Who is the head instructor?
What organizations are you affiliated
with?
What are the dues?
Where do I get a uniform and what does
it cost?
Can I also practice at Aikido of Dallas?
Are you a non-profit organization?
What "style" of Aikido do you practice?
What age groups practice at your dojo?
Do you have a children's class?
Q: Who is your head instructor?
A: Jon Bjorksten is the chief instructor at Aikido of Ft. Worth and has primary responsibility for running the dojo. Jon regularly teaches classes, although classes are also taught by other senior members and occasionally guest instructors. Bob Mason is the chief instructor of Aikido of Dallas, which is our parent dojo. The senior members who practice at Aikido of Ft. Worth consider him to be our Sensei, and attend classes and seminars in Dallas as often as we are able.
Q: What organizations are you affiliated with?
A: Through Aikido of Dallas, we are affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation as well as with the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan.
Q: What are the dues at Aikido of Ft. Worth?
A: We currently charge $40/month for dues. Membership in the United States Aikido Federation is $30/yr., due upon taking your first test and each year thereafter. In addition, dojo dues are $15/yr. due when signing up and each year thereafter. There are no contracts or long term commitments. You simply pay as you go, month to month, charged to any major credit card.
Q: What about practice uniforms?
A: We traditionally wear a uniform called a "Gi", usually the Judo type Gi's made from heavy material. We sell Gi's at our dojo, and the cost is approximately $35 - $40 depending on your size. You are also free to obtain a Gi on your own from a martial arts supply store, etc.
Q: If I happen to be over in the Dallas area, can I practice at the Aikido of Dallas dojo, or can I drive over there to practice on days we don't have class in Ft. Worth?
A: Certainly! Aikido of Ft. Worth members are welcome to attend Aikido of Dallas classes without additional charge. In fact we encourage you to attend class in Dallas if you can, so that you can benefit from the instruction of Bob Mason Sensei and the other Dallas instructors.
Q: Is Aikido of Ft. Worth a non-profit organization?
A: Yes, Aikido of Ft. Worth is a non-profit organization, and none of it's members draw a salary or any other form of monetary compensation. All of the instructors are volunteers who enjoy the practice of Aikido. Legally, we are part of the same non-profit organization as Aikido of Dallas.
Q: What "style" of Aikido do you practice?
A: Aikikai. Since we are affiliated with the Hombu dojo in Tokyo, Japan, and have received our training under Shihan from this dojo, we are considered an "Aikikai" dojo. We do, however, welcome persons with training from all styles of Aikido to come and practice with us.
Q: What age groups practice at your dojo?
A: For a variety of reasons, Aikido of Ft. Worth classes are generally limited to adults (high school age and older).
Q: Do you have a children's class?
A: We do not currently offer a children's class. Aikido of Dallas does currently offer a children's class on the weekends. Please contact them if you are interested. If you have Aikido experience and are interested in teaching a children's class at Aikido of Ft. Worth, please let us know.
Q: How can I find out more about Aikido?
A: There are many books on the subject of Aikido, many of which are very good, and some of which aren't so good. There are many internet sites with seemingly endless information on Aikido. Click here for links to some of those sites. You can also come watch class and ask questions of any of the members. The best way to find out about Aikido, however, is to practice! So come watch a class and see if you would like to join us.