By practicing Aikido, children acquire important life skills, as well as physical fitness and coordination. They learn the value of focus, teamwork, leadership, and discipline – not as abstract concepts, but through hands-on experience. Aikido naturally supports social-emotional learning through partner practice and a one-room-schoolhouse environment. Our program emphasizes self-awareness, self-control, and cooperative learning.
Aikido classes may be used for PE credits. Contact us for more information.
Youth Aikido
Our Youth classes are designed for ages 7 and older. Youth classes are held three days a week. Teen members may also attend our adult classes.
Littles Aikido
Our Littles program is for children aged 4 – 6. This class teaches the basic physical skills needed for Aikido (and life!) via games and activities that are fun and challenging. Littles classes are are held once a week.
Acrobatic Dance Classes
Erica Badgeley – youth program director, youth aikido instructor, and professional dancer – will be leading contemporary dance classes that emphasize acrobatic movements on Thursdays at 4:30 – 5:30pm. This is a chance for kids to practice basic acrobatic skills, move with music, and get a taste of contemporary dance and a few other styles. Aikido youth members can take part in dance classes as part of their membership.
Erica is a professional dancer who spent 2.5 years performing in Europe. Locally, her extensive training spans ballet at Pacific Northwest Ballet, to breaking at Massive Monkey’s studio, to name a few. Her dance classes combine skills that merge ballet, modern, acrobatic European contemporary dance, breaking, free-form contemporary improvisation, and theatrical expression. You can see her movement style on Instagram, @eebadgeley, or on Vimeo.
“Before joining the Dojo, my son would question his physical abilities. A sign of his confidence in his ability is that he no longer questions his ability and in fact uses his Aikido training and approach in other aspects of his life. Seattle Aikikai is not just a Dojo where one learns the practice of Aikido, but a community. We are grateful to have found it!”
– Sanjay K.
“Aikido is a unique martial art that focuses on our relationships with others and ourselves with power and peace. I brought my kids to aikido to learn from others how to live well in the world, how to be responsible and disciplined, and cherish community. They found friends, support, and a ‘way’ that is their own path. We are grateful!!!”
– Seattle Aikikai parent
Youth Memberships
Youth and Littles classes are held at our Capitol Hill location. Youth classes are held three days a week. Littles classes are held once a week. See the full schedule here. To register your child, follow the link below and select the appropriate monthly membership from the list of options. Be sure to check the box to indicate you are the guardian of the participant.
Youth Membership
$115 monthly, first child
$100 monthly, additional child (contact us to receive the family discount)
Littles Membership
$60 monthly
$200 10-class punchcard (good for one year)
Dance Only
$200 10-class punchcard (good for one year)
Summer Camps
For 2025 we are offering three options for youth Summer Camps. There will be two half-day camps June 30 - July 3 and a full day camp August 4-8. See the options and register here.