Kids Classes
A Self-Defensive Martial Art for Kids
The essence of Aikido is a non-violent philosophy. Aikido is for regular life and is designed for self-defense and harmony. It is not for seeking fights, winning tournaments, or misusing as bullying behaviors — Aikido training teaches an “Art of Peace” that reacts to aggression and promotes conflict resolution.
Aikido builds stamina and strength, teaches good body posture, balance, awareness, respect for others, and even Physics. The lessons learned in Aikido will carry over well into any other art (and many sports) that a student pursues in the future.
Our regular youth martial art program is geared for the maturity and physical ability of the typical 8-16 year old. Classes are 1 hour or 1 hr 15mins for intermediate youth. “Little Samurai” is our program for younger children (5 – 7), and these classes are 30 minutes long.
Regular program fees are $70/month and siblings receive a $10 discount. Two months of tuition is due to start. A free uniform is provided to new youth students. There are no testing fees for the first 7 ranks and then there is a nominal fee for the advanced youth ranks.
Kids at our dojo also learn the Iwama Aikido martial art weapons curriculum. This includes the bokken (wooden sword) and the jo (short staff). Practice weapons are real hardwood weapons and provided by us for use at the dojo. Students do not have to buy any weapons or additional gear as they continue their training.
Youth classes are taught by Melonie Sensei, 2nd Dan (2nd degree blackbelt), and additionally by Jason Sensei, 4th Dan (4th degree blackbelt).
How to Get Started
- Watch a class to get more familiar with Aikido. (This is optional but recommended). See our SCHEDULE.
- Register ONLINE or in person.
- Pay tuition for 2 months minimum to start. (check/cash in person or PAY ONLINE here)
- Adults – Purchase a uniform independently or take advantage of our free gi offer. Kids – beginner uniform is free with 2 months tuition.
- Attend class. Welcome!
Questions? Call or text us: 701-471-2306
Is Aikido a Good Martial Art for Children?
Children are excellent students of Aikido! Although Aikido was once considered a “finishing art”, most Aikido dojos now have robust children’s programs.
In our opinion, Aikido is the best martial art for children to learn first — to ensure that they pick up good body movement in training and the use of hips in all techniques. In addition, Aikido is a self-defense that teaches a child to carefully de-escalate confrontations with peers while also empowering them with techniques that can effectively be used to escape a larger and much stronger attacker.
What perhaps makes Aikido a bit more difficult than other youth martial art programs is the fact that we perform precise techniques and manipulations always on a partner instead of performing katas solo for the sake of demonstrating memorization and form. Therefore, there is a level of effectiveness being tested constantly, even though students are trained to not block or resist a beginner too much.
Learning to be a good uke (receiving partner) involves practice of tumbling, safe break-falling, and improving on one’s overall athleticism and physical coordination. Aikido is a full body “rough and tumble” workout for kids with the extra benefit of having a group of “aiki” friends rooting for them.
Our Regular Weekly Schedule
* Bonus classes are subject to seasonal changes/cancelations.
| Day | Times | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:20-6:20pm | Orange Belt +, all ages |
| Tuesday | 5:30-6:00 PM | Little Samurai |
| 5:30-6:30 PM | Kids Aikido | |
| 6:30-7:30 PM | General Aikido (13y+) | |
| 7:30-8:15 PM | Ju-Keiko | |
| Wednesday | no classes | |
| Thursday | 5:30-6:00 PM | Little Samurai |
| 5:30-6:30 PM | Kids Aikido | |
| 6:30-7:30 PM | General Aikido (13y+) | |
| 7:30-8:15 PM | Ju-Keiko | |
| Friday | 6:00-7:00 PM | Make-up class (by appointment) |
| Saturday | 9:00-10:15 AM | Adults – Bukiwaza |
| 10:30-11:30 AM | Youth Class | |
| Sunday | Advanced Training (3rd kyu+ above, by appt only) | |