How to Begin

Beginning Aikido is easy: just make a phone call or come watch a class. Contact our office or speak to a senior student to register for an eight-week Introductory Series. There is ample parking at the south end of our building.

When does the Introductory Series start?
We offer an eight-week Introductory Series of classes four times a year. See our [schedule of events] for starting dates. If you are enthusiastic about starting, you can also join a series already in progress with the instructor' permission. Two classes per week are available for introductory students on:
Tuesday evening 7:15-8:15 pm & Saturday morning 10:00-11:00 am

Your $150 fee covers both classes for the two months. We encourage you to train twice a week to accelerate your learning and physical conditioning.

Who joins Aikido?
People of all ages, athletic abilities and experience train at Two Cranes. Our student population ranges in age from 4 to 64. Some people begin their black belt study at 16, some at 55.

What do I wear to class?
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Although you are welcome to purchase a training uniform ("keikogi"), it is not required to begin training. If you wish to buy a gi, they are available for purchase at the dojo. Please remove all jewelry before class.

Observing Classes

Visitors are always welcome to observe class in session. Feel free to ask questions of the instructor or senior students before or after class. We ask that you honor the dojo etiquette when you enter the space. Please refrain from loud conversation while watching class, especially when the instructor is demonstrating.

May visiting students train at Two Cranes?
If you are visiting Seattle, we welcome you to come train with us.  Our mat fee is $15 per class.

What if I am an experienced student who would like to join the dojo? If you are looking for a new dojo to train in regularly, we request that you come visit us, attend a class, pay the mat fee, schedule a meeting with Kimberly Richardson Sensei, and familiarize yourself with the etiquette and philosophy of Two Cranes.
Aikido is an art of diversity. While we honor your background and experiences, we also ask that you respect our approach to training by earnestly practicing what we offer. If you wish to join the dojo, complete a registration form and the pay the initial registration fee of $50 and monthly dues of $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect after the eight-week Introductory Series?
The Introductory Series provides a beginning look at the basic martial, energetic and spiritual principles of Aikido. Every student will have a different experience of learning based on their personal ability and comfort level. With instructor approval, you can join the dojo and attend classes at your level of experience. You may also choose to attend the Introductory Series as many times as you like.

How safe is Aikido practice?
Our primary emphasis is on safety. All members train together (usually in pairs) at a pace of the least experienced student, and under the supervision of an experienced and qualified black belt instructor. The strength of Aikido comes not from muscular force; rather its power is expressed through flexibility, timing and control. Students are encouraged to train within their limits, just as they would select the appropriate ski slope to match their skill level.

What Aikido do we practice?
Two Cranes Aikido is an unaffiliated dojo influenced by the instructors of the [Shingu lineage] and the teachings of Aikido Schools of Ueshiba founder Mitsugi Saotome Sensei, a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei. Mary Heiny Sensei was Kimberly Richardson Sensei's first Aikido teacher and continues to have a primary influence on our school. We emphasize the martial, spiritual and energetic aspects of the art.

Is Aikido an effective form of self-defense? Aikido can be rigorous and practical in its application. The self-defense techniques studied in practice provide a broad range of responses from which we can address conflict. Inherent in this art is the attitude of loving protection for both our attackers and ourselves.  Aikido assumes that we reach true victory when we bring our conflicts to a place of peaceful resolution.

I'm a busy person and it's difficult to find time to train.
Aikido requires regular training to progress. As students evolve in their practice, they find creative ways to fit aikido into their schedule. We offer adult training seven days a week, with early-morning, midday and evening classes so that students can find time to train, while continuing to meet their work and family responsibilities.

How do I best advance in Aikido?
Aikido is a martial art and contemplative practice that requires respect, focus and humility. Your goal is to learn the techniques that emphasize connection and fluidity and are designed to subdue an opponent without injury. The secret of training effectively in Aikido is to train intently with a compassionate heart. In this way, your body will internalize the art. Practice Aikido when you are inspired. Practice when inspiration eludes you. Practice the basics with beginners and practice fast and hard with advanced students.  Practice when you are young and agile, and when you are older and less flexible. Just practice.

Do you host Aikido Seminars?
We offer seminars and intensive trainings throughout the year. Aikido events are announced on our website and in our news updates.

What about testing?
See the student handbook for more details.

Do you use weapons?
Two Cranes Aikido offers instruction in the use of bokken (wooden sword), bo (wooden staff) and tanto (wooden knife). The class material includes individual exercises (suburi), partnered practices (kumitachi) and weapons take away.