In children's class students learn the principles of mind and body coordination. This helps them direct their energy more positively and effectively, and gain self-confidence, in a non-competitive environment to teach children to utilize their full potential.

The classes are comprised of warm-up exercises, basic movements that form the building blocks of Aikido, more advanced techniques, and some more playful exercises meant to enrich the skills already beginning to develop.

The children train in a lively, healthy and relaxed atmosphere that they enjoy, yet the purpose and the skills are always serious and real.  The students work with the instructor and with each other. A great deal of the class training is with partners and the children learn how to trust each other and how to help each other.

This training promotes tangible benefits such as good mental and physical health. By applying the aiki principles, children improve their performance in activities such as schoolwork, sports, music and art. More importantly, they gain the intangible benefits of having a positive attitude, respect, always doing one's best, being able to calm one's mind, concentration, and self-discipline. The art of non-dissension applies to leading and following in the dojo. It also applies directly to being able to get along with family, siblings, peers and schoolmates.

These benefits are the result of fundamental applications of Aikido training. Good learning skills - listening, concentrating on task, and following through to completion - are naturally developed. Children gain confidence in their abilities, and as they grow, the tools and direction training provide something for them to rely on. A disciplined, cooperative environment helps them to learn to work and grow with others.

Children mimic what they learn.  If you teach your child how to punch and kick, he or she will want to punch and kick.  If you teach your child how to be more relaxed and confident in a difficult encounter, fear and animosity become less important and less automatic in the moment. 

Clear thinking and instinctive, precise action replace violence as a response.  This is the kind of training on the mat that becomes a wonderful lesson for dealing with all of life's problems that your child will face as he or she grows up.

The support of a child's parent and/or other responsible adult is important to the child's success. This involvement helps to direct and encourage the child to use Aikido principles in daily life.

Suggested Ages for Training

Children ages four to twelve train in the Children's Program. Teens are encouraged to join the regular Aikido classes.

Parental Involvement

The support of a parent or guardian is important to the success of any child. This is especially true for Aikido training. One important aspect of parental involvement is a basic understanding of Aikido principles. Having this knowledge, parents can reinforce our lessons in the child's daily life, thus greatly increasing the impact of training. To this end, we highly encourage parents to participate in introductory lessons for adults. These can be scheduled during any of our normal evening classes.

Communicate with your child's sensei (instructor) about his or her progress and difficulties both on and off the mat. This provides valuable insight for the instructor to use in helping your child.

Dojo and Training Etiquette

Training etiquette is a basic part of our Aikido program. Etiquette teaches respect for all things, discipline, and creates a safe environment in which we can learn to help and care for each other. To learn we must have an attitude of "growing together".

These are the basic rules to follow: