[Note: This interview was done a few years ago. As of 2022, Kevin still trains and even earned the opportunity to accompany Suzuki Sensei on a training trip to Japan when he was 17! The photo is from a visit to the giant Buddha in Kamakura, Japan.]
“I continue Aikido because it’s fun...
By: Diego Perrudin
Aikido has been one of the best learning experiences.
At first I was just looking for a sport to do because I had too much energy and my mom recommended martial arts. She looked up different martial arts and found that Aikido would be a great choice. We checked around us and we...
“During this time I learned how to be a bigger part of the dojo, but more importantly, how to teach. I was very scared, because I didn’t think I was ready. But I tried, and succeeded.”
The following is from one of our youth members. As a member of the Teens’ Leadership...
“If you do Aikido, it takes away the stress of homework.”
- Elishai Shapiro, 12
- Student
- AKI Los Angeles
Elishai, who began Aikido at age 9, has been training with Suzuki Sensei for 3 years. He wanted to try martial arts and then some friends who were training at the dojo, told...
“I continue Aikido because it’s fun now that I’ve gotten used to the training. I feel weird if I don’t keep doing it now. The benefits of training Aikido for me is good exercise and defense skills. Aikido is something I should stay with, and a part of me.”
- ...
Healthy Outlet for Excess Energy
As teens grow into their bodies, they go through phases where their physical coordination suffers. Teens need activities that continue to develop their motor skills and overall strength and conditioning, while also developing their smaller muscles, support...
“I was really surprised. I had gotten used to training with adults and stronger people. I barely had to do anything to get [the kids] to fall down.”
The following is from one of our youth members. As a member of the Teens’ Leadership Team, he is held to a higher standard for...
There are other aikido dojo closer to where we live in Los Angeles. What first drew me to Lia-sensei was her transmission of the Japanese style. As someone who spent time in Japan, I really appreciated this: it wasn’t just that she used Japanese for the names of holds/throws and...
