
Aikido for Kids
Tacoma Aikikai Kids Aikido Program is open to all kids age 7 and older. Registration is ongoing and classes held year-round. Beginners can start in our regularly scheduled kid’s classes at any time.
The Kids Program at Tacoma Aikikai provides a healthy dose of physical activity, with movement that cultivates fitness and cooperation. Kids classes focus on physical contact with each other and the mat. Exercises, games, and rough-and-tumble play promote healthy physical and emotional development. Partner work and team challenges encourage cooperation and teamwork.
Fun games and drills are used to introduce and train basic Aikido footwork, falling, rolling, and techniques. Partner practice builds concentration and coordination as kids execute techniques from start to finish.
In addition to our regular program, camps and field trips offer Aikido fun and comraderies for established and beginning students.


Learning Objectives in Kids Aikido
- Physical fitness
- Joy of movement
- Self-confidence
- Consideration for other
- Following instructions
- Self-discipline and body control
- Cooperation (ability to train with everyone)
- Basic tumbling and safe falling
- Basic stances, strikes, and throws
- Hand and foot coordination
- Spatial and body awareness
- Japanese culture and language
Aikido for Kids Class Schedule
Kids Aikido program classes are split by age, with one weekly Saturday class for all ages. Kids program classes for ages 7-11 focus on games and movement, while Juniors program classes for ages 10 and older progress into more disciplined practice with older kids and teens. Kids between age brackets can pick the program that best fits their schedule, abilities, and interest. All programs are designed for kids to have a smooth and comfortable transition into progressively more advanced programs, from kids & juniors to teens & adults, as they grow and mature.
Our program runs year-round, and beginners can start at any time. Although we don’t have contracts, we recommend a minimum 3-month commitment for new youth students.
Please see our class schedule for up-to-date class information.

Kids (7-11)
Tuesdays 4:30 – 5:25 pm
Thursdays 4:30 – 5:25 pm
Saturdays 9:00 am (all ages)
Juniors (10+)
Mondays 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Wednesdays 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Saturdays 9:00 am (all ages)