Aikido kids classes
We cater for Young Juniors, that is kids aged 5 - 6 years old and Juniors classes which are open to children between the ages of 7 - 12 years of age.
Beginners are welcome to watch any of our classes or train in the Junior or Young Junior classes. To find out the class timetables and dojo addresses click on the links below. The first class is free so you can simply come along and try things out.
The first step is to find the dojo closest to you by clicking on the location below.
Young Juniors timetable
- Burnside dojo
- Monday: 3.45-4.30pm
Junior timetables
- Burnside dojo
- Monday: 4.45-5.30pm
- Wednesday: 4.45-5.30pm
- Saturday: 9.00-9.45am
- Linwood dojo
- Tuesday: 4.45-5.30pm
- Rangiora dojo
- Saturday: 10.30-11.15am
"Aikido is lots of fun and now my friends come along too which is cool." Petra Williamson
What to wear
If you wish to train, wear loose clothing; for example, track suit or training pants and a sweatshirt.
Costs
The first class is free, then if you wish to continue you need to complete our membership form (available at the dojo) and pay our membership fees below.
Training fees
Burnside & Linwood Dojo - kids classes cost $50 for a 10 class concession card.
Rangiora Dojo - kids classes cost $40 per term.
Alternatively, there is a $10 per class casual training fee.
Belt colours
| Grade | Colour |
|---|---|
| All semi-kyu grades | Add white tips to the belt colour below |
| Ungraded | White |
| 10th Kyu | Yellow |
| 9th Kyu | Orange |
| 8th Kyu | Red |
| 7th Kyu | Light green |
| 6th Kyu | Dark green |
| 5th Kyu | Light blue |
| 4th Kyu | Dark blue |
| 3rd Kyu | Purple |
| 2nd Kyu | Light brown |
| 1st Kyu | Dark brown |
Grading fees
| Grade | Fee |
|---|---|
| 10th and semi-10th kyu | $20 |
| 9th and semi-9th kyu | |
| 8th and semi-8th kyu | |
| 7th and semi-7th kyu | |
| 6th and semi-6th kyu | |
| 5th and semi-5th kyu | $30 |
| 4th and semi-4th kyu | |
| 3rd and semi-3rd kyu | |
| 2nd and semi-2nd kyu | |
| 1st and semi-1st kyu |
What to Expect!
Please try to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled class time and introduce yourself to the instructor (who is called "sensei" which simply means teacher). The class will then begin when all the students and instructor line up and bow.
Your first class will commence with a warm-up to ensure that you are prepared for training. The warm-ups themselves are excellent physical therapy.
After the warm-up you will probably be taught to breakfall. Be patient you probably will need several classes before you can breakfall properly.
Probably following this the instructor will demonstrate a technique. You will then bow to a partner and train with that partner practising the technique shown.
The class will finish with some light warm-downs or game and be completed when you bow out.
Do not be concerned about feeling out of place, or that the movements feel strange or difficult. Everyone who trains at aikido has been through this process. The other students who are senior to you and the instructor are all there to help you develop your aikido - that is their responsibility. The main thing is to enjoy training – aikido is fun.
Any muscle stiffness will quickly disappear with regular training as your fitness improves.
If you have any other concerns please feel free to contact us at the e-mail link below: asc@christchurchaikido.co.nz