Aikido is a traditional Martial Art that reinforces the development of compassion and understanding. The cooperative atmosphere in our dojo gives children a chance to have fun while they learn the value of respect for others. We begin class with a kneeling bow. At the end of class we bow to one another and say "Domo Arigatoo Gozaemashita." Bowing allows students to show respect to the dojo, their teachers, their partners and most of all to themselves. Students are not allowed to boast or show off. All students in the children's class, regardless of rank, wear white belts so that they treat one another as equals. Two Rivers Aikikai is one of the few select dojos in the country that does not use a colored belt system. Children learn Aikido techniques that use a partner's energy to propel them away. They learn forward and backward rolls on our canvas covered mat to reduce the risk of injuries here in the dojo and out on the playing field, ski slope, or indoor court. Here at the dojo, children experience the result of win win situations and learn that a collaborative effort can produce lasting friendships. Learning can be fun, especially when you do it with a friend.

As your child grows and matures

Teens in an adult class practice with each other
and with adult students.

We will start most children at age 6 or above. If your child can focus for a full hour we will start him or her at age 5. The children's class incorporates Aikido into a few games children like to play like freeze tag, follow the leader, dodge ball, whirling blades of death, and dragon. We do lots of strengthening exercises for the entire body and we practice Aikido techniques and falls. By age 13, we will move children into the adult classes. We currently have several teens practicing with the adults. This gives them a great opportunity to focus on details of Aikido while interacting with other teens and adults in class in a more serious yet safe environment. The minimum age to move into the adult class is 10 for highly focused children.

The formal practice of Aikido at Two Rivers Aikikai will provide your children with improvements in the following areas:

• Personal Skills: Discipline, Focus, Concentration, Self Confidence and Self Awareness.
• Social Skills: Cooperation,Tolerance, Relating to Others, Good Manners.
• Physical Skills: Flexibility, Agility, Balance, Stamina and Strength.
• Cultural Skills: Japanese Customs, Etiquette, Tradition, Language and Clothing.

Development of these areas
will help your children improve
in school and in sports.
They will learn early on,
that exercise on a regular basis
will reduce stress and
anxiety in their lives.

Schedule of Classes:

• Wednesdays at 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.
• Saturdays at 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
• We ask that children and parents observe a class before enrolling.
• Children may then participate in one class before enrolling.
  (They should wear loose clothing such as sweats with long sleeves and pants.)

Monthly Dues:

• $40.00 per child.
• $60.00 for two siblings and $75 for 3 or more siblings.
• Children can attend both Wed. and Sat. classes.

Instructor:

Spiros Koyanis: 5th Dan, Shidoin (USAF certified instructor)

Koyanis Sensei has been teaching Aikido to children and adults since 1988. He earned a Masters Degree in Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1994 and taught middle school mathematics for 5 years before moving to Portland. He has coached a variety of children's sports including soccer, lacrosse and wrestling.

Play interactive games created by Koyanis Sensei.

If you have Macromedia's Flash 5 Player you can click on the links to the games and play.
Turn your sounds on for a total experience.
You can download Macromedia's Shockwave Flash 5 Player for free. Click here to download the Player. It downloads quickly.

Tilegame One (60k) is a memory game of concentration for our younger players.
Tilegame Two (43k) is for players who want to challenge their ability to concentrate and focus.
Aikigame (180k) is an Aikido word game similar to hangman. Can you guess the word from Aikido before you lose your belt? Download time is about 60 seconds with a 28.8k bps connection.