AikiDojo of Hickory is about 15 minutes from Granite Falls — traditional Aikido and Aiki Budo for ages 3 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 Granite Falls, NC is AikiDojo of Hickory at 2364 Springs Rd NE, Hickory, NC 28601, about 15 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.
Granite Falls families come down US-321 to train at AikiDojo of Hickory — about fifteen minutes from the center of town to Springs Road NE. For Caldwell County residents who want traditional Aikido rather than sport karate, we are the closest dojo with a 9th Dan on the mat, and the morning adult classes are a favorite with Granite Falls retirees and shift workers.
Granite Falls and Hudson students train across every program. The 10 AM Monday/Wednesday/Friday Adult Aikido class draws a loyal group from Caldwell County, and Granite Falls Middle and South Caldwell students train in Young Warriors and Teen Samurai in the evenings.
From Granite Falls, take US-321 South into Hickory. Exit at US-70 / Springs Road area, or continue to 16th Street NE and head north onto Springs Road NE. The dojo is on the right near the Walmart. About 15 minutes.
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 AikidoOur flagship kids program: real Aikido self-defense, character training and bully-proof confidence, four days a week.
Explore Young WarriorsSerious training for teenagers: practical self-defense, weapons fundamentals, discipline and the mental toughness to handle pressure.
Explore Teen SamuraiEvery class is at our Hickory dojo, Monday through Saturday.
About 15 minutes by car via US-321 North. We are at 2364 Springs Rd NE, Hickory, NC 28601, on Springs Road NE near the Walmart in northeast Hickory.
There is no traditional Aikido dojo in Granite Falls. AikiDojo of Hickory is the closest — roughly 15 minutes away — and it is the only dojo in the Catawba Valley led by a 9th Dan Aiki Budo instructor.
Lil Samurai (ages 3–5), Beginner Kids, Young Warriors (6–12), Teen Samurai (13+), plus a daytime Homeschool PE class. All are taught at our Hickory dojo, and every new student gets a free week.
Yes. Every new student from Granite Falls or anywhere else gets a free 1-week trial with no contract. Book online or call (704) 775-3401.
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.
“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.”
Families from St. Stephens start the same way everyone does: one free week, no contract, no uniform. Pick a class and come see the dojo.
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