TAIKAI USA - Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION

***To register, send a completed Registration Form along with your payment to:

Atlanta Bujinkan Dojo
2566 Shallowford Rd. Suite 104-360
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
USA

Please note that Registration Forms must be sent in via regular (‘snail’) mail.   Payment should be sent in with your Registration Form, or now may be paid by Credit Card or PayPal!   Click Here for details.

Update:   After July 10th, you can still pay online with PayPal or Credit Card, but if you do, please bring your Registration Form with you to the TaiKai, since mail may take a few days to arrive.   Please see the Registration Page for registration details and instructions.

***Update 2 - July 15:   Since we are so close to TAIKAI USA, please don't rely on the post office to deliver your registration in time.   Just bring your Registration Form and payment with you to Check-in on Friday at the Hyatt Regency.   See the Schedule for times and details.
Please Note:   If you would like to pay by Credit Card or PayPal, that's still an option.   Please make sure any payments of these two types are completed before coming to check-in at TAIKAI USA, as we will be unable to process those forms of payment at the Registration desk.   If all else fails, there is an ATM/cash machine in the hotel lobby.

To get your copy of the Registration Form, Click Here.   Just print and fill out the form & mail it in to us, along with your payment.   Please see the Registration Page for more details.

(If you don't already have Acrobat Reader to open the form, you can download it free from Adobe.   Click Here to go to Adobe's website.)

Update:   We are now able to accept credit card payments for the TAIKAI!   Please see the Registration Page for details and instructions.

Registration payment can be made in these forms:

1)   Pay by Credit Card or PayPal!**   (See the Registration Page for more info and payment links)
2)   Pay by Personal Check through 7/3/08.   After July 3rd, please pay by cash, money order, PayPal, or Credit Card only.**
3)   Money Orders or cash are acceptable at any time - or until we run out of space. :)

Please Note:   Check or Money Order payment should be made out to 'Atlanta Bujinkan Dojo'.

**Update:   After July 10th, you can still pay online with PayPal or Credit Card, but if you do, please bring your Registration Form with you to the TaiKai, since mail may take a few days to arrive.   Please make any payments by Credit Card or PayPal before coming to check-in at TAIKAI USA, as we will be unable to process those forms of payment at the Registration desk.   Please see the Registration Page for registration details and instructions.

Caution:   Due to the increase in counterfeit activity, we will not be able to accept cashiers checks or bank checks as a form of payment.   Personal checks will be accepted through July 3rd, 2008.

Update:   We are now able to accept PayPal payments for the TAIKAI!   Please see the Registration Page for details and instructions.

Registration payment can be made in these forms:

1)   Pay by Credit Card or PayPal!**   (See the Registration Page for more info and payment links.)
2)   Pay by Personal Check through 7/3/08.   After July 3rd, please pay by cash, money order, PayPal, or Credit Card only.**
3)   Money Orders or cash are acceptable at any time - or until we run out of space. :)

Please Note:   Check or Money Order payment should be made out to 'Atlanta Bujinkan Dojo'.

**Update:   After July 10th, you can still pay online with PayPal or Credit Card, but if you do, please bring your Registration Form with you to the TaiKai, since mail may take a few days to arrive.   Please make any payments by Credit Card or PayPal before coming to check-in at TAIKAI USA, as we will be unable to process those forms of payment at the Registration desk.   Please see the Registration Page for registration details and instructions.

Caution:   Due to the increase in counterfeit activity, we will not be able to accept cashiers checks or bank checks as a form of payment.   Personal checks will be accepted through July 3rd, 2008.

You can absolutely still register.   There was a problem for a time with the post office returning some registrations.   We apologize on behalf of the post office for any inconvenience and thank those of you who let us know this was happening.

This should be straightened out with the post office now, and should not happen again.   In order to help avoid the possibility of additional returns in error, and to help make sure your registrations are handled properly, we have arranged a new mailing address.   The Registration Form and website have been updated with the new address, so please use that one from this point forward.

Please Note:   All TAIKAI USA registrations that have been received so far or paid by Credit Card / PayPal have been processed and confirmations have been sent by email.   If you mailed your registration, but have not received a confirmation email (or do not receive a confirmation within a few days of sending it), please contact us as soon as possible so we can work with you to figure out what happened and register you for the TaiKai.   Click Here for contact info.

Registration cost covers your training and the training hall at the hotel.   Expenses other than training are the responsibility of each individual, including food, travel, insurance, lodging, souvenirs, t-shirts, etc.

DISCOUNT PROGRAMS

Good News!   We have several discount programs for TAIKAI USA attendees!

Registration Discounts:
The first is the Early Registration Discount.   Finish your Registration by April 30 and save $70.   Complete your Registration by June 20 and save $35.   See the Registration page for details.

The Instructor Discount Program is another option.   Bring a few students with you and save $100 on your TAIKAI USA Registration.   Click Here for more info.

eBay Discount Auction - Here's your chance to bid and win $100 off your TAIKAI USA Registration.   This is an official discount program offered by TAIKAI USA.   Click Here to go to the Auction page for more info.
Update: Two new eBay auctions are now open, but will close July 14th and 15th.   Click Here for details.   Good luck!

Other Discounts:
Car Rental Discount - Save a few bucks on your auto rental.   We have arranged a discount for TAIKAI USA attendees with Thrifty Car Rental.   Click Here for more info.

Hotel Discount - Our special TAIKAI USA hotel rate is $99/night for a suite at the Hyatt Regency.   This rate is good for up to 4 people per suite.   Make your hotel reservations with the Hyatt before June 26 to get the discount.   Click Here for more details and hotel contact information.

Update: The Hyatt Regency hotel has sold out of sleeping rooms - However, we have arranged with the nearby Hyatt Place Galleria to provide additional rooms - at the same $99 discounted rate!, and they have a free shuttle service.
Click Here for more info and Reservation & Contact details.

TRAVEL / HOTEL

TAIKAI USA will be held at the Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta, located at 2999 Windy Hill Road, on the north side of Atlanta.   We have negotiated a special room rate for TAIKAI USA attendees.   If you make your hotel reservation by June 26, 2008, and mention that you are with TAIKAI USA, the cost for your suite will be $99.00/night.

The Hyatt Regency's rooms are all suites including a bedroom and living room.   Some have double beds and some have a king-sized bed; each living room's couch also folds out into a bed.   Our special TAIKAI USA rate of $99/night is good for 1 to 4 persons in a suite, so the opportunity is there to share with friends if you're so inclined.   Our special rate is good through June 26, or until the hotel sells out.

Update:   If you plan to arrive on Thursday, July 17, we have also negotiated a discount rate of $109.00 for Thursday night.   The special rate of $99.00 per night will still be the rate for Friday through Sunday nights.

To make your hotel reservation, call the Hyatt Regency directly at:   770-956-1234   (International callers dial: +1-770-956-1234)   or visit their website:   http://atlantasuites.hyatt.com to make your hotel reservations online.
(Links for German, Spanish, French, and other languages are at the bottom of their webpage.)

Please Note:   Be sure not to miss the June 26th cutoff date, as the hotel's suite price will go back to its regular rate after this deadline.   Please also keep in mind that room availability is limited.   If the rooms sell out, they will no longer be able to offer our special rate.

The primary TaiKai hotel has sold out of its sleeping rooms.   That will not affect TaiKai attendance however, and you are welcome to register and attend.

We have arranged with the Hyatt family of hotels for additional rooms (suites) at a nearby Hyatt Place hotel - at the same $99/night price! (Hyatt Place Galleria)   The Hyatt Place is only a couple of miles away from the Hyatt Regency, so it is a very short drive between the two.   (Hyatt Place Galleria, 2876 Spring Hill Pkwy, Smyrna, Georgia 30080)

The Hyatt Place also provides a free shuttle service within a 5-mile area, so that is available if you prefer not to drive.   The Hyatt Place offers a complimentary continental breakfast and high-speed internet is included.
Please visit the Hyatt Place website for room details, virtual tour and more: http://atlantagalleria.place.hyatt.com

To make a Reservation at the Hyatt Place at the $99 'TAIKAI USA' rate, just call or email their Sales Manager, Christine Vercoe.   Her number is 770-384-0060, extension 5, or you can reach her by email at 'Christine.Vercoe (at) hyattselect.com'.   If you have any issues or questions regarding hotel reservations, feel free to Contact Us and we'll do our best to help.

There are several good ways.   You can rent a car, use a shuttle or limousine service, take a taxi, or use public transportation.   Please see the hotel’s Transportation page for details and options.

Car Rental
Make your own arrangements as appropriate.

Update: TAIKAI USA has arranged with our friends at Thrifty for a discount on Car Rentals for TAIKAI USA attendees.   Save a few bucks on your rental - Click Here for more info.

Limousines and Shuttle Service
A&M Shuttle & Limo:   A&M shuttles park at Atlanta Airport ground transportation center at PINK AREA SPACES 12 & 13.   They operate from 6am until 11pm.   The cost is $34 one way and $58 round trip, per person.
Superior Shuttle:   The cost is $25 one way, and $40 round trip, per person.

Taxi Service
For around $45 to $60 per ride, one way, you can take a taxi to the hotel.   Be aware that taxis may charge more for oversized or extra baggage or for multiple passengers.

If you opt to take a taxi, it is recommended that you hire one at the official taxi stand near Baggage Claim, avoiding individuals who may approach you on their own to offer you a taxi ride.   Individuals like this are not sanctioned and accepting a ride from them could be risky.

Public Transportation:   MARTA and Cobb Community Transit (CCT)
MARTA has a train station located in the airport (on the north end of the terminal, near Baggage Claim).   MARTA costs $1.75/ride, or you can buy a Visitor’s Pass* ($8-$12), allowing you unlimited rides covering several days.   For more information about MARTA, see the MARTA Website.

CCT is a bus system for Cobb County (where the hotel is located) with routes to various parts of Atlanta and Cobb County.   Fares are $1.50 one way.   For more information about CCT buses and routes, see the CCT Website.   There are a number of combinations you can use to travel from the Airport to the hotel via public transportation.   Below are two options for your convenience.

Please be aware that MARTA and CCT are two separate systems, so separate passes will be needed for each, and you will have to exit one system to access the other.
*Please also note:   If you use a MARTA Visitor's Pass or other multi-use pass, make sure you swipe the pass as you exit the MARTA gates.   You may have difficulty getting back into the transit station otherwise.

Option 1:
From the Airport, take the MARTA train north to the Dunwoody Transit Station.   Transfer to the CCT Route 65 bus at the Dunwoody MARTA station and ride that to the Marietta Transfer Center.   Transfer to the CCT Route 50 bus and ride that to the corner of Powers Ferry Road and Windy Hill Road (stop number 5), which is a short walking distance from the hotel.

Option 2:
From the Airport, take the MARTA train north to the Arts Center Station.   Transfer to the CCT Route 10 bus and ride that to the Marietta Transfer Center.   Transfer to the CCT Route 50 bus and ride that to the corner of Powers Ferry Road and Windy Hill Road (stop number 5), which is a short walking distance from the hotel.

Note that the CCT buses do not run on Sundays.   However, you can arrange with the hotel to get a shuttle ride to the Marietta Transfer Center, where you can take the MARTA Route 12 bus, which runs all day on Sundays.   Take the MARTA Route 12 bus to the Mid-Town Transit Station, transfer to the train, and travel south on the train to the airport.

Click Here for an overview map of Atlanta showing the major highways and the hotel.

From the Atlanta Airport
. Take I-285 North around the west side of Atlanta.
. Take the exit for I-75 North—Follow the signs!
. Exit onto Windy Hill Rd. (Exit #260, the first exit north of I-285)
. Go right (east) on Windy Hill Rd for about ¼ mile. The Hyatt Regency Suites will be on your left.

From the South:   (Florida; Montgomery, AL)
. Take I-75 or I-85 North into Atlanta. (they merge)
. Stay on I-75 North when they split again
. Exit onto Windy Hill Rd. (Exit #260, the first exit north of I-285)
. Go right (east) on Windy Hill Rd for about ¼ mile. The Hyatt Regency Suites will be on your left.

From the East:   (Columbia, SC)
. Take I-20 West toward Atlanta.
. Before reaching Atlanta, take I-285 North.
. Stay on I-285, passing intersections with I-85 and Georgia Hwy 400.
. Take the exit for I-75 North—Follow the signs!
. Exit onto Windy Hill Rd. (Exit #260, the first exit north of I-285)
. Go right (east) on Windy Hill Rd for about ¼ mile. The Hyatt Regency Suites will be on your left.

From the West:   (Texas; Birmingham, AL)
. Take I-20 East toward Atlanta.
. Before reaching Atlanta, take I-285 North.
. Take the exit for I-75 North—Follow the signs!
. Exit onto Windy Hill Rd. (Exit #260, the first exit north of I-285)
. Go right (east) on Windy Hill Rd for about ¼ mile. The Hyatt Regency Suites will be on your left.

From the Northeast:   (Virginia; NC; Greenville, SC)
. Take I-85 South toward Atlanta.
. Before reaching Atlanta, take I-285 West.
. Stay on I-285, passing the intersection with Georgia Hwy 400.
. Take the exit for I-75 North—Follow the signs!
. Exit onto Windy Hill Rd. (Exit #260, the first exit north of I-285)
. Go right (east) on Windy Hill Rd for about ¼ mile. The Hyatt Regency Suites will be on your left.

From the Northwest:   (Ohio; Missouri; Chattanooga, TN)
. Take I-75 South toward Atlanta.
. Exit onto Windy Hill Rd. (Exit #260, the exit just north of I-285)
. Go left (east) on Windy Hill Rd for about ¼ mile. The Hyatt Regency Suites will be on your left.

See the Hyatt’s Directions page for further details and an overview map of Atlanta showing the major highways and the hotel.

Note:   The Hyatt has agreed to supply us with a limited number of free parking passes, and we will provide these to TAIKAI USA registrants on a first-come, first-served basis - as long as they last.   Register early for TAIKAI USA and avoid the hotel parking fee!

TAIKAI USA check-in will be handled separately from hotel check-in.   The TAIKAI staff will be set up in the hotel lobby to welcome you and check you in.   TAIKAI USA check-in will be open from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Friday, July 18th.   Please make your travel arrangements so that you can arrive before or during this time window.   Our volunteers will only have a brief opportunity to close Registration and pack up the desks & materials at 5:00 so they can get to training.   Please be considerate of their time and training by arriving before Registration closes.

Registration will also be open for a short time prior to training on Saturday and Sunday mornings in case there is anyone who arrives later than Friday afternoon.

In order to check in you will need:

- A valid picture ID
- Your confirmation sent to you by the TAIKAI USA staff after registering
- Completed Registration and Release Forms (if we haven’t already received them)
- Cash or money order (to pay any balance due, if you haven’t already paid in full)

You may also want bring a copy of any correspondence you have received from us, in case there are any questions.

There are quite a few restaurants in the area of the Hyatt.   There is a list of local restaurants on the hotel's website.   There is a map of nearby restaurants and shops that you can get when you check in.   There are also franchise restaurants (for example, Fuddruckers) in the vicinity of the hotel, and several are within walking distance.   The hotel concierge can assist guests with reservations at local restaurants.

Inside the hotel, the Hyatt’s Greenhouse Restaurant is available for breakfast, lunch or dinner.   The hotel also offers room service.   The Greenhouse Bar in the hotel is open nightly until midnight.

There is a Fitness Center in the hotel with complimentary 24 hour access!   See the Hyatt’s website for details, a list of equipment available and a 'virtual tour'.   The concierge can also supply you with detailed maps of running and walking trails -- as well as GPS watches -- if you prefer to workout in the outdoors.  

The hotel's outdoor pool is available from 6am to 11pm, seasonally.   See the hotel's website for safety information.

There are lots of things to do and see in the Atlanta area!   Some tourist attractions in the Atlanta area include:   Stone Mountain Park, Six Flags over Georgia amusement park, White Water aquatic amusement park, the Georgia Aquarium, the High Museum, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Underground Atlanta, CNN Center/CNN Studios, Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola Museum, Zoo Atlanta, and Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team.   Consult Atlanta CitySearch, the Atlanta Visitors website, other tourist guides, or the hotel concierge for more suggestions.   The Hyatt also provides a webpage listing of attractions.   Click Here to view the hotel's list.

The Hyatt hotel offers a daily shuttle to and from the Galleria and Cumberland Malls that is available upon request and availability.   Galleria Mall and Cumberland Mall are nearby and offer shopping and dining.   Visitors can also travel to the nearest MARTA station (MARTA is Atlanta’s rapid transit system), and ride MARTA to destinations around the city.

MARTA, combining train and bus service, provides public transportation for most of the metro Atlanta area.   The MARTA system consists primarily of two main train lines (one travels North-South, and the other East-West) and many bus routes that cover the Atlanta metropolitan area.   Please visit the MARTA Web site for more information, maps, schedules, etc.
(Links for German, Spanish, French, and other languages are at the bottom of their webpage.)

CCT is the Cobb Community Transit system, which provides public transportation for the area where the hotel is located.   Click Here to visit the CCT website for more info.   CCT is separate from MARTA, but they have shared stops so that passengers can transfer from one system to the other.   Please see the question on directions from the Atlanta airport for transfer details.

TRAINING

In addition to any training equipment, you will need to bring your pass for that day’s training.   Passes will be different each day, so make sure you have the right one with you.   Passes will be available for pickup during Registration on Friday afternoon. (2pm-5pm)   Please safeguard them carefully.   Each person will only be given one set and we would hate for you to miss any of the events.   The hotel will be providing water stations during training, but you can bring something additional to drink if you prefer. (sports drinks, etc.)

There will be items available for purchase at the TAIKAI.   (Ex: TAIKAI and other T-Shirts, TAIKAI DVD orders, other training-related gear)   There may be additional items also, depending on the Vendors participating.

Vendors:   There are a limited number of tables available.   If you would like to have a table, please contact the TAIKAI ahead of time to make arrangements.   Click Here for more info.

Absolutely!   (July weather in Atlanta can be warm! :)   See the question on Atlanta weather for details & weather link.)   In addition, we have arranged with the hotel to provide water stations for us during training.

Videotaping, digital recording, filming, or any other type of electronic duplication of TAIKAI USA is not allowed.   A Training DVD will be available to attendees of TAIKAI USA 2008.   The pre-order price is $40 +S&H.   Please indicate on your Registration Form that you would like to pre-order a TAIKAI USA DVD, and include the additional funds, and you are all set!

Photography of any type during training is not allowed.   Pictures may be taken before or after training or during breaks.   Please refrain from taking pictures until then.

*Please note: The official TAIKAI USA photographer is the single exception to these rules.   They will be taking pictures periodically throughout TAIKAI USA, and have special permission to take pictures at their discretion and will be operating under guidelines given to them by TAIKAI USA.

Due to the limited amount of training space, and to be fair to the people who paid to attend, this will not be possible.   There are many activities and events in the Atlanta area for family and friends to enjoy while they are visiting, such as:   Stone Mountain Park, Six Flags over Georgia amusement park, shopping at nearby malls, the Georgia Aquarium, etc.   Click Here for a more complete list and more info.

The hotel also maintains a website listing attractions in the area.   Click Here to view their list.

The Feldenkrais session led by internationally-known Feldenkrais Instructor Moti Nativ from Israel will be in the Atlanta room at the Hyatt Regency.   The Feldenkrais Method is a unique movement and awareness discipline.   Moti specializes in seminars for martial artists using an effective approach that improves the warrior ability.   The session will begin at 10:00am and should last until 12:00 or 12:30pm on Sunday.   If you're atending only that day, please indicate 'Sunday' on your Registration Form.

GENERAL

TAIKAI USA is open to all ranks, as well as to non-members, and everyone is encouraged to come.

We will not have a formal banquet at TAIKAI USA this year.   In order to keep the attendee price as affordable as possible, we opted not to include a banquet, due to the extra cost that would have added to the price.   If a banquet is something you'd like to see in the future, be sure to let us know.

People will certainly get together and socialize with old friends - and make new ones - during breaks, lunches and in the evenings after training, and we definitely encourage you to also.   That's one of the great things about this kind of event!   The Atlanta Dojo has always fostered a 'family' feeling and environment in our training and dojo, and we bring that environment to the events we do.   We hope you can come to TAIKAI USA and become part of that feeling also!

There are a variety of restaurants in the area and around Atlanta to try, so everyone should be able to find something to suit their tastes.   The hotel also has an in-house bar for those who choose to visit there after hours. :)

Bring appropriate clothing for 3 days of martial arts training and for leisure activities;   Money for food, lodging, transportation and other activities;   Any Registration materials (see above),   and training equipment - such as a wooden training sword and/or shinai, hanbo, wooden training knife, and whatever additional training equipment you may need. (With one exception - Please don't bring long training weapons.   Unfortunately, we will not have the space for long training tools, like bo, yari, etc. this year.)

Please do not bring long training weapons – bo, yari, etc.   The size of the training hall is limited and there will not be room to use these.

*DO NOT bring live weapons of any sort with you - including firearms, knives, live swords, explosive devices, etc.

Usually fairly warm and humid – Day temperatures can be around F: high 90’s (C: 35+) and night temperatures around F: 70’s (C: ~25).   That’s why we’re training inside! :)
Click Here for Atlanta weather forecast information.

Banking services can be found at banks/ATMs near the hotel.   Currency exchange and banking services can be found at the Atlanta airport.   For cash access, there is also an ATM (cash machine) in the hotel.

Several banks located near the hotel are:
- Wachovia Bank, 2675 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, Georgia 30067   (Phone: 770-850-3470)
- Suntrust Bank, 1380 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta, Georgia 30067   (Phone: 770-951-1194)
- Bank of America, 3030 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, Georgia 30067   (Phone: 770-953-7334)

Airport:
A full-service bank (Capitol City Bank) which provides checking, savings, bank transfers, traveler’s checks, cash advances and notary services is located in the Atrium of the main terminal, and is open from Monday to Friday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM-1:00 PM and Sunday 2:00 PM-6:00 PM.

There are ATM banking machines (Automated Teller Machines) located in Concourses A, B, C, D and E, in the Atrium of the main airport terminal, and in the North and South baggage claim areas.

A currency exchange office (Travel Ex America) can be found next to the airport’s bank and is open from 7am to 9:30pm, 7 days per week.   Travel Ex also has currency exchange locations in the airport near international arrivals (customs) area and in International Concourse E, across from Gate E26. (TravelEx Airport: 404-766-2700)

Travel Ex also has an office in Lenox Mall, accessible via the MARTA train system.   There is a train stop at Lenox Mall on the north-south line.   (TravelEx, Lenox Square Mall, 3393 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-759-3846)

Click Here for estimated currency exchange values from XE.com.
Click Here for current rates offered by the US Federal Reserve to banks.  
Please note that the exchange rates listed on the Federal Reserve Web site are wholesale exchanges rate offered to banks.   You should expect banks to charge a higher Retail rate to individuals.

Local phone calls typically cost 50 cents ($0.50), but may vary slightly from phone to phone.   Long distance or international calls cost more, of course, and depend on where you’re calling.   Local calls are not charged on the length of the call, but long distance or international calls are.   Typically, public phones do not give change back.

Most public phones work in this manner:   Lift the receiver, Listen for the dial tone, Insert the proper coins, and then enter the number.   (If you’re using a ‘calling card’ or ‘phone card’, please follow that card’s instructions for placing calls.)

To reach emergency services, such as Police, Fire or Ambulance, dial: 911
For directory assistance, dial: 411 (Directory assistance calls typically cost 50 cents ($0.50) each.)
To reach a local operator, dial: 0 (zero)
To reach a long-distance operator, dial: 00 (zero zero)

E-Mail:       info [at] taikaiusa [dot] com
Website:    www.taikaiusa.com
Write:         Atlanta Bujinkan Dojo
                       2566 Shallowford Rd. Suite 104-360
                       Atlanta, Georgia 30345
                       USA