The aims of the children and young adult (7-14 years old) program at Rising Sun Aikido are the introduction of the most important aikido movements (tai sabaki), learning about how to take or maintain one's balance, practicing basic Japanese expressions related to training, and to raise awareness about powerful, yet non-aggressive resolutions of conflicts. Every three months, the students are given an opportunity to demonstrate their martial art in a formal examination.

The beginner’s class introduces the basic concepts and movements of Aikido. Students will learn a number of foundation techniques from an array of attacks. In addition to defensive techniques, methods of receiving techniques (ukemi) is emphasized. This class runs for eight weeks, and starts the first full week of each month. The course cost is $100 and students may attend one or both of the classes each week. The two classes per week cover the same material.Here are some hints for what beginners need coming to their first class:

1. Come at least 15 minutes early to fill out forms
2. Wear loose clothing (sweats and a t-shirt)
3. Training uniforms (dogi) are also available to purchase
4. Remember - always train with joy!

Unlike the other classes where a step-by-step teaching and learning sequence is emphasized and followed, the advanced class' learning philosophy rests in "doing aikido" -- the emphasis is on the student being able to "see" the teacher performing any number of techniques in his or her art and then repeating or "copying" those techniques from the teacher. In addition, during the advanced class the student is encouraged to gain an understanding of the essence of the art to the best of the their abilities. This process allows the student to conceptualize the possibilities, which exist at any one particular moment in time. The advanced classes, by design, are less structured with regards how the student performs a technique but are focused on continuous movement and the tapestry of the art itself.

The movements of Aikido are based upon swordwork. Training with the weapons of Aikido, wooden sword (bokken), staff (jo) and knife (tanto) increases the students’ awareness of timing and distance. We do not study the life-taking sword (satsu jin ken), rather, the principle of katsu jin ken (life giving sword) is the focus. Training in this manner develops a higher level of compassion, as there is always the possibility of causing injury to your training partner. Weapons are great equalizers, and individuals who are used to relying upon muscular strength suddenly find themselves at a disadvantage if their musculature is engaged. While bokken and jo are considered outdated considering today’s weaponry, they are very useful in studying budo principles. At Rising Sun Aikido kumitachi and jo kata are required elements for all kyu examinations after rokyu. In addition to studying the principles of Aikido, this class focuses on these examination elements.