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Junior aikido for children
Aikido is a safe and versatile martial art for children. Training develops body control, self-confidence, and social skills in a playful atmosphere.
Tampere
Training times
Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday
Age group
Ages 7–12
Hyvinkää
Training times
Tuesday (Harrasta Hyvinkäällä!), Friday and Sunday
Age group
Ages 7–12
Bonus: Hyvinkää members are always welcome to train in Tampere at no extra cost!
Why junior aikido?
Junior aikido for children offers exercise where competition is not the focus. Classes practice falling, movement, and cooperation through play. Children learn to listen, look after training partners, and build confidence at their own pace.
Groups are for ages 7–12 in Tampere and Hyvinkää. Children under seven often fit better in family aikido; from age 13 they usually move to the youth and adult group. The first visit is free, and sweatpants are enough to start. When training continues, a gi can come later. See also juniors training.
Many children feel nervous the first time — that is normal. Instructors bring newcomers in gently, and the pace stays playful. A parent can watch the first sessions if that helps. We train barefoot on the tatami; a long-sleeved shirt and flexible pants are most comfortable. Leave jewellery and hard buckles off.
How to Start
Sign up for a beginner course
Juniors start their aikido journey with a beginner course, which is organized a few times a year. Read more about the basic course.
Come try it out
The first training session is always free. You only need sweatpants and a t-shirt.
Continue training
After the course, you can continue with weekly group sessions.
Safety, ages, and what to wear
Junior groups are for ages 7–12. Classes focus on safe falling, body control, and cooperation in a playful atmosphere — without competition. Instructors keep the pace age-appropriate, and new children get support from the start.
Sweatpants and a t-shirt are enough at first; a gi can come later. Book a free trial class or see pricing (juniors from €40/month; a lower Hyvinkää-only option is also available).
Parent FAQ
Is aikido dangerous? Falling is taught softly and step by step. Strength or wrestling is not required — practice is based on cooperation, not winning. If your child has a prior injury or special need, tell the instructor beforehand so practice can be adapted.
Does my child need prior experience? No. Many start with no martial arts background. Whether shy or energetic, children are welcome — instruction adapts to the group. In the first sessions, the main thing is that the child feels safe enough to step on the mat and try at their own pace.
What happens in class? A short warm-up, playful movement, falling practice, and simple partner tasks. Afterwards children can usually explain what they did — and often want to come back. If a session feels too much, they can watch and join again the following week.
What should parents know? Arrive a few minutes early so there is time to change. Tie long hair back and empty pockets. A water bottle is useful. After class, a light chat about what felt fun often helps the child stick with the hobby — without pressure to “perform”.
Want to learn more about what aikido is all about — or what to expect from the first class?
What Juniors Learn
Interested?
Contact us to learn more about junior beginner courses or come visit a training session!