Children Classes Resume January 2023

After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, I am happy to announce that we are resuming children classes at Toronto Aikikai starting in January 2023.

As in the past, our Children Program will be closely aligned with the school year. Classes will take place during the Winter, Spring and Fall, with time off periods during March Break, the Summer months and the winter holiday season.

The 2023 Winter Term starts on Tuesday January 10 and ends on Tuesday April 4, 2023.
The 2023 Spring Term starts on Sunday April 9 and ends on Tuesday June 27.
The 2023 Fall Term starts on Tuesday September 5 and ends on Tuesday December 19.

Classes for children ages 5 to 11 will take place at the dojo on:
• Tuesdays from 5:00 to 5:45 pm; and
• Sundays from 9:30 to 10:15 am.

Although we adhere to the above Terms so as to have examinations for the next belt at the end of a Term, children can join at any time, not only at the beginning of a Term.

Joe Kirby, one of our senior members, will be the main instructor, assisted on Tuesdays by Roxana Mares and on Sundays by Kelly Harris. Joe's, Roxana's and Kelly's children will also be participating in the classes.

Additional details can be found in the sections below.

As space is limited, I recommend you register your child early to reserve a spot. Registration is without obligation and does not require payment.

The Children Program instructors and I look forward to welcoming your child to our classes.

Sensei

Robert Zimmermann Shihan
Chief Instructor - Toronto Aikikai

How to join the Children Program?

Joining the Children Program is really easy and consists of 3 steps:

Register your child for classes.
Registration instructions are in the section "How do I register my child for classes?" below.
Bring your child to the dojo for a no-obligation free trial class.
If your child wants to continue you make a payment and they join the dojo.
Payment instructions are in the section "How much does it cost?" below.

The Children Program

The Children Program


The Children Program introduces children to the basic concepts and techniques of Aikido.
● FOR WHO	The Program is specifically tailored for children 5 to 11 years of age with or without prior experience who are interested in trying out Aikido.
● FOCUS	With an emphasis on safety, children learn the fundamentals of Aikido practice including etiquette, footwork, body movement, posture, positioning, basic techniques, falling safely and weapons practice, all under the supervision of senior instructors.
● BENEFITS	Among many other benefits, Aikido practice improves health, increases flexibility, sharpens reflexes, enhances coordination, improves body alignment, promotes relaxation and encourages harmonious interaction with others. And of course it's a fun and excellent way to learn self-defense and the most modern of Japanese martial arts.

When and where are the classes held?

Classes take place on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 5:45 pm and on Sundays from 9:30 to 10:15 am at the dojo.
Children can attend an unlimited number of classes from the schedule below.

MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
					IAIDO D, Z Eric 9:30-10:30 am	AIKIDO CHILDREN - D Jo, Kelly 9:30-10:15 am
					WEAPONS D, HP Sensei 10:45-11:45 am	INTRO to IAIJUTSU D, Z Joel 10:30-11:45 am
	AIKIDO CHILDREN - D Jo, Roxana 5:00-5:45 pm	AIKIDO YOUTH - D Mike 5:00-5:45 pm		AIKIDO YOUTH - D Alireza 5:15-6:00 pm	AIKIDO D Sensei 12:00-1:00 pm	AIKIDO D Joel 12:00- 1:00 pm
IAIDO D, Z Eric 6:00-7:00 pm	WEAPONS D Sensei 6:00-7:00 pm	IAIDO D, Z Eric 6:00-7:00 pm	AIKIDO D Eric 6:00-7:00 pm	AIKIDO D Alireza 6:15-7:15 pm
AIKIDO D Sensei 7:15-8:30 pm	AIKIDO D Yelitza 7:15-8:30 pm	AIKIDO D Sensei 7:15-8:30 pm	AIKIDO D Yelitza 7:15-8:30 pm

D = at dojo, Z = Zoom, HP = outdoors at High Park

Can I visit the dojo to observe a class?

Yes. You do not need an appointment to observe any of our classes.

Can my child try a free class ?

Yes. To participate you need to register your child by following the instructions below.

How do I register my child for classes?

To register your child for classes or to try a free class please complete and submit the Registration Form below. Once we receive the form we will contact you with further details.

What should my child wear and bring for a class at the dojo?

For the trial class: comfortable clothes, gym clothes or a white martial arts uniform if your child has one. No shorts please.
After joining the dojo: a white martial arts uniform and a pair of sandals for walking within the dojo while not on the mat.
Wearing a face mask is optional.

What should your child expect when arriving for a class?

Practice on the mat is barefoot.
Before joining a class your child will be required to sanitize their hands and feet.

How much does it cost?

There are costs for tuition, uniform and rank examination, as follows:

Tuition

Cost for tuition for the full 3 month Term is $ 260.
If paying monthly the cost is $90 / month.
You can see additional options on the Fees page.
Payment for tuition is due during the first week of the period payable.

Uniform

Cost of the uniform is additional, $60.
We do not sell sandals. You can purchase them at any store that carries them. Any kind of sandals will do.

Examination

Rank examinations for promotion to the next belt level take place during the last two weeks at the end of the Term.
The cost for the examination is $25, which includes a diploma and a new belt.

All prices include HST.

Payment can be made

in cash or by cheque at the dojo,
by e-transfer to torontoaikikai[at]gmail.com, or
through Paypal or a credit card by using the "Donate" button below.

Please note:

Most of the time the Paypal donation / credit card process works just fine, but, every now and then it fails. We have found that this is not a problem with the button above but with Paypal itself. If you encounter this problem, the fix that has worked in every instance is to try again later. Apologies beforehand for the inconvenience if you encounter this erratic behaviour.
Please do not send payment via Paypal to the email address above as it only works for e-transfers. For payments with Paypal or with a credit card please use the Donate button above. Thanks.

Do you have additional questions?

We'll be happy to answer all your questions.
Please Contact Us.

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Subject:
REGISTRATION FORM Fields indicated by * are required.
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