Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really do a whole week for free?

Absolutely. Come in and join us for a class! If you decide that our school is right for you, you can participate for a week before making your final decision. There is no charge at all for your first week. Simply fill out this short liability release before participating.

Simply complete a registration form and pay your first month’s membership fees!

Registration Forms for Minors

Registration Forms for Adults

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept checks or cash. We do not accept credit cards.
You get a $10 discount on your monthly membership fees by using our convenient autopay system.
Payments are withdrawn from a bank account (ACH) on the 1st of each month.

What are the membership fees at BMAI?

Children’s Karate & Judo
$160 per month – Unlimited karate and/or judo ($150 on autopay)
$95 per month – One karate or judo class per week ($85 on autopay)

Aikido – Teen/Adult
$130 per month – Unlimited Aikido attendance ($120 on autopay)
$80 per month – One Aikido class per week ($70 on autopay)

Judo – Teen/Adult
$130 per month – Unlimited Judo attendance ($120 on autopay)
$80 per month – One Judo class per week ($70 on autopay)

Karate / Taekwondo
$160 per month –Unlimited attendance ($150 on autopay)
$95 per month – One class per week ($85 on autopay)

Family Memberships – Unlimited attendance in ALL programs

Individual Membership – $160 per month ($150 on autopay)
Two family members – $270 per month ($260 on autopay)
Additional family members – $75 each

Do I have to pay an initiation or joining fee?

No, just pay your first month’s membership fee when you enroll.

Do you have long-term contracts?

No, membership is strictly on a month-to-month basis. Members simply inform us by the 15th of the month if they will not be training the next month. There is never a fee to cancel, or change, a membership at BMAI. For your convenience, change in membership forms are available at the front counter.

What should I wear for my first class?

It depends on which class you are trying. You can wear sweat pants or baggy shorts, and a t-shirt if you are trying a karate/taekwondo class. If you are attending an aikido or systema class it is best to wear sweat pants and a long-sleeved shirt. This protects your knees and elbows from getting abrasions on the mat when you learn the basic falling skills. For the judo class you will need to be wearing a judo uniform, because the Judo techniques rely heavily on gripping the uniform. We should have a judo uniform you can borrow for your trial lesson.

When do I need to have my own uniform?

If you join the karate/taekwondo program it is not required that you have a uniform during your first month. You will need a uniform right away if you enroll in either the judo or aikido class.

How much does the uniform cost?

Like most things, martial arts uniforms vary in quality and cost. We stock reasonably priced uniforms that are strong, durable, and comfortable. The standard karate/taekwondo uniform costs $40 – $60, depending on the size. Judo uniforms are much thicker and tend to cost more. Our judo uniforms range in price from $60 – $90. Students of aikido can wear either type of uniform.

Do I need to wear special shoes?

No, all of the arts we teach at BMAI are practiced with bare feet on mats.

I have a martial arts uniform from another school. Can I wear it BMAI?

You don’t need to buy your uniform from us, it just needs to be the same style we use. It also needs to be free of patches, or other markings. We wear traditional white uniforms for karate. Judo students wear white or blue judo uniforms. Aikido students can wear a judo or karate uniform, as long as it is white. Bring your old uniform with you and we will let you know if it is the appropriate type to wear in our classes.

Should I get in shape before joining a martial art?

Not usually. An instructor can help you decide which of our martial arts programs is best for you. Practicing martial arts is very good exercise and will help get you into much better condition. However, all forms of exercise (such as weight lifting, running, swimming, yoga, etc.) work well in conjunction with martial arts training. The most important thing in all forms of exercise is to increase the intensity of training slowly so you make consistent progress without injuring yourself.

I have never done martial arts before. Which class should I join?

All of our programs accept beginning students. Join the art that interests you the most.

What if I’m not very good when I start?

There is a popular saying amongst martial artists, “Everyone was a white belt once.” Our instructors all remember what it was like to be a beginner. In fact, they are usually much more patient with the student than the student is with themself.

What is the right age to start martial arts?

If you want learn martial arts, the best age to start is the age you are right now! (Unless you are under 5 years old, then you need to wait a little bit.)

What are the age requirements for your different programs?

Aikido – 13 and older
Judo for Kids – 7 to 12
Judo (Teen/Adult) – 13 and older
Karate for Kids – Ages 5 to 11
Karate (Teen/Adult) – 12 and older

I have received rank from another school. Will my rank be accepted in your dojo?

Saizen Karate is a unique program developed by Sensei Best. All students, regardless of their previous experience, begin as white belt beginners in the system. Due to its vast range of techniques, advancement in this art is very slow. For this reason we do not place students in our system according to the rank given out by other styles of karate and taekwondo. For example, it is fairly common for students to receive their black belt in taekwondo in two to three years. A BMAI black belt in karate/taekwondo usually takes ten years or more.

We honor judo and aikido ranks given out by any of the major U.S. and international organizations. Some judo and aikido schools do not register their members’ rank with national organizations, but give out “dojo” certificates instead. In such instances, we observe the student during training to determine whether the rank they received accurately reflects their level of expertise.

Why are you called Best Martial Arts Institute? Are you really the best?

Even though our students might argue that our school is the best, it is our teacher’s name that is “Best.” It has been a common practice throughout history that a martial arts school be named after the head teacher. Alan Best is the founder and chief instructor of our school.

How long has the school been in Eugene?

In September 1988 Alan Best opened a school called “The Dojo” in an upstairs space in downtown Eugene.That school was later renamed “Best Martial Arts Institute” and in 1997 the school expanded downstairs, thus doubling its size. In September 2004 the BMAI Churchill Dojo was opened in West Eugene with Jay Kufner as the chief instructor. In October 2010 the two schools were merged into the present facility at 795 Almaden Street. Click here get a look inside our facility.

Eugene's Premier Martial Arts school since 1988

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really do a whole week for free?

What forms of payment do you accept?

What are the membership fees at BMAI?

How do I tie my belt?

How do I fold my martial arts uniform?

More questions?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really do a whole week for free?

I’m ready to start studying a martial art. How do I join?

What forms of payment do you accept?

What are the membership fees at BMAI?

How do I tie my belt?

How do I fold my martial arts uniform?

More questions?

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