How to Tie Your Belt:

This video demonstrates one way to tie the preferred, flat knot that stays tied well during practice.

Weapons Used in Aikido:

When shopping for a bokken, look for one that is made for Iwama style aikido.  White oak is preferred.  Here is one from e-bogu.com:

http://www.e-bogu.com/Bokken-for-Aikido-p/yut-aik-bokken-.htm

When shopping for a jo, select one that is approx 1 inch wide.  Most jo are 50 inches in length.  As a general rule, the jo should be as tall as your armpit.  Taller individuals might opt to buy a longer jo (or bo) staff and cut it down to size.  Wider staffs are useful for suburi, but are not ideal in paired practices.

Often, e-bogu.com will offer a package deal on a bokken and jo and a carrying bag.  As of this update, a package is offered here.  The bag in this package deal is just OK, but the weapons are a very good quality.

Useful documents that can be downloaded and printed from Google Docs:

Japanese phrases and common Aikido terms

Aikido Bismarck - Release of Liability Agreement 

Welcome letter - Aikido for Kids program