Tampa Aikido offers ages 8+ youth classes in a safe, fun and disciplined environment with experienced instructors. Kids are given personal attention and challenged according to their own levels of physical and cognitive ability. They practice self-control and self-refinement–much of it while working with others–with a huge emphasis on an energetic attitude and lots of physical practice!
Monday: Aikido Foundations
Our Monday Foundations Class is a great way to start out! Kids get to explore stances, rolling and falling, attacks and strikes, footwork and solo exercises as well as paired Aikido techniques. The focus of this class is breaking things into bize-sized pieces and then building them into the full expression of what Aikido offers.
Parents are also welcome to join in! Foundations are built step-by-step, and parents can train with their own kids or with other students on the mat. Some parents choose to watch and some take notes for at-home practice.
Wednesday: Aikido Basics w/Shotokan Fundamentals
In this “beginnermediate”-level class, Aikido and Shotokan Karate principles merge, and students practice developing a deeper awareness of how and when to perform atemi(strikes/ kicks, etc), how to spot openings, and how to deflect and redirect.
Integrating these two martial systems sheds light on commonalities between the arts and also clears up some common questions Aikido practitioners may have on striking and attacking.
Incorporation of Shotokan form work hones physical and mental flow, timing and flexibility.
Curriculum-based, Progressive Learning
In Aikido, each student progresses at their own pace, so the youth curriculum has been developed to let students choose what they want to focus on when.
Whether you looking to get your child involved or thinking to get involved yourself, the instructor will intentionally limit the amount of material for you to focus on when you are just starting. Learning to fall safely, how and why we follow dojo etiquette, and what is expected during class is the main course in the first few months of training.
Testing in youth class is well-organized. Kids are given the chance to pre-test and get feedback before being put up for any stripe or belt test. Other chances to thrive and excel are built into each class–students demonstrate in small groups, learn to lead warm-ups and are asked self-evaluate and help junior students.
Joy and Results are a Natural Byproduct
All in all, if a student regularly attends practice, we expect to see positive growth on and off the mat. The Aikido community is constructed to be a cooperative and at the same time challenging space, a space where folks work to carve out their best self and serve as an example to help others grow. Aikido is based around some pretty wonderful ideals(which you can read about here) that create meaning and expressive outlet in kids lives. We really do strive to uphold these ideals and welcome you and your family to the dojo! To learn more about classes or to sign your child up, fill out and submit the form at the bottom of the page.
About the Chief Youth Instructor
Julie Tollen, a.k.a. Jet, holds a 4th degree black belt and has been training in aikido for 20+ years. For five of those years, she practiced in Colorado under one of the nation’s most highly regarded instructors, Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei. For another five, she lived in Kumamoto, Japan, and trained in both Aikikai and Aishinkan lineages.
Tollen Sensei is passionate about training young aikido martial artists. She aims for the highest standards for her students and keep them challenged and driven to keep at the edge of their ability. At the core of it, she looks for the black belt in each student and works to help them carve it out, class by class. You can learn more about Tollen Sensei by reading her instructor biography page.