If we had our say, we would teach all children Martial arts – it is simply such a powerful tool for growth when practiced responsibly.
We have found no better way to strengthen bodies, impart life lessons and develop the resilience necessary to meet life challenges. At Martial Spirit, our junior programs are truly unique. Only our most experienced coaches instruct children.
Our programs also include formal training in 3 different arts; Aikido, Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, allowing for specialisation in later years. These are taught using the structure and values of the traditional approach that has been preserved for hundreds of years in Asia.
Sprouts (3 - 7 Years)
AIKIDO • JUDO • BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
Childhood is the ideal time to develop confidence, coordination and a lifelong love of movement.
Our Sprout Program has been carefully designed to introduce young children to martial arts through an engaging blend of Aikido, Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Rather than focusing on a single art, we teach the fundamental movement skills that form the foundation of all martial arts: balance, coordination, agility, safe falling, body awareness and respectful interaction with others.
By developing these skills first, children gain the confidence and physical literacy needed to progress naturally into more advanced martial arts training as they grow. This approach not only accelerates their long-term development but also creates capable, adaptable and resilient young movers.
Every class combines agility and coordination exercises, games, tumbling and safe falling, age-appropriate martial arts techniques and plenty of opportunities to learn through movement. Sessions are energetic, challenging and, above all, fun. Children leave each class feeling proud of what they have achieved while developing discipline, resilience and respect in a positive and encouraging environment.
Parents are invited to participate in selected activities throughout the program, creating a shared experience that strengthens confidence, encourages learning and often results in the whole family becoming part of our dojo community. Some of our favourite moments on the mat are those shared between parents and children.
Our goal is not simply to teach children martial arts. It is to help them develop a healthy relationship with movement, discover the joy of disciplined practice and build the confidence, character and physical skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Sprout Classes
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Thrive (8 - 14 Years)
AIKIDO • JUDO • BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
As children grow, so does their capacity to learn, persevere and challenge themselves.
Our Thrive Program is designed for students who are ready to build upon the foundations established in the Sprout Program. Through the complementary study of Aikido, Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, students continue developing the movement skills, confidence and character that prepare them for a lifetime of martial arts practice.
In an age where children spend increasing amounts of time in front of screens, martial arts offers something profoundly valuable: the opportunity to reconnect with their bodies, solve problems through movement and experience the satisfaction that comes from earning genuine skill through practice.
Every class is physically engaging, mentally stimulating and carefully structured to challenge students at their own level. They develop strength, coordination, balance and agility while learning progressively more sophisticated martial arts principles and techniques. Just as importantly, they learn resilience, patience, focus and the confidence that comes from overcoming challenges through their own effort.
Our integrated approach draws upon the strengths of Aikido, Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to provide children with a broad and well-rounded martial arts education. Rather than specialising too early, students develop exceptional body awareness, safe movement patterns and adaptable skills that become the foundation for more advanced training in the years ahead.
At Shinzenryu Aikido, we believe children thrive when they are encouraged to work hard, support one another and discover what they are truly capable of. Every achievement is earned through practice, every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow, and every class helps students become a little more capable, confident and resilient than they were the day before.
Thrive Classes
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm