Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
Youth Instructor Program
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Expand and deepen your Aikido knowledge by learning to teach Aikido to youth.
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With Lia Suzuki Sensei
7th dan Aikikai
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*Currently accepting applications from AKI Los Angeles members only.
Confidence
Get a "blueprint" for teaching Aikido to kids and increase confidence in your teaching, as well as your in your Aikido.
Personal Development
Kids have a way of surprising us with a fresh perspective that we might not bring to the class ourselves. Their insights can bring a deeper understanding and more joy to your own Aikido training, as well as your life outside the dojo.
Leadership
Becoming a teacher really means becoming a leader. As you develop your leadership skills, you'll notice ways that this benefits you in your personal and professional life, as well.
Accelerated Progress
Simply put, more time on the mat equals faster progress and deeper understanding. Whether that time on the mat is spent learning to teach kids or sweating and training in the adults class, the extra time on the mat will pay off big time.
AKI USA Certification
Attain official certification as an AKI USA "Youth Instructor In Training", leading to "Youth Instructor", "Fuku-Shidoin", "Shidoin", etc.
Official AKI USA teaching certification (Ex: Fukushidoin, Shidoin, etc.) is available for those who successfully meet the requirements and qualifications of each stage.
Here’s what you'll get from me:
- My total commitment to your development and success.
- Access to my knowledge and experience of 40+ years of Aikido.
- Teacher training at the dojo twice a week, in the form of our weekly kids classes.
- Two monthly group coaching sessions with me via Zoom (30 min. session).
- A direct “Whatsapp” backchannel with me for quick questions.
- Access to my online teacher training program – MASSIVE VALUE!
Here’s what's required from you:
- A mature commitment to your own Aikido development.
- A mature commitment to becoming the best leader and teacher you can be.
- The openness to receive support and guidance from me or a sempai that I designate.
- Minimum rank of 5th Kyu*.
- A resume, with educational and professional background.
- An interview with me.
Here’s what will be required from you if you're accepted to the program:
- Aikido training:
- You will be required to attend at least two kids classes per week during the term.
- You will be required to attend at least two adults classes per week during your term.
- Seminars and Special Events: To keep your status of "Youth Instructor" or "Youth Instructor In Training", you will be required to attend at least two AKI seminars per year, with at least 1 of them being an AKI Los Angeles seminar.
- Class Prep and Setup: Your duties will also include getting to the dojo early enough to set up the dojo for class.
- Commitment: The minimum commitment is four months, after which time, reapplication is required if you would like to continue.
- Admission: The first two months will be a probation period, after which time, upon favorable evaluation, you'll earn the title of "Youth Instructor In Training" and be officially admitted to the program. (*Candidates under the rank of 5th kyu may also apply for the program but will have a 6-month probation period.)
My commitment to your development
Of course I'm committed to all my students. The time I spend with them is equal to their commitment to my training programs.
It’s not an understatement to say that my Teacher Training Programs are a significant commitment. And my support will be equal to that commitment.
That is why I will be giving you more access to me than in some other programs I offer. This access includes all my expertise, all my knowledge, and all my support and encouragement.
My time, however, is limited. I can only take on a few students. I may need to be selective depending on the demand.
So, if you are interested, fill out the online application. I’ll send you a link to set up an interview (either in person or online) so we can explore if this program is a good fit for you.
Wishing you all the best in your training!
Lia Suzuki
Submit Your Application and Book A Call Now!
What people are saying...
"Lia Sensei changed my life. Her teachings in Aikido have had a profound impact on who I am today and continue to shape me everyday into a stronger, more grounded person.
Lia Sensei is truly a one-of-a-kind teacher. She is passionate to no end about Aikido which comes through in her thoughtful though very Japanese style of teaching. Her Aikido classes always leave me drenched in sweat by the end which I have almost never experienced anywhere else (except Japan!) They are intense, dynamic, and feel the way a martial art should truly feel, like a sacred practice."
"Lia Sensei spent years in Japan absorbing the essence of Aikido training and Japanese perseverance and grace from great teachers, and in turn she now transmits that depth of feeling to her students. Her fundraising and charitable works are exemplary, and she does lots with very little. She is admired from far and wide."
Nat McCully
"I came looking for exercise I wouldn't get bored of and self defense skills, and while I still get plenty of training in those areas, the reasons I come to Aikido have expanded. I now find aikido training helps with emotional strength, mental clarity, spiritual growth, confidence, and even communication (or as we call it, verbal aikido)."
"Lia Suzuki Sensei is a highly qualified teacher of Aikido. She is one of the senior women in the United States in the art. Her training history is top notch and her instruction is powerful, clear, and personable. Very professional."
George Ledyard
"I've found Suzuki Sensei to be a very effective teacher and martial artist. She combines quality of communication, technical proficiency, and a sense of joy in her teaching and technique.
I am also very impressed with her drive and commitment to improving access to Aikido programs for youth, especially those who might otherwise not have the opportunity to receive the benefits of Aikido training."
"I started training aikido in early 2009. Aikido was a good match for me as I wanted a martial art that I could continue doing my entire life. Unfortunately, I've moved around a lot since then - and while I've kept my Aikido up I haven't had one dojo as a "home base." On the other hand, I've worked with many instructors and seen a WIDE range of teaching styles.
Finally, once I arrived in LA I signed up for some intro classes with Kenkyukai to see if the dojo would be a good fit for me. A few classes later, I signed up for the year. Suzuki Sensei embodies many of the principals of Aikido and comes from a direct lineage of Aikidoka. What this means for the layman is she's "close" to the source. She's very skilled and deeply cares about the art."
Are you interested in applying?
Follow these steps to secure your spot.
PLEASE NOTE: In order to provide individual attention and close support for everyone, this program will be limited to 3 students. So if you already know that you are highly interested then I encourage you to submit your application and reserve your spot soon.
STEP 1: Complete and submit your application.
STEP 2: Schedule your interview.
STEP 3: Upon acceptance, make your payment via the link below.
Submit Your Application and Book A Call Now!Next Term Starts...
Enroll in the Youth Teacher Training Program and deepen your Aikido practice!
Application Deadline: October 4, 2024
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Currently accepting applications from AKI Los Angeles Members Only
$1,000 $400Â
IMPORTANT: Make sure you've completed the application, had your call with Suzuki Sensei, and been accepted into the program before making your payment.
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