In ancient times some dojos were more like monasteries where students spent most of their time. This allowed them to devote much of their attention to their teacher’s needs. Today we are faced with financial distractions and different social obligations. Nevertheless, it is important that we make clear that the teacher/student relationship is not one of business, but rather a highly personal relationship in which both parties have obligations. The instructor strives to provide the best aikido training possible for each individual student. As students, we are obligated to come to class regularly and prepared for practice and to support the dojo with whatever skills and means are available to us. In light of this, we do not pay monthly dues to for classes. We pay dues because we are dojo members and this is what the dojo needs to survive.