Notting Hill Aikikai offers Aikido classes to children and teens from 7 years of age.
ALL CLASSES ARE AT THE DOJO IN KENSAL RISE
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Why Aikido?
Children are keen learners and enjoy both the physical and mental elements of Aikido training. Through Aikido, children:
Improve physical coordination, flexibility and strength
Develop mental and physical awareness
Practice cooperation and teamwork
Improve concentration and discipline
While self-defence is not the emphasised goal of Aikido training, the qualities acquired from its practice result in children being better equipped to deal with the everyday and less anticipated challenges of life.
A Typical Class
A typical class begins with a physical warm up. We then practice basic techniques that emphasise good posture, coordination and the ability to fall safely. This is followed by work in pairs on Aikido techniques, ending with either Aikido themed games or stories and a brief meditation.
Please contact us to arrange to observe a class.
Gradings
Children are graded on their progress one or two times a year depending on their level, and work their way through a prescribed system of earning coloured belts. Upon completion of the coloured belt system, children graduate to the adult programme.
While gradings are not the main goal of training, they offer a special opportunity for children to mark their progress and show their families and classmates what they have learned in a formal setting.
Your Aikido Instructors
Chief Instructor - Sensei Anthea
Sensei Anthea currently holds the rank of 5th degree black belt in Aikido and is a certified instructor (shidoin) registered with the United States Aikido Federation. She also holds black belts in Iaido (the art of Japanese swordsmanship) and Karate-do.
Assistant Instructor - Rachel
Rachel was one of Notting Hill Aikikai’s first students. She started practicing Aikido when her son joined the dojo in 2010. Shortly after, Rachel was attending most of the adult classes and assisting Sensei with the kids’ classes. Rachel received her Sandan (third degree black belt) in November 2023.
Kids & Teens Class Schedule & Fees
Spring Term 2025 commences Monday January 6, REGISTRATION OPEN SOON
If you don’t get a place, register for the waitlist HERE
Kids & Teens Classes
Spring Term 2025 dates (10 weeks of classes)
Monday January 6 - Friday March 28, 2025.
PLEASE NOTE
NO CLASSES during 1/2 term, Monday February 17 - Friday February 21.
You must enrol your child by paying for the full term AND signing the waiver online.
Please note that class size is limited and that registration is on a first come first serve basis.
Kids & Teens Fees
Children and Teens' fees include gradings and are charged by the school term.
£125
Discounts:
A discount of £40 is available for children enrolled in two classes per week.
A 15% discount is available for 2 or more children from the same family taking one class a week.
Please note that discounts cannot be combined.
“Large does not always defeat little. Little can become large by constant building; large can become little by falling apart. ”
