Youth Aikido
Tacoma Aikikai offers classes to youth age 6 and up. Classes provide a healthy dose of physical activity, with movement that cultivates physical fitness and cooperation. Physical contact with the mat, the teacher, and other youth helps students feel comfortable in their bodies and their environment, increasing confidence and spatial awareness. Stripe and belt testing give benchmarks for achievement and foster a focus and self-discipline for youth. Junior and teen mentorship programs develop leadership skills.
Program Structure
Our youth program is structured to give every student age-specific opportunities to learn and progress. A tiered approach by age also provides a continuity of training as youth grow into teen and adult practitioners.
Classes for youth are offered by the semester term; although new students can join anytime. Students signing up after a term has started commit for the duration of the term. New student orientations are held at the beginning of fall and spring semesters.
New members can take advantage of the New Student Special special, which includes one month of training and a uniform.
Winter Term is Open
Fall Semester: September – December
Winter Semester: January – April
Spring half term: May – June
Summer half term: July – August
Winter Term Orientation Classes
Kids – age 6-10
Monday, January 6th 420-515 pm
Youth & Juniors – age 9-14
Tuesday, January 7th 420-515 pm
Youth program classes are split by age, with one weekly Saturday class for all ages. Students progress with age from classes focused on games and basic movements, to drills and advanced falling, to execution and development of techniques. Youth between age brackets can pick the program that best fits their schedule and needs. Youth may attend any class offered for the age group program in which they are enrolled.
Download our Youth Program Handbook
Kids (ages 6-10) and Youth (ages 9-12)
Kids and youth programs focus on getting comfortable with physical contact and hitting the mat. A heavy emphasis is placed on exercise, movement, and losing/taking balance. Fun games and drills are used to introduce and train basic aikido footwork, ukemi (falling/rolling), and techniques. Partner practice builds concentration and coordination as youth execute techniques from start to finish.
Kids (ages 6-10) |
Youth (age 9-12) |
Class Schedule* · Mondays 420-515 pm · Wednesdays 420-515 pm · Saturdays 9-10 am |
Class Schedule* · Tuesdays 420-515 pm · Thursdays 420-515 pm · Saturdays 9-10 am |
Learning objectives:
· Consideration for others |
Learning objectives:
· Supporting other students |
Ranks: · Yellow (30 hours) · Orange (+40 hours) · Green (+50 hours) |
· Blue (+50 hours) · Purple (+60 hours) · Purple stripe (+60 hours) |
*Class schedule starts September 2019
Juniors (age 12-14) and Teens (age 14+)
The junior and teen programs bridge the youth and adults programs, having elements of both. Drills, partner practices, and conditioning elevate technical competence and precision of executing and receiving techniques. Self-defense is emphasized through techniques, as well as through concepts of self-development and self-improvement. Randori (multiple attackers) and jiu-waza (free-form techniques) provide students with the opportunity respond naturally and freely in higher pressure situations. Weapons work and weapons disarming techniques are gradually introduced to more advanced students.
Juniors are encouraged to focus on age-specific classes, but may attend some adults classes with instructor permission.
Teens are welcomed in any adult or age-specific youth classes.
At the level of green belt, juniors and teens can also apply to become junior instructors in the kids and youth programs, earning hours to work towards their rank promotion. Dedication, integrity, and leadership are some of the expectations of junior instructors.
Juniors (age 12-14) |
Teens (age 14+) |
Eligible classes* · Tuesdays 420-515 pm · Thursdays 420-515 pm · Thursdays 530-625 pm · Kids Classes with permission · Adult Classes with permission |
Eligible classes* · Thursdays 530-625 pm · All Adult Body Arts classes · Adult Weapons classes with permission · Kids/Youth classes with permission |
Learning objectives:
· Integrity and character |
Learning objectives:
· Maturity and independence |
Ranks: · Red (40 hours) · Green (+50 hours) · Blue (+60 hours) · Purple (+70 hours) |
· Purple stripe (+70 hours) – 5th kyu · Brown (+100 hrs) – 4rd kyu · Brown stripe (+100 hours) – 3nd kyu · Junior Black Belt (+150 hours) – 2nd kyu |
*Class schedule starts September 2019
Fees
New Student Packages:
Youth & Teen Beginner’s Special: $100 (1 month and uniform)
Discounts
Family 2 members – 10%
Family 3 members – 20%
Family 4+ members – 30%
Automatic EFT (electronic check) payment discount – 5%
Semester Commitments
Fall Semester: September – December
Winter Semester: January – April
Spring half term: May – June
Summer half term: July – August
Youth Monthly Fees | |
Kids (age 6-10) Monthly Membership | $80 |
Youth (age 9-12) Monthly Membership | $80 |
Junior (age 12-14) Monthly Membership | $80 |
Teen (age 14+) Monthly Membership | $90 |
*Membership fees are prorated for students joining in the middle of the month
*Payments can be made in person or online via the Zen Planner student portal. After registration, you will receive an email with access the online system. Family and automatic payment discounts are applied by the school after initial registration.