Little Warriors gives children aged 5-8 the opportunity to practice Aikido, a Japanese martial art centered on blending with your attacker to resolve conflicts non-violently.
We will learn how to raise our awareness, sharpen our focus, and keep our body, mind, and spirit grounded. We will roll, get out of the way, practice basic techniques, and play aiki games - all in a respectful, non-competitive, and fun way!
In this safe and supportive environment, kids build confidence, coordination, and self-control while discovering the joy of movement. Kids will laugh, tumble, and move while learning how to stay calm and centered like true little warriors. Each class nurtures teamwork and respect, helping children develop positive habits while building balance and coordination.
Classes are held on Tuesdays or Thursdays at Aikido of Berkeley (1514 University Ave), with each class limited to no more than eight students to ensure plenty of personal attention for each child.
Meet Your Instructor
Adi Elkin (2nd Dan Black Belt) began her Aikido journey in 2011 and has been teaching children since 2020. With over a decade of dedicated practice, she brings deep knowledge of the art along with a warm, approachable teaching style. Adi believes that martial arts should be discovered through experience, curiosity, and joy rather than rigid discipline.
In her classes, Adi combines clear instruction with playful games and imaginative movement, creating an environment where kids not only learn techniques but also build focus, confidence, and resilience. As both a teacher, a parent, and an illustrator, Adi brings a unique artistic eye to her teaching. She loves weaving creativity and storytelling into each class, helping kids connect with Aikido not just as a martial art, but as a joyful way to move, imagine, and grow.
Her favorite Morihei Ueshiba (the founder of Aikido) quote is: "Always practice the Art of Peace in a vibrant and joyful manner!" - a motto that shines through in every class she leads.
What Parents Say
"Adi is an amazingly patient and inspiring teacher. She manages to playfully and skillfully impart the why and how of Aikido to little kids. Our child is not a fan of organized sports, but they have thrived in the Little Warriors class and are always excited to attend."
"We have had a wonderful experience in the Little Warriors class. Adi Sensei encourages 'focus, awareness, and respect' in an atmosphere that is both highly structured and joyfully playful. Little Warriors includes plenty of instruction through games, which is quite effective. The dojo is a space of warmth, welcome, and learning."
"My kids have had the opportunity to regularly experience the teaching methods of 8 different senseis and 4 different sports coaches. Hands down, Adi is vying for number 1.
As a parent with an extensive background in education, finding Senseis' that understand how to teach children, is very hard to find in martial arts. Adi is remarkably calm and even tempered, compassionate and understanding of different personalities, their needs and feelings of the day. She is dynamic and flexible in her approach, changing exercises, using props and games, instantly responding to class needs. And as a mark of a great teacher, she adapts her week's curriculum to follow up. Her adaptations are sometimes subtle, but for me and another mom with a background in elementary education, it is something we really appreciate.
Adi always brings everything back to the three principles of Aikido: awareness, respect, and focus. She lives and breathes the aikido philosophy and is a fantastic example for our children. We hope our kids are with her for many years to come."