“If you do Aikido, it takes away the stress of homework.”

• Elishai Shapiro, 12
• Student
• AKI Los Angeles

Elishai, who began Aikido at age 9, has been training with Suzuki Sensei for 3 years. He wanted to try martial arts and then some friends who were training at the dojo, told...

Healthy Outlet for Excess Energy

As teens grow into their bodies, they go through phases where their physical coordination suffers. Teens need activities that continue to develop their motor skills and overall strength and conditioning, while also developing their smaller muscles, support...

“I was really surprised. I had gotten used to training with adults and stronger people. I barely had to do anything to get [the kids] to fall down.”

The following is from one of our youth members. As a member of the Teens’ Leadership Team, he is held to a higher standard for...

“There’s a type of tranquility and presentness in Aikido that I haven’t experienced anywhere else. Every epiphany I get in Aikido comes from me surrendering a habit of excessive mental control and learning to trust my body and create a balanced connection.”

• Andy Dulman,...