NORTH COUNTY AIKIKAI

Aikido Classes

Youth Aikido (Age 7+)

Unlike other martial arts, Aikido is a defensive discipline that is not competitive. This allows each student to develop their unique potential at their own pace. North County Aikikai’s fun-filled curriculum includes games and conditioning exercises that build strength and flexibility and which lead into techniques. Kids learn how to fall safely, move with awareness and develop self-confidence. Through partner practice they learn co-operation and respect for each other.

North County Aikikai offers both junior and teen programs, geared towards providing the developmentally appropriate level of challenge and support for each age group. Our Youth Classes foster growth in an atmosphere that youth of all ages will enjoy! Come and watch a class!

Youth Class Schedule

Tuesday: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Thursday: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Friday (Teens): 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 – 10:00 am

Protected environment in which children can develop:

Personal skills:

Confidence
Commitment
Responsibility for one’s own body, as well as the bodies of others

Interpersonal skills and relationships:

Focus on respect for the teachers and other children
Chance to work with children of differing ages
– Learn to help younger ones with compassion and patience
– Older kids/teens serve as good role models
Children naturally learn to be a good member of a community

Guided exercises that help with the children’s energy:

Safe energy outlet
Energy harmonization
Develop control and moderation

Physical exercise:

Endurance
Flexibility
Body coordination
Balance

Student & Parent Testimonials

“I have been training aikido for 9 years, since I was 4 years old. Aikido means to learn persistence, patience, discipline, respect, and awareness―but it’s not as strict as it sounds. I like it because practice at the dojo feels real but it’s safe, while also having fun and working with friends.

The more you train, the more your dojo becomes a home, your second home. And the people training there with you are your family. This family, including Crane Sensei, the udansha, and all of the senior students, will assist you with whatever you need in your training. At some points in your training you may think that Aikido is too hard or too difficult, but your family is always there to help you.

I will continue my training this year as part of 8th grade ISPE (Independent Study Physical Education). That means that I will continue my training with friends, and keep working hard to become a great Aikidoka.”

– Ethan (age 13)

“Ever since I was five, I have been coming to Aikido, and I just love it here. There is such a strong bond being made at this dojo, between everyone who comes here. I have met such great people and had so many wonderful experiences just by coming to Aikido every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Aikido is like a flock of birds. Crane Sensei is like the leader, the matriarch. Everyone knows and respects her. The adults in aikido, the full-fledged members of the community, are ready and willing to help the fledglings, who are just learning how to stretch their wings. This dojo is a community; we all help one another learn new things. Once, during a kid’s class, Sensei asked me to help my partner learn part of a technique she was struggling on. I felt like it would be my fault if she learnt it incorrectly. Luckily, she caught on quickly, and was able to demonstrate in front of the class what she had learned. Because of Aikido, I learned a new sense of responsibility for the younger ones in the dojo and around me in my everyday life.”

– Sabrina (age 12)

“So happy to have discovered this dojo summer 2021 when searching for kids training for our pre-teen daughter. Absolutely love the dojo, the senseis and students. The kids program is technical and thorough but still fun. Earning a belt takes time and commitment. Our daughter looks forward to her classes. Very clean and well run dojo.”

– Kristine

“Sara [Youth Class Instructor] has been taking on much responsibility with the young members, and is so loved by all. It is so gratifying to have observed her growth over the almost two years that we have known her. Naturally Sara embodies the grace of flowing water, the ability to express the vital quality of graceful movement. I see these qualities as ‘yin’… The basic idea of the ‘yin-yang theory’ consists of two natural, complementary and contradictory forces in our universe, the principle of opposite polarity and duality. Both of the forces are different, but in the best way, they mutually complement each other. And I might name them, passive, quiet, observant, water, softness, female… Hearing Sara leading the young members the other day I observed “Yang-Sara”, and there was a positive and forceful tone to her voice, energizing and generating enthusiasm throughout the room. How different this yang energy… active, positive, brightness, heaven, sunshine, fire, male, and dominant aspects of things. How wonderful to blend the two and to allow both to flow as circumstances arise… naturally.”

– John

Get Connected

Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. If you or your child would like to observe a class, please contact us for more information or stop by during a scheduled class.

North County Aikikai

501(c)(3) Non-profit Organization
Member of Birankai North America

813 Academy Drive, Solana Beach, CA 92075
northcountyaikikai@gmail.com | 858.792.8061