New to Aikido? Start here.
Whether you're curious, nervous, or ready to commit, there's a way to begin that fits you. No experience needed, and no particular fitness level.
Your first step onto the mat starts here.
Aikido is often called the Martial Art of Harmony. It’s a Japanese martial art built on movement, balance, and working with a partner instead of against them, so people of any age, size, or fitness level can practice it. At Aikido of San Diego, you don’t need any experience, and there’s no pressure. We offer several ways to begin, from a free class to a program made just for brand-new students. Each one is designed to get you moving, falling safely, and thinking like a martial artist, so you can walk into a regular class with confidence instead of hesitation.
Ready to pick your starting point? Choose the path that fits you below.
Adults (17+)
Complete beginners are welcome here. We have several options for you. Learn about them below and choose what suits you best.
Step 1: Three ways to begin
Join a regular adult class and see what it feels like. Should you pick any of the weeks below, you can get to try as many eligible classes as you want during that period of time. Wear comfortable clothes and we’ll guide you through everything else.
Free weeks:
November 16 – 21, 2026
November 30 – December 5, 2026
January 11 – 16, 2027
January 25 – 30, 2027
February 1 – 6, 2027
February 22 – 27, 2027
A 45-minute one-on-one session for $36. A good choice if a group class feels intimidating, or if you’d like to ask questions and move at your own pace before joining others.
Four weekly classes with a cohort of brand-new students, all learning the basics together. You finish with your first rank, 7th Kyu. No trial class is needed first.
Not sure? Compare your options.
Option | Format | Best if you… | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Free trial class | A regular adult class | Want to see the dojo and community before deciding | One class, or a free week | Free |
Private beginner class | One-on-one with an instructor | Feel nervous about groups, want your own pace or have questions | 45 minutes | $36 |
Beginner Bootcamp | Cohort of brand-new students only | Want structure alongside other beginners | Four weekly classes. Only offered in the fall and in the spring | $89, or $124 with Uniform |
Step 2: Start training
When you’re ready to continue, you join with an adult membership ($120/month). We do offer discounts for current college/ university students, first responders, active military members, and families enrolled.
How your first weeks work
You join our regular adult classes right away. If you’re new to aikido, a mentor is normally paired with you and walks you through the fundamentals while you’re in class. Once you’ve finished covering the fundamentals (our Beginner Program), you get your 7th kyu and you start training alongside everyone else. The Wednesday class focused on basics is a good fit while you’re getting started.
Kids (6-11) and Teens (12-16)
Aikido builds movement, mindfulness, confidence, and community. Kids learn to move confidently, fall safely, and resolve conflict without force. There are two easy ways in.
Step 1: Two ways to begin
Join a regular kid or teen class for free.
A fun, low-commitment way to try aikido while school’s out. For a day, the dojo becomes a themed adventure. Bring play clothes, a water bottle, and lunch; we take care of the rest.
Step 2: Start training
When you’re ready to continue, your child joins the Kids membership or the Teens membership, depending on age.
- Kids membership (ages 6-11): classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5pm. $90/month
- Teens membership (ages 12-16): classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm, plus the combined teen and adult class on Saturdays at 11am. $100/month
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience or special gear?
No. Come in comfortable clothes and we’ll guide you through everything else.
Which class should I come to first?
Adults: the Wednesday class focused on basics is a good first class. Any class labeled open to all levels also works.
Teens and Kids: any class is good.
What’s the difference between the Beginner Program and the Beginner Bootcamp?
The Beginner Program is part of adult membership: you train in regular classes with a mentor beside you for about 6 weeks. The Bootcamp is a four-week cohort for brand-new students only, and it takes the place of the mentor stage.
Will I learn to fall safely?
Yes. Safe falling and rolling (ukemi) are some of the first things we teach at the beginning.
What happens after my trial class? If you’d like to continue, you join with a membership. New adult students with no experience who haven’t done the Bootcamp start in the Beginner Program with an assigned mentor. Kids and teens are helped in class by the instructor and/or assistants.