Young Warriors: Kids Aikido Ages 7–12
Our flagship kids martial arts program in Hickory, NC. Four evenings a week, Young Warriors learn real self-defense, bully-proof confidence and the character to use both wisely, from an 8th Dan with 57 years on the mat.
Young Warriors is AikiDojo of Hickory’s core martial arts program for children ages 7–12. Classes run Monday through Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM and teach traditional Aikido self-defense, escapes, throws, joint locks and pins, alongside a character curriculum focused on respect, focus, courage and bully prevention. New students get a free week.
What Young Warriors Learn on the Mat
Real Self-Defense
Escapes from grabs, chokes and holds; throws and pins that control a bigger kid without punching. Technique that works at recess.
Bully-Proof Confidence
Awareness, boundaries, a strong voice, and the calm certainty that comes from knowing you can handle yourself.
Focus & Discipline
Every class demands attention to a partner. Teachers in Hickory schools notice the difference within a semester.
Falling & Rolling
Advanced ukemi. Forward rolls, breakfalls, high falls; that make kids nearly injury-proof in every sport.
Belt Progression
A structured rank system with tests in front of Kaicho. Every belt is earned, which is exactly why it matters.
Character Lessons
Short, direct talks on respect, honesty, perseverance and courage, reinforced by how the class is run.
Young Warriors Schedule in Hickory, NC
All classes at 2364 Springs Rd NE, Hickory, NC 28601. Membership includes every Young Warriors class on the schedule.
| Day | Time | Class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Young Warriors (Ages 7–12)Young Warriors | Book free trial → |
| Tuesday | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Young Warriors (Ages 7–12)Young Warriors | Book free trial → |
| Wednesday | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Young Warriors (Ages 7–12)Young Warriors | Book free trial → |
| Thursday | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Young Warriors (Ages 7–12)Young Warriors | Book free trial → |
Why Young Warriors Is Hickory’s Kids Martial Arts Program of Choice
Most kids programs are either babysitting with belts or sport-karate with a tournament calendar. Young Warriors is neither. It is traditional Aikido, taught seriously, to children, with a schedule built for real families. Four evenings a week means a child can train twice a week around soccer season and four times when they’re chasing a belt.
The results parents describe are consistent: a shy kid who starts speaking up, an anxious kid who stops melting down, a big-for-his-age kid who learns that strength is for protecting people. Neurodivergent students, in particular, thrive on the structure and patience of the class. Young Warriors graduate into Teen Samurai at thirteen.
Young Warriors Questions, Answered
How many days a week should my child train?
Two is the minimum for steady progress; three or four is ideal for kids chasing rank. Membership includes all four evenings.
My child is 7 but has never done martial arts. Young Warriors or Beginner Kids?
Usually Beginner Kids first for a few weeks, then Young Warriors. Kaicho will place your child after the first class of the free week.
Does Young Warriors include bully prevention?
Yes. Awareness, verbal boundaries, escapes and non-injurious control techniques are a core part of the curriculum, alongside the character lessons that make kids less likely to be targeted in the first place.
Will my child compete in tournaments?
No. Traditional Aikido has no tournaments. Students test for belt ranks in front of Kaicho instead.
Is there a free trial?
Yes! one free week of unlimited Young Warriors classes.
From Hickory Families
“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.”
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 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 KidsTeen Samurai
Serious training for teenagers: practical self-defense, weapons fundamentals, discipline and the mental toughness to handle pressure.
Explore Teen SamuraiYour Free Week of Young Warriors 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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