I also feel that my Aikido payments are gifts to ensure that anyone who is interested in the art has a place to train.
Our dojo philosophy (and that of many others) is: The instruction is free; you can't buy Aikido lessons. Our instructors are volunteers (for 5 years, when we moved to an independent space, instructors paid dues!). Class fees cover the costs of having a space. We do not turn anyone away for lack of ability to pay the full fee - everyone has the option of naming what they can afford. We make used uniforms available, and should the need arise, I sew my own hakama and would be glad to help another student make one - cost is about $20.
Aikido is priceless. I am honored to be able to support it.
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