Youth and Teen Classes
A martial art of peace, for the modern world
“Aikido is not a technique to fight with or defeat an enemy.
It is the way to harmonize the world and make humanity one family.”
– Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, founder of Aikido (1883 – 1969)
Aikido is a dynamic, non-competitive Japanese martial art whose guiding principle is HARMONY: within oneself, with others, and with nature. Students develop physical techniques, mental focus, interpersonal skills, and a peaceful spirit, while training in a safe and mutually supportive environment. Our dojo welcomes sincere students of any race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnic origin.
Peace and harmony are powerful forces when used in accordance with the principles of Aikido. One’s strength is multiplied when used with, rather than against, another’s energy. Doing this in practice, in everyday life, requires work, sincerity, and courage. This is what we do every day in class. And we have fun doing it!
Aikido of Santa Cruz offers classes for ages 6 - 9, 9 - 12, and 13 - 18, as well as adult classes. New students can start at any time and are integrated into the ongoing classes. You are welcome to try one class for free.
Aikido of Santa Cruz is an approved vendor for Ocean Grove School.
Youth Class Schedule:
Ages 6 - 9: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:15 - 4:15 pm.
Ages 9-12: Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30 - 5:30 pm.
Teens: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 - 5:00 pm.
Teens may also train in the adult classes.
Classes are offered year around, except for the Summer break in July. The 2024 Aikido Summer Camp for Kids Ages 6 - 12 will be July 22 - 26.
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“[Our daughter] has gained invaluable experience in Aikido. It helps her focus her energy, think about peace and kindness, helps her feel more confident and secure. She has made wonderful friends in Aikido. Physically she is stronger and more flexible and more attuned to her environment. Also, I am grateful that she is learning self-defense.” — Aikido parent
A Holistic Approach
Aikido is a powerful and effective martial art, but the practice of Aikido is much more than the study of martial technique. The practice of Aikido techniques is an enjoyable activity that facilitates physical, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth.
Aikido training teaches young people:
To blend with another person’s energy, instead of opposing it,
To resolve conflict without violence,
To find mutually satisfying outcomes.
These are skills that are useful in all areas of life.
This is the “push-hands” practice. One person exerts force through the palm of the hand, and the other person deflects it to the side.
It’s not a matter of strength
Because Aikido relies on inner strength rather than physical strength, young people of all shapes and sizes can find success in their training.
About to apply nikkyo, a wrist lock technique, in the Teen class
“Our son has become much more disciplined and has grown as a person all due to his classes.”
− Aikido parent
Youth Program Instructors
How to Begin
You are welcome to come in and observe a class, or try one class for free before signing up. Please set up a Mindbody account, which allows us to track attendance and allows you to pay for classes online.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at 831-423-8326 or by email at info@aikidosantacruz.org if you have any questions or problems with this process.
If you already have a Mindbody account
You can log in to your Mindbody account by going to this link:
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/mainclass?studioid=548143
You can update personal information, or update or cancel payment options.
Membership: The preferred method of payment is to become a member. There is a $5 / month discount for setting up automatic credit card payments, at $85 / month. You can cancel the auto-pays at any time, or we can do it for you.
You are also welcome to mail in or drop off a check at the dojo, for $90 / month.
Still have questions?
Get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.