Visitor guide
Feel prepared.
Enjoy the practice.
Whether you are visiting a nearby dojo or traveling overseas, a little preparation helps you and your host make the most of the visit.
Before your first visit
- Confirm the class. Check the date, start time, location, and whether the session welcomes visitors or beginners.
- Explain your experience. Say whether you are new to Aikido, how long you have trained, and where you usually practice.
- Ask what to bring. Confirm clothing, equipment, and whether anything can be borrowed.
- Check the cost. Find out the visitor or trial fee, how to pay, and whether you need to book ahead.
- Plan your arrival. Ask when to arrive, where to enter, and where you can change.
- Discuss access needs. Contact the host in advance about any adjustments you need to take part.
A message you can adapt
Send a short introduction using the contact details in the dojo directory. Replace the brackets with your own information.
Hello, I’m [name], and I’ll be visiting [place] on [dates]. I [am new to Aikido / have trained for about … years at … dojo].
Would it be possible to [watch / take part in] a class? Please let me know which session would suit me, whether I need to book, the visitor fee, what to bring, and when to arrive.
Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.
When you arrive
- Introduce yourself
- Let the instructor know you are the visitor who contacted the dojo. Confirm which class you are joining and complete any arrival arrangements.
- Learn the local routine
- Ask where to change, leave your belongings, and wait for class. Follow the instructor’s guidance on entering the practice area and joining in.
- Take time to adjust
- Tell your partner about your experience and ask questions when a movement or instruction is unfamiliar. Let the instructor know if you need to pause.
- Before you leave
- Thank the host, settle any outstanding visitor fee, and confirm arrangements if you plan to return.
More about visiting
What should I wear or bring?
Ask the host what clothing is appropriate for the session you plan to attend. If you already train, tell them what uniform and equipment you have. If you are new, ask what is suitable for a first class and whether a uniform is needed.
Check before packing training weapons or other equipment: the class may not use them, and the dojo may have its own arrangements for visitors. Confirm whether equipment can be borrowed.
How do visitor fees and booking work?
Each dojo sets its own visitor arrangements. Confirm whether the fee covers one class, a day, or several sessions, and whether payment is due in advance or on arrival. Ask which payment methods are accepted.
A place at a seminar may need a separate booking from a regular class. If your plans change, notify the organizer and check any cancellation terms agreed when you booked.
What if the dojo trains differently from mine?
Different teachers may use different names, movements, or class routines. Introduce yourself to the instructor, explain your experience, and follow their guidance for that class. Ask when something is unfamiliar.
Tell your training partner if you are unsure how to receive a technique or need a slower pace. A visit is an opportunity to learn how another dojo approaches practice; you do not need to arrive knowing all its customs.
What if I need an adjustment to take part?
Contact the host before attending and explain the practical adjustments you need, such as step-free access, time to change, or limits on particular movements. Ask about the space and class format so you can decide whether the visit will suit you.
Agree with the instructor how to raise a concern during class. You can also ask whether observing a session is possible before deciding to join.
How is a visit to Hombu Dojo different?
Hombu Dojo is Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo. Its admission and visitor arrangements are separate from those of your home dojo.
Its published guidance requires enrollment in the Aikikai Foundation to train. Visitors from other dojos who are already enrolled should bring their Aikikai membership card or International Yudansha Book, the record book for black belt ranks. Check the current instructions, class schedule, and visitor fees before making travel plans.
Hombu Dojo admission and visitor information (opens in a new tab)