Beginner Kids Aikido in Hickory
Brand-new to martial arts? This is where kids ages 6–12 learn to fall safely, stand correctly and execute their first Aikido techniques in a small, patient class, before joining the main Young Warriors program.
Beginner Kids is AikiDojo of Hickory’s introductory martial arts class for children ages 6–12 with no prior experience. It meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:15 PM and teaches ukemi (safe falling), stances, footwork, dojo etiquette and first techniques at a beginner’s pace. Students transition into Young Warriors when ready.
What New Students Learn in Beginner Kids
Ukemi — Falling & Rolling
Forward rolls, back falls and side falls, drilled until they are automatic. This is the foundation of safe Aikido, and safe childhood.
Stance & Footwork
Hanmi (the Aikido stance), tenkan (turning) and irimi (entering): the movement vocabulary every technique is built from.
First Techniques
Escaping wrist grabs, the basic ikkyo control, and kokyu nage; real Aikido, taught slowly and safely.
Dojo Etiquette
How to bow, line up, address instructors and treat a training partner. Confidence starts with knowing what to do.
Focus Drills
Short, high-repetition drills that stretch attention span a little further each week.
Verbal Self-Defense
Using a strong voice, setting boundaries and getting help; the skills a child needs before any physical technique.
Beginner Kids Schedule in Hickory, NC
All classes at 2364 Springs Rd NE, Hickory, NC 28601. Membership includes every Beginner Kids class on the schedule.
| Day | Time | Class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM | Beginner KidsBeginner Kids | Book free trial → |
| Thursday | 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM | Beginner KidsBeginner Kids | Book free trial → |
Why We Start New Kids in Their Own Class
Dropping a brand-new seven-year-old into a room of orange and green belts is a recipe for frustration. Beginner Kids exists so that new students get the fundamentals at a pace built for them, with more individual attention from Kaicho and the assistant instructors. Most children spend a few weeks to a few months here, then move into Young Warriors with the skills and confidence to keep up.
Because it runs at 4:30 PM, Beginner Kids also fits neatly after school for families in Hickory, Conover, Bethlehem and St. Stephens, and many students stay for the 6:00 PM Young Warriors class once they’ve earned their first belt.
Beginner Kids Questions, Answered
Does my child need any experience?
None at all. Beginner Kids is designed specifically for first-timers.
How long do kids stay in the Beginner class?
Usually a few weeks to a few months, depending on age and how often they train. Kaicho moves students up when they’re ready, not on a fixed calendar.
Can my child do both Beginner Kids and Young Warriors?
Once they have the basics, yes. Many students take the 4:30 class and stay for the 6:00 Young Warriors class on the same evening.
Is there a free trial for Beginner Kids?
Yes! a full free week, no contract and no uniform required.
From Hickory Families
“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.”
“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!”
More Ways to Train at AikiDojo of Hickory
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 WarriorsTeen Samurai
Serious training for teenagers: practical self-defense, weapons fundamentals, discipline and the mental toughness to handle pressure.
Explore Teen SamuraiYour Free Week of Beginner Kids Starts When You Say So.
No contract, no uniform, no experience required. Pick a class time, walk in, and train with us for seven days on the house. Families from Hickory, Conover, Newton and across the Catawba Valley start exactly this way.
Hickory, NC
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