Aikido & Martial Arts Near St. Stephens, NC
AikiDojo of Hickory is about 5 minutes from St. Stephens, 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 St. Stephens, NC is AikiDojo of Hickory at 2364 Springs Rd NE, Hickory, NC 28601, about 5 minutes away. It offers kids, teen and adult Aikido classes six days a week, led by an 9th Dan instructor, with a free 1-week trial for new students.
Why St. Stephens Families Drive to Hickory for Aikido
If you live in St. Stephens, AikiDojo of Hickory is your neighborhood dojo. We’re right on Springs Road NE, five minutes or less from St. Stephens High School and St. Stephens Elementary, near the Walmart. Walk in, watch a class, and see why so many St. Stephens families train here.
St. Stephens students make up a large share of every program. High school students often come straight from practice to the 7 PM Teen Samurai class, and St. Stephens parents fill the 7 PM adult classes and Saturday open mat.
- Serving St. Stephens High, St. Stephens Elementary and Catawba County Schools
- ≈ 5 minutes via Springs Rd NE
- 20+ classes a week for ages 4 to adult
- Free 1-week trial, no contract
Directions From St. Stephens
From St. Stephens High School, head south on Springs Road NE toward the Walmart. The dojo is on the left. About 5 minutes, many students arrive straight from school.
Martial Arts Classes for St. Stephens Kids, Teens & Adults
Teen Samurai
Serious training for teenagers: practical self-defense, weapons fundamentals, discipline and the mental toughness to handle pressure.
Explore Teen 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 St. Stephens 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 St. Stephens: Common Questions
How far is AikiDojo of Hickory from St. Stephens, NC?
About 5 minutes by car via Springs Rd NE. 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 St. Stephens itself?
There is no traditional Aikido dojo in St. Stephens. AikiDojo of Hickory is the closest, roughly 5 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 St. Stephens 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 St. Stephens?
Yes. Every new student from St. Stephens or anywhere else gets a free 1-week trial with no contract. Book online or call (704) 775-3401.
What time are classes for St. Stephens 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.”
St. Stephens to the Mat in 5 Minutes. First Week Free.
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.
Hickory, NC
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