Your child can attend any number of classes within the listed schedule. As we recover from the pandemic we will be offering more classes in the future.

Children can wear a white martial art uniform if they have one (aikido, judo, or karate for example). If not, they can wear loose-fitting clothes such as a t-shirt and sweatpants.

Each class is 1 hour long, with a few short water breaks depending on the weather.

You can purchase any aikido or white karate gi of appropriate size (which means wrists and ankles shouldn't be covered by the uniform for safety reasons, nor it should be too short or tight that it restricts movement). Please choose pants with elastic band (no drawstring) since it is much easier for younger kids to manage. For reference, we suggest Namazu Uniforms (we are not affiliated with this seller).

We do not divide children by age for several reasons. First, in aikido the realistic experience of working with different size and abilities partners is very important. Second, older kids get leadership and teaching experience while helping younger or more beginner students. Third, kids have richer opportunities for socializing and making friends outside of their own age group. We practice empathy and respect for all students and teachers and bow to each other as a sign of being grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice together. Sometimes, during the class we divide class by ranks and very often require older students to work with younger students that benefits both. We are very serious about class discipline and safe practice protocols.

Aikido is a non-aggressive, non-competitive traditional Japanese martial art. We support non-violent conflict resolution on all levels, from emotional to physical, and a natural development of a young martial artist without the unnecessary stress of competing.

Aikido class is a full-body workout, develops flexibility, balance, coordination, and strength. Children and teens can also develop confidence, discipline, learn to control first impulses and flight-fight response, develop awareness, timing and distance. Aikido is a complex advanced martial art. Your child may expect to learn a great variety of aikido moves from standing, sitting, and standing-sitting positions. In addition, since aikido movements are derived from weapons techniques, we introduce exercises with bokken and jo (wooden sword and staff) . On a more advanced level kids practice defense from multiple attackers. Calming breathing techniques and regular meditation help to self-regulate emotions and mind, and teach to handle stress. An additional benefit of aikido - ukemi practice (the art of falling). This teaches safe, non-traumatic falling and rolling and can prevent accidental traumas and injuries in everyday life.

It usually takes 5-6 years to progress through all children's level ranks - Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple and Brown. Testing requirements are tied with attendance, you may find all the testing requirements here (button and link). After that students are on their path to test for adult levels 5th Kyu through 1Kyu and, ultimately, Black Belt. When your child will progress to adult level tests but no younger than 12 he/she may choose to join adult classes or stay within the ChIldren’s program until 17. Aikido is an art your child may start practicing at 6 years old and continue practicing through life, staying healthy and fit. There are members of the dojo who still actively practice in their seventies and eighties.

If your family moves to another city/country you can fully expect to find USAF affiliated dojo anywhere to continue practicing the art. While traveling you and your family can come to any dojo for practice, which is a great way to find new friends. Worldwide and in the USA there are a lot of seminars, camps and workshops held for adult practitioners and even kids. In the past, (pre-pandemic), APS has participated in combined children’s seminars with Aikido Schools of New Jersey. https://services.usaikifed.com/dojos/

Aikido as a martial art is unique in that it is not about winning and losing. While this seems paradoxical, it is an import point in Aikido. It is specifically about dealing with and resolving conflict. Winning and losing is the root of conflict. Aikido addresses the reality of violence in life because it is not competitive. Thus, by nurturing awareness and compassion and a feeling of centeredness, one learns to handle conflict. This makes it the ideal form of true self defense! Aikido will give your child the tools to deal with the threat or reality of violence in the safest, most appropriate way. The rigorousness of training will gradually teach the Aikido Student to be confident and capable at ever increasing levels. Aikido is truly Martial in the traditional Japanese meaning of Budo...designed for real use, not sport. The ultimate goal of aikido is to defend yourself and those who need defending, while avoiding injuring the attacker whenever that is possible. “To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.” - Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido