F.A.Q.

What is Aikido?

Aikido (eye-key-dough) is a unique Japanese martial art renown for its graceful power, ethical ideals, and brilliant conflict resolution strategies. Aikido blends the best aspects of ancient martial arts with a modern teaching style and social structure.

How is it different?

Aikido does NOT rely on brutality, blocking, kicking, or muscular strength. Instead, aikidoists evade, blend with, and re-direct the force of an attack using whole body motion and the physics of non-resistance. Aikido is arguably the most ethical and legally congruent form of self defense (see Safety Tips in Community section).

Your Golden Rule says turn the other cheek when someone would strike you. This is Aiki except that we would turn before being struck. Thus the attacked is saved hurt and the attacker is saved from committing evil. --- Morihei Ueshiba (founder of Aikido)

How is Full Circle different?

Compared to the average dojo ... (1) We have a sprung safety floor, and an exceptional safety record. (2) We have no Shinto shrine or religious rituals - e.g. bowing to images of teachers. (3) We start and end class in a circle (4) Every adult may choose to wear a hakama regardless of rank or gender. (5) Sensei Steger is a formally trained full-time instructor. (6) Each class is personalized for those in attendance. (7) Our step-by-step approach to learning is fun and engaging.

Aikido is not for a single country or anyone in particular. --- Morihei Ueshiba

Is it practical?

Several of Sensei Steger's students have used their physical skills to protect themselves from real criminal threat. Many more have used their mental and verbal skills to resolve problems before they escalated. Our step-by-step training program will amplify your awareness, refine your reflexes, invigorate your protective instincts, and teach you specific skills to avoid and resolve a variety of dangers ... honorably and legally.

The heart of martial valor is true bravery, wisdom, love, and friendship. Emphasis on the physical aspects of warriorship is futile, for the power of the body is always limited. --- Morihei Ueshiba

Is it healthy?

We emphasize fitness for longevity as well as self defense. Our program will enhance agility, balance, coordination, flexibility, grace, stamina, and whole body strength, and is fun and beneficial whether you’re moderately out-of-shape or very fit. And, our sprung safty floor is specifcally designed to protect young growth plates and older joints. Our members range in age from 4 to 65.

Always practice Aikido in a joyful and vibrant manner. --- Morihei Ueshiba

Is it fun?

Here, learning self defense and self discipline, and getting fit, is very fun!

Any other benefits?

Our students have also made new friends, lost weight, and overcome illness, phobias, and stress.

Are there tests?

There are no tournaments or tests in Aikido, but there is a non-competitive ranking procedure called a promotion. Rank (symbolized by colored belts) represents you or your child's attitude, commitment, growth, and experience in the art.

There are no contests in Aikido. Testing, competing with, and criticizing others only weakens and defeats you. --- Morihei Ueshiba

What is the dojo like?

Expect a facility that is light, clean, and uncluttered, a training environment that is non-competitive, focused, and fun, and a teaching staff that is friendly, enthusiastic, and encouraging.

Our members are diverse, mature, and loving. You will NOT be training with egomaniacs, brawlers, and creeps.

How do I join?

You can start anytime, but space is limited, so please come in or call Sensei Steger ASAP. There are no contracts, saftey equipment purchases, or additional start-up fees. Full Circle Aikido serves individuals and families from as far North as Atascadero and as far south as Santa Maria and Guadalupe, as well as Avila Beach, Grover Beach, Oceano, Nipomo, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, and Shell Beach.

For reasons of compatibility, liability, and space we can not enroll students who are involved in the fighting arts (sorry).

What do I wear?

Sweats and a t-shirt are fine for your free introduction. After that you can purchase a white uniform at our dojo ($35 for children, $45 for adults). Always make sure that your uniform is orderly, complete, and clean.

Adult students are invited to wear a BLUE hakama (hah-com-ah), the traditional Japanese culotte, anytime prior to black belt. The best twill fabric Hakama are made by bujin designs, but are pricey at more than $135 (here). The optional stitched pleats are a plus. Very good alternative navy blue Hakamas in cotton or tetron are available at ebogu for $35 (here) or $60 (here).

Some reasons to wear Hakama are ...(1) Hakama distinguish the 'way of harmony' from fighting arts. (2) Hakama enhances the grace and beauty of the art. (3) Hakama gives students a greater sense of belonging. (4) Hakama improve your footwork by making you very conscious of foot placement. (5) Hakama have great symbolic meaning ... the seven pleats represent the virtues of Courtesy, Sincerity, Honor, Benevolence, Humility, Loyalty, and Wisdom.