Kid's Class:
every Wednesday
4:45 - 5:45pm
Aikido does not teach kids how to fight, instead teaching how to protect themselves. It takes the traditional philosophy and spirit of the Samurai, described by the saying “True victory is victory over yourself”, which meant that at all times the Samurai should focus on mastering self-control. In accordance, Aikido encourages us to manage ourselves better in life.
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Our Kid's Class is open for 7 to 13 year olds. Sensei Gotaro Kitayama is the lead instructor of the class. He started Aikido in 1996 in Osaka, Japan, and has been a member of Brisbane Aikikai for well over 10 years. In daily life he is a Japanese Seitai Massage Therapist and runs a traditional Seitai clinic.
He holds the following:
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Aikikai 3rd Dan (3rd degree black-belt)
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Level 2 NCAS Martial Arts Instructor (Australian Sports Commission)
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Certified Personal trainer
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Queensland Police Blue Card
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Enquiries about our Kid's Class can be sent direct to Kitayama sensei at:
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If you don't receive a reply within 24 hours, please try our contact page.
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Kitayama sensei explains his approach to teaching the Kid's Class:
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Aikido does not rely on strength, so people of all ages can enjoy training. Also important for children growing up in today’s competitive and stressful society, Aikido allows them to train within their own abilities and at their own pace, without the pressure to win in competition, since Aikido has no competitions. In the Kids Class we seek to:
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Build self-confidence
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Proper self-confidence also comes with humility (people with too much confidence are often “arrogant”)
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Develop freedom within discipline
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We must know self-discipline to fully appreciate freedom
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Learn calmness
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No matter how hard our heart beats, our mind needs be calm to make the right decision under pressure. Aikido training uses many exercises to develop a calm mind
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Become stronger whilst showing care and respect towards weaker people
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True martial artists never abuse or misuse the arts and always help people in need.
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"Team Kid's Class"
Our Instructors and Assistants
photo: Kitayama sensei (middle left) & Mark Pearcy sensei (middle right)
Kid's Class Fees
$80 per term (via online transfer only)
50% discount for any sibling
(eg. 2nd/3rd/4th child in family only $40 each)
Free training during Term 1,2,3 school holidays (Summer holiday a fee of $10 per class applies).
An annual insurance fee also applies when joining.
Dojo Kokoroe
(Dojo Minimum Etiquette)
The Dojo is not a place where you can do anything. There is a list of etiquette rules that must be followed for students and parents to train smoothly in the respectful manner that is the traditional way. The below lists contain just the minimum etiquette rules. The instructors will explain these etiquette rules from time to time and may also require students and parents to follow other necessary etiquette rules.
For Students:
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Make a standing bow to the centre of the Dojo when you enter and leave the Dojo
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Do not come to the Dojo with bare feet
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Take off your hat or cap when you enter the Dojo
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Before entering the Tatami mat area:
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Take off your shoes and place them neatly in the storage area;
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Take off all jewellery; and
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Tie up long hair with simple bands
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Cut your nails before training
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Only female students can where a shirt under the Dogi uniform
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Make a sitting bow to the KAMIZA when you enter and leave the Tatami mat area
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Bow formally to the instructor at the beginning and the end of class
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If you are late, wait at the corner of the Tatami mat area with a completed acknowledgement form for the instructors. When the instructor gives you permission to join the class, apologise, complete the warm up exercises and join the class
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Do not walk in between people who are bowing to each other or talking
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Listen carefully to the instructor and follow their instructions, otherwise you may be asked to sit in Seiza and watch the rest of the class
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Train within your ability and look after your training partners
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Keep personal conversations to a minimum and stay focused during training
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Sit properly (kneeling or crossed leg position) when the instructor explains or demonstrates
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Inform the instructor immediately if you are unwell or feel unusual
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Obtain permission from the instructor if you would like to have a rest during training
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Drink water when you need to but only drink at the corner of the Tatami mat area
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Show your appreciation and say “thank you” to your training partners at the end of class
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Clean the Dojo after each class
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Be humble and do not show off Aikido techniques
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For Parents:
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Please make a standing bow to the centre of the Dojo when you enter and leave the Dojo and the Tatami mat area
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Please do not come to the Dojo with bare feet
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Please take off shoes and line them up neatly before stepping onto the Tatami mats area or the designated parents area on the mats
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Please make a standing or sitting bow together with the other parents and students at the start and the end of the class
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Please refrain from talking loudly during training (minimum tone for mobile phones)
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Please clean Dogi uniform after each class for your children
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Please look after and supervise your children at all times while they are in the Dojo and report to the instructor if something is wrong or unusual
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Our Kid's Class has a “No Drop off & Pick up” policy that requires all kids to be accompanied by a parent to the Tatami mat area before and after the class. For under 12 year olds, at least one parent must stay and assist your own child’s toilet needs during class.
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All of us are volunteers, so please help instructors or senior members as much as possible