According to its founder Aikido is "a divine path that leads to truth, goodness, and beauty and a spiritual path reflecting the unlimited, absolute nature of the universe" -- not just a system of martial technique. It is natural for American students to think about dojos on the model of private health clubs. "I'll pay my dues," a prospective student may think, "and I will expect to receive instruction and certain services in return." But many [of the more traditional dojos] run on a different model. In some, students are expected to take on more and more responsibility for the dojo's maintenance and instruction programs as they advance in rank. In others, members are expected to pay their dues even when they do not show up for classes. Participation in the dojo's programs may be regarded as a privilege rather than as something bought and paid for with membership dues.