A trial lesson… so what’s up?   

How nice that you ended up here. You are very welcome and we will be happy to show you around. Given the crowds prior to the lesson, we have decided to describe what a trial lesson looks like. A real Dojo is different from a sports club or gym. All your questions may be answered below.

For a registration form, how to deposit or buy a suit click here. For closing times and holidays click here.

“A trial lesson is informative in nature. Don’t worry about minor aches and pains or poor condition. You do what you can.”

HOW TO
  • It’s simple, but for a trial lesson you do need to make an appointment. We would like to welcome you and briefly introduce ourselves.
  • Please use our contact form and wait for our response. We aim to respond quickly, no longer than a few days.
  • On the day of your visit, we ask that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before class. Note: it is okay to be late, but do not be late for your trial lesson. Then we will make a new appointment.
ADULTS 
  • Aikido Adults are usually welcome on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM and on Saturdays from 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM, possibly 12:00 PM. Note: at the very bottom there is additional information about the duration and course of the lesson.
[read the “guidelines for your trial class” below]
YOUTH
  • Trial lessons for children aged 6 to 9 are held on Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM. We do not teach children under the age of 6 (with some exceptions).
  • Trial lessons for children aged 10 and over take place on Thursdays from 6:00 PM – 6:50 PM.
  • Teenagers aged 13 and over can join in on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 PM – 7:50 PM and take part in the adult beginner classes. Subject to availability.
[read below please]

GUIDELINES FOR YOUR TRIAL CLASS

  • Everyone is welcome: At Dojo The Hague everyone can be who he or she is. We hope that everyone feels at home and can enjoy practicing in a safe environment. You can find our house rules and codes of conduct here.
  • Newbies: For some, the first day can be quite exciting. This feeling of discomfort often disappears at the front door. The atmosphere will be friendly and helpful. Just follow the flow, you’ll be fine.
  • Dojo vs Gym: When entering a Dojo it is time to connect with yourself and echother. Feel free to chat, but keep your voice down and focus on class. You don’t have to whisper, just don’t be too loud. This is a challenge for children, as long as they don’t go too far, such as shouting and fighting.
  • Hallway: the shoes are taken off and placed in the white shoe bins. Don’t leave shoes on the floor. Only socks and bare feet are allowed beyond the sliding door. Slippers are not necessary. On the mat only bare feet are allowed.
  • Changing room: Change quickly and go towards the mat. Do not stay in the locker room longer than necessary. Leave your belongings in an orderly manner. Don’t forget to take off your socks. Turn off the sound on your cell phone. Leave food and drinks in the changing room.
  • On the mat: Relax and prepare for class. Do some stretching or your own warm-up. If there is no other option, you can place your cell phone on the mat in silent mode. Besides, only a small towel is allowed. Try not to disrupt class if you leave the mat, e.g. for the toilet or water. Just wait for the moment when students are practicing. If you want to go home during class, it is customary to inform the teacher.
  • About bowing: The lesson starts with a bow and ends with a bow. By bowing we show gratitude to each other, our teachers and our Dojo. Think of it as a sincere handshake, a high five. It is not a matter of religion or authority.
  • Suitable clothing: For a trial lesson it is best to wear sweatpants, sports leggings/yoga pants and a sweater with long sleeves. A T-shirt is too thin and not suitable! Clothing should not contain any metal or zippers. A judo or karate suit may be used temporarily.
  • Clothing rules and safety : Jewelry is not allowed on the mat. Fixed earrings, rings or piercings must be covered with tape. Due to the risk of injury and damage to our mats, hair clips are also not allowed. Long hair should be worn in a bun. Wearing a white or black sports hijab is fine. If the jacket of the suit does not have strings on the chest, then ladies should wear a white or black shirt, sports bra or T-shirt below.
  • Personal hygiene: Use only clean clothes on the mat. Think of fresh breath and armpits. Nails should be clean and short. Also check your toenails. Avoid excessive use of perfume, gel, hairspray or makeup that can cause stains, such as lipstick, mascara and foundation. During hot days or after a long day of work you may freshen up in our courtyard. Tip: Bring a small towel, some deodorant, mouth spray and nail clippers.
  • Dojo hygiene: Japanese martial arts and hygiene go hand in hand. Together we provide a clean, healthy and safe environment to practice in. After class students may be requested to clean the mat. This just takes a few minutes.
  • Toilet: Our toilet is unisex. Gentlemen are therefore requested to urinate while sitting. Be considerate of each other and keep the seat clean with toilet cleaner. According to Japanese custom, you must use the toilet slippers. This prevents us from standing in urine with bare feet and then stepping on the mat. Always leave slippers neatly behind in the toilet. Tip: Empty your bladder before class!
Additional information for adults
  • Duration: A trial lesson lasts 1.5 hours, e.g. from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. However, after 1 hour at 8:00 PM, the class is briefly interrupted so that students can leave the lesson earlier. Those who wish to stay are expected to stay an extra half hour until 8:30 PM and so on.
  • Course: Classes may vary depending on the level of the students. In principle, the lessons are divided as follows: E.g. from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM basic level, from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM intermediate level (doable for everyone) and from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM advanced level.
  • Content: approximately 5 minutes of breathing, 10 minutes of warm-up, 15 minutes of basic exercise (e.g. rolling, footwork), followed by 15 to 30 minutes of basic techniques. The 30 minutes after that will be from basic to intermediate level. Please note: we adapt the techniques to your level, so that you can enjoy it optimally.

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