Children & Teens Programme
School Term Time Classes | Ealing w5
For children from 10 to 14 years of age
(For ages 15+, please click here)
Our Aikido children’s classes at Gyodokan, Ealing are suitable for both beginners and those with experience, helping students build confidence, discipline, and physical coordination through the non-competitive, traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido in a fun, focused environment.
This is a NEW programme starting November 4th 2024 in school term Autumn 2, designed for youngsters from 10 to 14 years of age, offering a fun and structured way to learn the art of Aikido while developing key life skills.
- Class Time: Mondays, 5:15pm – 6:15pm (Term time only)
- Location: St Matthew’s Church Hall, North Common Rd, Ealing
- Fees: £65 per half term/ £110 per term (See Schedule below)
- Trial Classes: 4 week trial period for £40 (then pay the difference if your child joins). Please note, the trial period is compulsory for all children.
Autumn 2 deadline for trial enrolment: 25th October 2024
Limited spaces available. Uniform not required for trial classes.
What Aikido Offers
- Learn about Japanese culture
- Develop focus, discipline, and mental and physical agility
- Build confidence and coordination through techniques practice, warm-ups, and conditioning
- Learn how to fall and receive techniques safely
Additional Information
- Classes are led by experienced instructors (See instructors below).
- Those from age 15+ may progress to join the regular classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or when deemed ready.
- Safe and supportive environment for all skill levels.
- Household/ sibling discount available after trials.
2024-2025 Schedule
- Autumn 2: November 4th- December 16th 2024
- Spring 1: Jan 6th- Feb 10th 2025
- Spring 2: Feb 24th- March 31st
- Summer 1: April 28th- May 19th
- Summer 2: May 30th- July 21st
No classes on bank holidays. Summer term fees will be adjusted to reflect this.
Meet the Instructors
Cathy Okada
Lead Instructor
Cathy sensei founded Gyodokan in September 2023 alongside Ivan Melo sensei. She teaches the adult's Aikido and weapons classes and leads both the children's programme and the junior kenshusei programme.
Fully enhanced DBS certified and first aid trained, Cathy sensei has worked with children and teenagers since 2012 in schools as a music teacher, before transitioning to focusing her efforts more fully on Aikido instruction and more recently the establishment of Gyodokan.
She has been teaching a successful children's programme in North London at Aikido of London since the summer of 2023.
James Nicholls
Junior Kenshusei/ Assistant Instructor
James started training Aikido in 2023 under the instruction of Ismail Hasan sensei at Gyodokan's sister dojo in Archway (Aikido of London), joining Gyodokan after its opening in the same year.
James has also visited Japan and trained in Tokyo and Kyoto, including Aikido Hombu Dojo. Additionally, James has taken up Iaido, is learning Japanese, and has a deep interest in Budo and Japanese traditional culture & history. Outside the dojo, he enjoys skiing, sailing and is working to achieve a Private Pilot's Licence.
James is a Gyodokan junior Kenshusei (teaching apprentice). He is first aid qualified and assists in the delivery of the youth classes under the guidance and mentorship of the senior instructors.
Contact
St Matthew's Church Hall, North Common Road, Ealing W5 3QA (no mail by post)
Hours
Mondays
6:30pm-7pm: Zazen
7:10pm-7:30pm Aikido (Adults)
Tuesdays:
6:30pm-7:30pm: Aikido (Adults & under 18s)
7:30pm-8:30pm: Weapons
Thursdays
6:30pm-7:30pm: Aikido (Adults & under 18s)
7:30pm-8:30pm: Aikido (Adults)