Children & Teens Programme
School Term Time Classes | Ealing w5
Register now for our 4 Week Pilot from Monday June 23rd- Monday 14th July
For children from 8 to 15 years of age
(For ages 16+, please click here)
Building on the successful children’s programme taught by Cathy sensei at our north London sister dojo, Aikido of London, we are excited to launch our NEW Ealing-based classes designed for young people aged 8 to 15. Our sessions offer a fun and structured way to learn Aikido while developing key life skills such as confidence, discipline, and physical coordination — all in a supportive, non-competitive environment.
Before our full programme begins in September, we will be running a 4-week pilot trial on the following dates:
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Monday 23rd June
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Monday 30th June
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Monday 7th July
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Monday 14th July
Time: Mondays, 5:20pm – 6:20pm
Location: St Matthew’s Church Hall, North Common Rd, Ealing
Pilot Fee: £40 for all four sessions
Uniform is not required for the trial classes. If the trial is successful, regular term-time classes will officially start from September 2025, in line with the new academic year. Sibling/ family discounts are available after the trial period.
Regular Fees (from September):
£65 per half term / £110 per full term
WE HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF SPACES AVAILABLE FOR THE TRIAL. PLEASE BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
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.
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-8:30pm Aikido (Adults)
Tuesdays:
7pm-8pm: Aikido (Adults & 16+)
8pm-9pm: Weapons
Thursdays
7pm-8pm: Aikido (Adults & 16+)
8pm-9pm: Aikido (Adults)