki Kage Dojo