Aikido & Martial Arts Near Bethlehem, NC
AikiDojo of Hickory is about 8 minutes from Bethlehem, traditional Aikido and Aiki Budo for ages 4 to adult, taught by Kaicho Pete Nappier, 9th Dan, with 57 years on the mat. Your first week is free.
The closest traditional Aikido dojo to Bethlehem, NC is AikiDojo of Hickory at 2364 Springs Rd NE, Hickory, NC 28601, about 8 minutes away. It offers kids, teen and adult Aikido classes six days a week, led by a 9th Dan instructor, with a free 1-week trial for new students.
Why Bethlehem Families Drive to Hickory for Aikido
Bethlehem is practically our neighbor. Cross the NC-127 bridge over Lake Hickory, turn onto Springs Road NE, and you’re at AikiDojo of Hickory in about eight minutes, closer than most of Hickory itself. Bethlehem and southern Alexander County families are a big part of our dojo community, especially in the Lil Samurai and Young Warriors programs.
Because the drive is so short, Bethlehem families often train three or four evenings a week. Bethlehem Elementary students fill out the 5:30 PM Lil Samurai and 6 PM Young Warriors classes, and several Bethlehem parents train in the 7 PM adult class while their kids wait in the lobby, or join them on the mat.
- Serving Bethlehem Elementary and Alexander County Schools
- ≈ 8 minutes via NC-127 across Lake Hickory
- 20+ classes a week for ages 4 to adult
- Free 1-week trial, no contract
Directions From Bethlehem
From Bethlehem, take NC-127 South across Lake Hickory into Hickory. Turn left onto Springs Road NE (toward the Walmart). The dojo is on the right. About 8 minutes.
Martial Arts Classes for Bethlehem Kids, Teens & Adults
Lil Samurai
A 30-minute preschool martial arts class that builds focus, balance, listening skills and confidence through Aikido games and drills.
Explore Lil SamuraiYoung Warriors
Our flagship kids program: real Aikido self-defense, character training and bully-proof confidence, four days a week.
Explore Young WarriorsAdult Aikido
Beginner-friendly adult Aikido & Aiki Budo: joint locks, throws, weapons and de-escalation, taught by a 9th Dan with 57 years on the mat.
Explore Adult AikidoClass Times for Bethlehem Families
Every class is at our Hickory dojo, Monday through Saturday.
MondayMon
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMAdult Aikido
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PMYoung Warriors (Ages 7–12)
- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMAdult Aikido
TuesdayTue
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PMHomeschool Class (Aug–May)
- 4:30 PM – 5:15 PMBeginner Kids
- 5:30 PM – 6:00 PMLil Samurai (Ages 4–6)
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PMYoung Warriors (Ages 7–12)
- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMTeen Samurai (Ages 13+)
WednesdayWed
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMAdult Aikido
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PMYoung Warriors (Ages 7–12)
- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMAdult Samurai
ThursdayThu
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PMHomeschool Class (Aug–May)
- 4:30 PM – 5:15 PMBeginner Kids
- 5:30 PM – 6:00 PMLil Samurai (Ages 4–6)
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PMYoung Warriors (Ages 7–12)
- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMTeen Samurai (Ages 13+)
FridayFri
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMAdult Aikido
- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMAdvanced Weapons Class
SaturdaySat
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMOpen Mat
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PMTeen & Adult Aikido Open Mat
SundaySun
- Closed — rest day
Aikido Near Bethlehem: Common Questions
How far is AikiDojo of Hickory from Bethlehem, NC?
About 8 minutes by car via NC-127 across Lake Hickory. We are at 2364 Springs Rd NE, Hickory, NC 28601, on Springs Road NE near the Walmart in northeast Hickory.
Are there Aikido classes in Bethlehem itself?
There is no traditional Aikido dojo in Bethlehem. AikiDojo of Hickory is the closest, roughly 8 minutes away, and it is the only dojo in the Catawba Valley led by a 9th Dan Aiki Budo instructor.
What martial arts programs are available for Bethlehem kids?
Lil Samurai (ages 4–6), Beginner Kids, Young Warriors (7–12), Teen Samurai (13+), plus a daytime Homeschool PE class. All are taught at our Hickory dojo, and every new student gets a free week.
Is there a free trial for families from Bethlehem?
Yes. Every new student from Bethlehem or anywhere else gets a free 1-week trial with no contract. Book online or call (704) 775-3401.
What time are classes for Bethlehem families?
Kids classes run from 4:30 PM to 7 PM Monday–Thursday, teens 7–8:30 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays, and adults at 10 AM Mon/Wed/Fri and 7 PM Mon/Wed, plus Saturday morning open mat.
What Catawba Valley Families Say
“It's the perfect program for children who are neurodivergent. Giving them confidence, learning a skill set to protect themselves, and teaching them they can do this!”
“Our 14 and 9 year old boys' first day at Aikido was amazing! The instructor is fantastic with the kids and very knowledgeable, and everyone there is so welcoming and helpful.”
Bethlehem to the Mat in 8 Minutes. First Week Free.
Families from Bethlehem start the same way everyone does: one free week, no contract, no uniform. Pick a class and come see the dojo.
Hickory, NC
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