Program Testimonials

What do parents say about our program?
“My son has benefitted tremendously from his Aikido training at Two Cranes. The instructional staff is quite exceptional, patient and very skillful in making the training fun while instilling a sense of focus and direction. Through regular attendance my son has steadily grown his skills, and gained a sense of accomplishment that needs no extra "boosting" from his parents because it's based on his own effort. I heartily recommend Two Cranes for kids of all ages!”—Mike (Alex’s Dad)

“Aikido is something my boys will be able to do for
the rest of their lives, no matter where they end up in the world. The entire philosophy of harmony and energy and centering oneself  and taking care of each other is, I believe, an excellent way for a child to learn to look at the world. To have so many caring adults as role models, who include the children and train with them is inspiring.” —Michèle, Aikido mom for 13 years


“While there are many things we appreciate about training in Aikido, one that stands out for us is having the children be in a setting where they are in the hands of incredibly qualified, sincere, respectful, dedicated and peaceful instructors, who will likely be there for the length of our children's time at TCA. There are not many places in our fast-paced changing society where our children can develop relationships with mentors who will be there throughout their growing years into adulthood."" —Terrie (Oliver & Eli’s mom)

My son “seems much more poised and confident and open to change since he started Aikido.  Before he started training, he was showing or experiencing a number of stresses and anxieties that would slow him down and block him from participating in activities. However, since he started Aikido, he is much more outgoing and confident physically.  His swimming and skiing and other physical development has taken off, to the point that he asks to try more challenging situations and terrain and even skied his first ‘expert’ run—because he is determined to try it.” —Ann (Liam’s mom)

There are days, usually Saturdays, when it's a battle to get my sons out the door and ready for Aikido. Transitions are hard. I use "bowing in" as a transition moment because I know without fail that at the end of training my boys will be in a different mood. They always finish training feeling "boosted". My oldest boy claims that he feels"pumped" and that he knows that he has "started or ended my day with something good."
—Jon  (Jackson and Cooper’s Dad)

What do kids like about Aikido?
"I can't thnk of a day in the past year that I haven't referenced Aikido. I want to be the 53-year old who has been doing Aikido for 50 years."
—Evan

“This week I finally worked into my head all the steps of bo ikkyo. My brain is so proud that it could keep these steps in an order somewhere.  It feels so pure, I close my eyes and visualize each individual step.  Clear as water.  Clear like a good telephone connection, between me and some higher power.  Clear as a bell, when it’s so loud it resonates inside me like I was an amplifier.  It’s an amplification of spirit.”
—Anna

“I would like Aikido to help me become more calm in my daily life. On the mat, I feel as though I'm in my element. I can express myself freely and without limit.  I can make friends without having to worry about what clothes they wear or what books they read.  The teachers bring something different to the dojo, and what they all have to share is invaluable. The presence of each is a very real force in my training and my life".
—Elizabeth

 I have always been a pretty shy person, and I think Aikido has helped me with that already.  What I want is to be more confident and to have a feeling of power.  This is what I think having fire is, and what I want Aikido to do for me is give me all the fire in the world." —Leah

"Aikido is fun because of all the cool people that go there. It is also fun because of the fact that you don’t get hurt and you don’t hurt people.  I really like rolling and the throws are fun.  All of the games are more fun than any organized sport like soccer or basketball."
—Catherine

"Maybe just reveling in the perfection I can achieve when training. I do like being able to do things well.  Perhaps I would try to teach Aikido to the world leaders so they would be diplomatic rather than starting wars. I would visit all the dojos and teach. I would just sit outside on a sunny day in a nice big field and listen to my thoughts and then paint the beauty I saw in that moment and incorporate that beauty into my training.  I’d take the time to teach children Aikido so they can defend themselves and learn to go the way of peace.  I’d write poetry.  I don’t know what I would do with all his wisdom.  I think I’d be overwhelmed if I got it all at once. It's better to go in little bits, learning something every day instead of all at once." —Morgan