Martial arts for teens · Philadelphia
Teens train here, on the same mat as everyone else.
Ages 12 and up. Teens train in the regular classes, alongside the adults. The first class is free.
Book my first class →What it’s like for a teenager.
Teenagers train with everyone else and learn what everyone learns: how to fall without getting hurt, how to get out of a grab, how to keep their own balance and take someone else’s. It’s hard physical work.
For parents: you’re welcome to watch the first class, but you don’t have to. When you book, tick “This booking is for someone under 18,” and a parent or guardian types their name as the signature on the waiver.
Pick your day.
Class runs four days a week. Your first one’s free. Come whichever fits your schedule.
- Wednesday7:00 – 7:50 PMAikidoStart here. Our fullest class of the week.
- Monday7:00 – 8:00 PMAikido
- Saturday11:00 – 11:50 AMAikido
- Thursday7:00 – 7:45 PMAikido
We’re upstairs at 2515 W Girard Ave, Studio A. Use the door just to the left of the Koa Strength entrance, then head up the stairs. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Doors lock when class starts. We’ll meet you at the top. Zazen follows some classes, and you’re welcome to stay for it. Misogi is something you build up to.
What they’ll practice.
- Falling safely, forward and backward, until it’s automatic.
- Getting out of grabs: one wrist, both wrists, the shoulder, and from behind.
- Moving off the line of an attack instead of standing in front of it.
- Joint locks and pins that control someone without injuring them.
Why train here.
Treated seriously.
Teens train in the regular classes, with the adults, to the same standard. Nobody waters it down because you’re younger.
Focus and patience.
A technique takes a lot of repetitions before it works. You learn to stay with something hard long after it stops being new.
Strength and confidence.
It’s hard physical work: falling, getting up and doing it again. You come out stronger, better conditioned and more sure of yourself.
5.0 on Google · 40+ reviews
Shingo B.“The training done here (both Aikido and Zen) is extremely rigorous and disciplined. I have never faced myself more intensely than I have in the practice done at this Dojo.”
James S.
“Lemon Hill is a great school. The training is rigorous and there is a culture of dedication and respect that extends the training into all aspects of practice.”
What it costs after.
$75 a month for students under 18, unlimited classes.
If dues are the thing standing in the way, ask about a scholarship. That’s what it’s there for.
Questions.
Can teenagers train?
Yes, from age 12. Teenagers train in the regular classes, alongside the adults. Several have joined recently, and it’s been a wonderful addition to the dojo.
Do I need any experience?
None at all. Everyone started at zero at some point, and the mat is a mix of people who’ve trained before and people who haven’t.
What should I wear?
Wear sweatpants and a t-shirt (or change at the dojo). We train barefoot.
What if I can't afford it?
We believe Aikido should be available to all, regardless of income. We offer partial need-based scholarships to serious students. Email us to inquire.
Where do I park?
Girard Ave is metered. Free street parking is usually easy to find a block south, around Robert Morris School at 26th and Thompson.
From me
“If you want to train, this is a good place to train. And I hope you train with us! But I won’t try to convince you.
When I found my teacher’s dojo in Brooklyn, nobody had to sell me on it. I watched and knew. So come watch a class, or better, take one.”
Cruciani Sensei, Chief Instructor
Come train Wednesday.
Your first class is free, and no experience is needed. Booking takes about a minute.
Book my first class →Upstairs at 2515 W Girard Ave, Studio A, Philadelphia. Door to the left of the Koa Strength entrance. Questions? Text (971) AIKIDO-1.