Aikido Northshore, Sensei Lee, all of the teachers, and its members have become part of our trusted family for myself and my son (6). I started my son out at 4 years old, but was not sure if he’d continue. However, Aikido Northshore offers such great diversity in activities and skill sets in its kids program, and he remains interested and engaged. It is amazing to see him progress and continue to grow in skills that are not just transferable to martial arts, but all conflict resolution, compassion, safety, and awareness in the modern world.The flexible scheduling and drop-in availability is great for busy parents, and even allowed me to restart my training there as well. Although regular attendance is recommended for growth, Aikido Northshore gives a message of inclusion and openness to all members regardless of their ability to always schedule in practice around busy lives. All students are welcomed regardless of whether they are training several times per week or perhaps more sporadically. Membership allows flexibility for families to determine their optimal and individualized level of involvement.Other advantages include always easy parking, I-405 accessible, and typically having multiple instructors in its kids classes to ensure all children are receiving both group and individualized attention. The colored belt and stripe system helps younger children feel that they are gaining quickly and also helps keep them engaged. For adult classes, there is an awesome diversity of instructors available for learning different skill sets in different ways. This ensures a community feel to the dojo with many different styles of teaching for many different styles of learning.

My 10 year old has attended Aikido Northshore for six years and my eight year old four years. Both kids look forward to attending aikido. As parents we love the teaching approach of Lee Crawford Sensei and her staff. She is gentle at the same time assertive. Aikido Northshore is great for all skill levels and ages. Training progressively gets more detailed and challenging. Students learn skills they can apply to life. Its a huge confidence builder at an individual level. Students also learn respect, awareness and how to encourage one another.

We love Aikido Northshore! My children have been attending for nearly 10 years. Sensei Lee and her staff are are great with kids. My children are learning skills that translate into all aspects of their lives, the most important of which are respect, kindness, and helping others. Their Aikido skills have crossed over in into other sports: how to use their bodies and momentum as well as how to take a fall/roll safely. So glad we found Lee Crawfords dojo.

I once trained with Teacher Nancy Churchill who studied herself at this dojo. Been there a few times, these teachers are so great with kids, and i learned so much from this fighting art.

Sensei Lee and her team have done a fantastic job teaching my children Aikido and the necessary components of respect and self-confidence.

I have been with the Aikido Northshore dojo two and a half years and it has been an incredible experience. Sensei Lee Crawford and each of the other instructors really care about all of the dojo members and the depth of knowledge and perspective Sensei shares has made for a very speciallearning experience. Aikido is not just a martial art, it is a way of life. If you are considering a new art, or just want a better perspective on everyday life, come join us!

Aikido was going to be just a Summer vacation activity for my two kids (11 & 8), but after their first Summer, they were adamant about continuing. They have both gained measurably in both confidence and strength. Sensei Lee, and the other sensei, are kind but insist on respect and self discipline, qualities expected in interactions with instructors and other students alike.Also worth noting, the dojo is perfect for parents with hectic schedules. As payment is done as a membership fee, if you miss a day, you can simply go on a different day. The flexibility has been unlike any other activity my kids have participated in.I can, without reservation, recommend this dojo.