Lambdadragon

I recently overheard a statement which disturbed me, "Aikido is only for those who can afford it." I can remember years ago after finishing law school, with a huge student loan and a small entry level pay, still making certain I had the funds in my tight budget to practice Aikido. Yet, upon reflection, it seems sad but true that Aikido is only for those who can pay for the dojo membership and uniform fees (and if one wishes to rise to dan, then also the steep camp fees). I say sad, because I have always considered Aikido a universal activity for "all" persons. I had heard of one sensei in Brazil, who used Aikido to reach street kids. Is that more an exception?