New Students

Becoming a Student at Open Sky

Open Sky Martial Arts welcomes new students in our aikido and tai chi programs!

Below you’ll find specifics on how to join each program.

Here’s what we suggest:

  1. Contact us! Reach out by email to introduce yourself and share your interest and questions in our school. You can also skip to #2 and…
  2. Visit us! Swing by to watch class and field questions during or just before class hours (we are not open 9-5). Letting us know in advance can help, but isn’t necessary.
  3. Skim the website! Understand a bit more about our school and whether we can meet your needs. Check out our diversity and inclusion policy, watch some aikido or tai chi videos on our Youtube channel, etc.
  4. Sign up / get started! After chatting and deciding to join a program, you’ll complete a school waiver, pay initial dues, and obtain a uniform if needed.
    • NOTE COVID-19 vaccination previously required. During the pandemic, in keeping with many work settings, our dojo required COVID-19 vaccination of all students (our dojo was 100% vaccinated). Should another dangerous pandemic occur, we may return to this policy.
  5. Train!

We look forward to practicing with you!

Aikido Essentials: Sword and Staff

Two aikido students with shinai
Two aikido students with shinai

Beginning in Fall 2025, we are encouraging students brand new to aikido to begin with an extended set of beginner-focused semi-private lessons to learn key aikido movements and concepts.

These Aikido Essentials sessions will be offered in the Fall and Spring on Tuesdays from 6 to 6:50pm. Students should plan to arrive around 5:45. Beginners do not need to wear a gi (uniform); just arrive in clean, loose fitting, simple athletic clothing.

Classes integrate the wooden sword (bokken), the wooden staff (jo), and unarmed aikido movements. Classes are lower impact (no throws or falls) and open to teens and adults.

Current students in the full aikido program are welcome to join these basic classes to assist and reinforce basic movements.

Session Dates

  • Fall 2025: Tuesdays Sept 16, 23, 30; Oct 7, 14, 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18 (10 classes)
  • Classes pause for December
  • Spring 2026:  Tue Jan 13, 20, 27; Feb 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar 3, 10, 17 (10 classes)

Cost is $150 for the ten-class beginner-focused session.

Pay for Aikido Essentials Series Online

Aikido Beginner Packages

Students who have completed the aikido essentials program or are ready to join the “full” aikido program can do so at a discount that includes their first gi (uniform).

  • 2-mo. Beginner Special: $80, including uniform to keep. (Saves $80 dues and uniform cost)
  • 4-mo. Beginner Special: $300, including uniform to keep. (Saves $80 dues and uniform cost)

Pay for Beginner Startup Package Online

Starting Tai Chi

Unlike our Aikido program, Our Tai Chi program is organized into seasonal, multi-week sessions. For more, see the Tai Chi page.