YOUTH AIKIDO PROGRAM
Our Youth Aikido Program at TERAKOYA DOJO is specially designed for children and teenagers, creating a safe and nurturing environment where young practitioners can develop not just martial arts skills, but essential life values. Through age-appropriate training methods, we focus on building confidence, discipline, respect, and physical coordination in a fun and engaging atmosphere.
Children learn Aikido through structured, progressive training that emphasizes cooperation over competition. Our experienced instructors work closely with each child, ensuring they develop at their own pace while building strong foundations in both technique and character. The program includes partner work, solo exercises, and group activities that promote social skills and teamwork.
Safety is our top priority. All techniques are taught with proper supervision, and children are paired appropriately by age and experience level. We maintain a supportive environment where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, and every child is encouraged to try their best while respecting their own limits and those of their training partners.
Benefits for Young Practitioners
Aikido offers unique benefits that support the holistic development of children and teenagers, preparing them for success both on and off the mat.
Improves coordination, balance, flexibility, and overall fitness through dynamic movement and controlled techniques.
Develops focus, concentration, and mental resilience through structured training and mindful practice.
Builds teamwork, communication, and respect for others through partner work and group activities.
Increases self-esteem and confidence through achievement, positive reinforcement, and skill development.
Instills values of respect, humility, perseverance, and integrity through traditional martial arts philosophy.
Teaches peaceful conflict resolution and non-violent problem-solving through Aikido's harmonious principles.
Age Groups & Curriculum
Our youth program is divided into age-appropriate groups, each with a curriculum designed to meet the developmental needs and learning styles of different age ranges.
Introduction to Aikido through fun, age-appropriate activities and games.
Program Focus:
- Basic movement and coordination
- Following instructions and discipline
- Respect for others and equipment
- Simple partner exercises
- Building confidence and social skills
Structured training with emphasis on technique development and character building.
Program Focus:
- Fundamental Aikido techniques
- Proper falling and rolling
- Partner work and cooperation
- Understanding Aikido principles
- Goal setting and achievement
Advanced training preparing students for adult classes and deeper understanding.
Program Focus:
- Advanced techniques and applications
- Weapons training (bokken, jo)
- Philosophy and principles
- Leadership and mentoring
- Preparation for adult program
Progression System
Students progress through our youth program based on age, experience, and readiness. Advancement is not automatic but earned through consistent practice, good behavior, and demonstration of understanding.
Safety First
The safety and well-being of our young students is our highest priority. We maintain strict safety protocols and create a secure learning environment.
All classes are conducted under the direct supervision of certified instructors with extensive experience in youth martial arts training.
Students are carefully paired by age, size, and experience level to ensure safe and effective training partnerships.
Techniques are introduced gradually, building from basic movements to more complex applications as students develop.
We maintain a supportive environment where children feel safe to make mistakes and learn at their own pace.
Core Values
Beyond physical skills, we instill important life values that help children grow into confident, respectful, and responsible individuals.
Respect for instructors, training partners, the dojo, and the art of Aikido itself.
Developing self-discipline through consistent practice and following dojo etiquette.
Learning to be humble in victory and gracious in learning from mistakes.
Building resilience and determination through challenging but achievable goals.
Understanding the importance of working together and creating positive relationships.
Developing strong moral character and doing what is right even when no one is watching.
Information for Parents
What to Expect:
- Regular progress updates and communication
- Open observation of classes
- Parent-teacher conferences as needed
- Clear expectations and guidelines
What to Bring:
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Water bottle
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Gi (uniform) provided after first month
Little Warriors (6-9)
Junior Practitioners (10-13)
Teen Aikido (14-17)
• Free trial class available
• Flexible attendance options
• Make-up classes available
Little Warriors
6-9 years
2 classes/week
- 45-minute sessions
- Basic uniform included
- Progress tracking
Junior Practitioners
10-13 years
3 classes/week
- 60-minute sessions
- Full uniform included
- Belt testing
- Special events
Teen Aikido
14-17 years
3-4 classes/week
- 75-minute sessions
- Weapons training
- Adult class access
- Leadership opportunities
Family Discounts
- • 10% off for second child
- • 15% off for third child
- • Parent-child classes available
No registration fees
Month-to-month commitment
Sensei Arie
Youth Program Director
15+ years teaching children
Specialties:
Sensei Ristie
Junior Instructor
8+ years youth training
Specialties:
Why Choose Our Instructors?
- • Certified in youth martial arts instruction
- • Background checks and safety training
- • Patient and encouraging teaching style
- • Experience with special needs children