Children's Martial Arts Program
UNLIMITED
WEEKLY
CLASSES
In the children's program, we teach the art of self-defense with smiles and safety. Our commitment is to create an environment in which your child can grow physically, intellectually, and emotionally. The atmosphere is disciplined and fun. The excitement of discovery is part of everyday practice.
Aikido develops:
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Discipline and concentration
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Coordination
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Self-defense
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A calm, stress-reducing effect through breathing and meditation techniques
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Increased confidence and a positive "can do" attitude
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Heightened sense of spatial awareness
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Sense of community
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Leadership qualities
And, it's a great workout!
Minimum Age: 6 years old
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Download the Children's Program Brochure
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Instructors
Brian Curtis
4th Dan
Brian began practicing Aikido in 1987 at NY Aikikai under the instruction of Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan. After a year or so he learned that Aikido of Park Slope was just down the block from his home. He then began practicing in Brooklyn and has been a pupil of Hal Lehrman Shihan ever since.
He has been practicing Aikido for 35+years and teaching for about 20 years. Children can benefit from all aspects of Aikido practice. It helps to develop a student’s balance, flexibility, strength and coordination, but it also promotes awareness, the ability to calmly focus, and respect for others.
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Keith Miller
3rd Dan
Keith is a high school teacher. When he’s not being abused by his students; he has been training aikido for the last eighteen years and teaching the children’s program for the last ten years.
While he has trained in other forms of martial arts, he believes Aikido provides the best possible training dynamics for children: challenging physical exercise, mindful meditation and a respect for self and others in a practice of nonviolence.
Natalia Safronenkova
2nd Dan
Natalia began practicing aikido in Russia in 1998 and traveled throughout Europe studying under many aikido masters. In 2009, she moved to the US and started her practice at New York Aikikai under the instruction of Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan. She has been a teacher for the Children’s program in PSA since 2015.
Natalia believes that children are naturally more centered and relaxed, making it easier for them to perceive the aikido concept at an early age.
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Sergii Sarychev
2nd Dan
Sergii has been engaged in martial arts since childhood and has studied kickboxing, Xingyi-quan, and Karate. He settled on harmonious art of Aikido.
Since 2008, he has been a coach of children's groups, head of the "Aikido Planet' children's club, and organizer children's aikido festivals and camps in Ukraine.
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In 2018 Sergii moved to USA and started training with Yamada Sensei and Hal Lehman Sensei.
He has Ph.D. in Electrochemistry, his other interests are guitar and theater.
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