Aikido training for kids is fun, effective self-defense, and beneficial in many
ways both physical and emotional.  River City Aikido prides itself on providing
professional instruction, fostering a class atmosphere of trust and safety, and
keeping high expectations for behavior and social interaction.

Adult supervision is constant and vigilant, and the ratio of children to adults in
the room is typically 6:1, sometimes more if the class is smaller.  Class sizes do
not generally exceed 12.  We believe that individualized instruction is essential,
and classes of a larger size generally prevent the attention that children need.

Brian Hill is a licensed clinical social worker, and works with children
professionally.  Julie Linker, Phd, the primary co-instructor, is a licensed child
psychologist.  Peter Truitt, one of the senior students in the dojo is a regular
helper.  During family classes, there are frequently 2-3 parents training along
with their kids.  So, a parent can be assured that the child is being treated with
dignity and respect at all times, and that the individual learning needs of the
child are being professionally evaluated and respected.
Aikido practice extends beyond the mat, and at River City Aikido, fostering positive
relationships with family members is essential.  Listening to parents expertise about their
children and involving them in their child's training is important for the child to feel
supported.  

Instructors Brian Hill and Julie Linker have also pioneered an exciting new method of
bringing aikido practice to children with challenging emotional and behavioral needs.  The
Therapeutic Martial Arts Program which was piloted between 2004 and 2006 at the
nationally known Virginia Treatment Center for Children was widely lauded among the
children, staff, and parents.  Brian and Julie look forward to bringing the program into the
community for children who wouldn't typically fit into regular martial arts classes.  Please
see the link above to a more technical description of the program.

We do expect children to test for promotion to the next color belt, as this fosters goal
setting and an achievement oriented mindset, while also providing challenge and healthy
stress to learn coping in a safe, structured environment.  The instructors provide ample
coaching and mentoring to insure readiness and provide success experiences for children.
Kids' Aikido Classes
Brian Sensei (left front row) and Mark Larson Sensei prepare to bow the kids in for practice on
the morning of the 2009 Mark Larson Seminar.
2006 Mark Larson Seminar
2009 Mark Larson Seminar
2007 Kids Class