Classes

This schedule is current as of May 2024. Please call (859) 361-6162 for questions regarding the current schedule.

 Currently Lexington Aikikai offers Aikido instruction to adults (18+) and youth*, ages 16 and up.

• Membership is currently $80 per month for adults and $50 per month for youth. 

• Members from the same household will pay the normal rate per month for the first member, and each additional member will receive a $10 discount each. 

  • Example: Two adults = $150/month, One adult and one youth = $120/month

• Membership entitles you to participate in all classes scheduled in that month. 

• Membership dues are to be paid in full by the first class of each month. 

  • Please note there is no contract, joining fee, or prepayment requirement. The only requirement to participate is a completed Participant Application and Release Form. This form can be downloaded from the website (coming soon) or obtained in person before class.

• Current payment types accepted are: cash, check, or ApplePay.

*If enough interest is received, a children's class of ages 10 to 15 will be considered. Children younger than 10 yrs old may be accepted on a case by case basis - depending on the child's skills and maturity. If interested, contact the Chief Instructor to discuss this option.

Visiting Aikidoka

Lexington Aikikai welcomes all visitors to watch a practice for free. Anyone interested in becoming a member or learning more about Aikido is welcome to visit the dojo to watch or participate in regular classes upon permission from the Chief Instructor. No appointment or notice is required.

To participate in a class, there is a $20 mat fee and you must submit a signed copy of the Participant Application and Release Form.

Loose clothing covering your shoulders and legs, such as a shirt with sleeves and long sweat pants are recommended. The standard participant uniform is a dogi, which can be purchased online. If you need an Aikido dogi, jo, bokken and other martial arts gear, you can order them from Asia World of Martial Arts (AWMA). Contact the Dojo Cho, Eugie Mintu, Nidan at (859) 361-6162 or by email at eugie.mintu@gmail.com to learn how to get our discounted rate on supplies.

Aikido, as with most all martial arts, goes beyond the practice of physical techniques and includes the study and use of proper manners and etiquette. These guidelines are more than just rules, they are a reminder that Aikido comes from a history and culture steeped in the traditions of honor and respect, not just for yourself but for others and the space around you.

When practicing with Lexington Aikikai, please keep these guidelines in mind:

• Shoes and socks are not permitted on the mat at any time.

• Before stepping onto the mat, bow in the direction of the kamiza, the front shrine where O-Sensei's photo is located. This is a sign of respect towards O-Sensei, the founder of Aikido. 

• If you arrive early to practice, please take the time to help clean the dojo space to rid the area of dust and debris that may have been kicked up by fans or other groups that share our mat space. 

• Once the space is clean, please take the time to stretch, meditate, and prepare yourself for class.

• At the beginning of class, participants will line up by rank order, sit in seiza (kneeling), and wait for the instructor. 

• The instructor and participants will start class by bowing towards the kamiza, rise, clap twice, then bow again. Then the instructor will turn and bow towards the class, and the class will bow back to start the session. 

• Practitioners of Aikido may wear hakama (the pants garment worn on top of gi pants) after the successful completion of their first test.

Additional guidelines and etiquette notes can be found on the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba website here. You are welcome to ask questions before class, during breaks, or after class.  

The Lexington Aikikai Dojo

Located at Ford Fitness Center, Versailles Road