“I continue Aikido because it’s fun now that I’ve gotten used to the training. I feel weird if I don’t keep doing it now. The benefits of training Aikido for me is good exercise and defense skills. Aikido is something I should stay with, and a part of me.”
- Kevin Coronado, 14
- Student
- AKI Los Angeles
Kevin, who began Aikido at age 11, has been training with Suzuki Sensei for 3 years. Brought by his parents who heard about the dojo through word of mouth, Kevin joined because it looked fun.
At his first class, he admits that he was nervous because he didn’t know anybody. Not only did Kevin successfully integrate, but after about 1 year of exemplary attendance and effort, he was nominated to the Teens Leadership Team. He has now served 2 years.
With the elevated status of Leadership Team member, comes increased responsibility. He is required to attend a minimum number of youth classes and adult classes per week, volunteer at seminars and fundraisers, apprentice under a senior teacher to learn teaching technique and overall, set an example for the other youth to aspire to. (More on Leadership Team in another article.)
Apart from training, Kevin attends La Colina Jr. High School and enjoys drawing and playing instruments.
When asked what his life would be like with no Aikido, Kevin replied, “I would just be a lazy kid doing nothing but watching TV and playing video games.”
Those who wish to train with Kevin will find him attending classes at the organization’s Santa Barbara dojo every Monday and Wednesday and making the trek to the Los Angeles dojo for international seminars.
Confidence
Your teen will build his or her fitness level, meet new goals, learn new skills, and get tons of endorphins. Aikido training will give your teen unshakable confidence throughout life.
Fitness
Responsibility & Accountability
Aikido training will teach your teen to make responsible choices and also to be responsible and accountable to others.
Belonging
Training at our dojo your teen will instantly become part of a positive, non-judgmental network. He or she will have a support group of like-minded Aikido-ists and feel they are part of something special.
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Kids
Discipline, respect, confidence fun.
Memories to last a lifetime.
Tweens & Teens
Focus, respect, work ethic.
Valuable life lessons.
What Others Are Saying
Don't just take it from us, let our dojo members & alumni do the talking!
"So much enthusiasm and dedication from Lia Sensei! Thank you for teaching our kids so superbly!"
"The work that Suzuki Sensei is doing with her students is phenomenal! I've been to the Santa Barbara dojo and trained as a guest. The dojo is spacious, the students kind and generous - and earnest martial artists."
"If you happen to live in any of the locations where Sensei has a dojo go and train. You will be glad you did. If you have children that are in need of a nourishing and fun environment - Aikido Kenkykai is the place to take them."
"We love it! Nikki loves Sensei Lia! She is so loving and awesome with the kids."
AKI Hollywood
3929 Middlebury St.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
AKI Los Angeles
3929 Middlebury St.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Call or Text: 424-209-2083
AKI Santa Barbara
112 W. Cabrillo Blvd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
AKI Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Call or Text: 805-870-5437
AKI Philadelphia
1458 County Line Rd., Unit G
Huntingdon Valley, Pa 19006
AKI Pennsylvania
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
Call or Text: 805-636-3632
Don't Be Shy
Feel free to drop us a line anytime. Call or Text: 424-209-2083. Or email us at admin@aki-usa.org