Aikido Programs for Every Age in Hickory
Seven programs, one tradition. Whether you’re enrolling a four-year-old, a teenager who needs an outlet, or yourself, there’s a class built for exactly where you are.
Kids, Teen & Adult Martial Arts Classes in Hickory, NC
Every program below includes a free 1-week trial. Not sure which one fits? Call (704) 775-3401 and we’ll place your student in the right class.
Lil Samurai
A 30-minute preschool martial arts class that builds focus, balance, listening skills and confidence through Aikido games and drills.
Explore Lil SamuraiBeginner Kids
The on-ramp for new kids: falling safely, basic footwork, dojo etiquette and the first Aikido techniques in a small, patient class.
Explore Beginner KidsYoung 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 SamuraiAdult 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 AikidoAdvanced Weapons
Bokken, jo and tanto: the Samurai weapons curriculum that sharpens timing, distance and the empty-hand art itself.
Explore Advanced WeaponsHomeschool PE
Daytime martial arts PE for homeschool families in the Catawba Valley: fitness, coordination, teamwork and self-defense, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 1 PM.
Explore Homeschool PEWhich Aikido Program Is Right for Your Family?
| Program | Ages | When | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lil Samurai | 4–6 | Tue & Thu 5:30–6:00 PM | First-time preschoolers; focus, listening, balance | Details → |
| Beginner Kids | 6–12 (new) | Tue & Thu 4:30–5:15 PM | Kids brand-new to martial arts | Details → |
| Young Warriors | 7–12 | Mon–Thu 6:00–7:00 PM | Confidence, bully-proofing, real self-defense | Details → |
| Teen Samurai | 13+ | Tue & Thu 7:00–8:30 PM | Teens who want serious training and discipline | Details → |
| Adult Aikido | 16+ | Mon/Wed/Fri 10 AM · Mon & Wed 7 PM | Beginners to black belts; fitness and self-defense | Details → |
| Advanced Weapons | Ranked | Fri 7:00–8:30 PM | Bokken, jo and tanto for ranked students | Details → |
| Homeschool PE | 6–15 | Tue & Thu 1:00–2:00 PM (Aug–May) | Homeschool families needing daytime PE | Details → |
| Open Mat | Members | Sat 10 AM–12 PM | Extra practice, testing prep, weapons work | Schedule → |
How Students Progress Through the Dojo
A Lil Samurai graduates into Young Warriors around age seven. Young Warriors move up to Teen Samurai at thirteen, and teens join the adult classes as they mature. Adults may test toward black belt and, by invitation, into the Advanced Weapons Class. Belt ranks (kyu grades, then dan grades) are earned through testing in front of Kaicho, never bought.
Because it is one curriculum taught by one senior instructor, nothing is lost in the hand-offs. A technique a child learns at eight is the same technique, refined, that a black belt drills at forty.
Learn About Belts & RanksYour First Week Is Free. Your First Step Is Right Here.
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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