June 9-12, 2025
Monday – Thursday
Registration Options
Age range: 6-12 years old
Accommodations and meals are not included.
Apply for Scholarship→
Register by May 1st: $200
Developing Body, Mind, and Spirit.
Our camp develops physical techniques, mental focus, interpersonal skills, and a peaceful spirit. Kids enjoy Aikido practice, learning techniques for effective non-violent conflict resolution and centering within a fun and safe environment.
Aikido martial arts instruction and training
Safe rolling and falling practices to learn how to blend with obstacles
Games to hone physical balance and mental awareness
Practice with the wooden staff and sword
Outdoor training at Da Laveaga Park
Traditional Japanese brush calligraphy, and other Japanese craft actifities
Aikido is a dynamic, non-competitive Japanese martial art, with a guiding principle of harmony – within oneself, with others, and with nature. Kids develop physical techniques, mental focus, interpersonal skills, and internalize a spirit of peaceful reconciliation.
No experience required – new and experienced students welcome.
Kids Camp Experience
Guided physical practices to develop mental focus, interpersonal skills, and the ability to create and maintain internal peace.
Introduction to Japanese culture and traditions, including etiquette and mutual respect.
Aiki games emphasizing awareness, agility, and centering.
Outdoor training with the Japanese wooden staff and sword.
Traditional brush calligraphy lesson – exploring the deeper meaning of kanji characters.
Details
Location
Aikido of Santa Cruz
306 Mission St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 423-8326
info@aikidosantacruz.org
Directions ➜
Schedule
Monday
10:00 am - 3:00 pm at Aikido of Santa Cruz
Tuesday
10:00 am - 3:00 pm at Aikido of Santa Cruz
Wednesday
10:00 am - 3:00 pm at DaLaVeaga Park • directions →
Thursday
10:00 am - 3 :00 pm at Aikido of Santa Cruz
WHAT KIDS LEARN
BLEND WITH IT
Blending with an attack instead of fighting it, redirecting the energy back on itself and to a safe outcome.
FALLING SO YOU CAN GET BACK UP
Falling safely, including forward and backwards rolls. Don’t fight gravity, instead redirect the energy of a fall into a roll and pop back up with a smile on your face!
Harmonize with Nature
The beautiful setting at DeLaveaga Park allows kids to practice connecting with nature – one of the fundamental principles of Aikido.
Through the practice of Aikido, we learn not only to protect ourselves and others but the world at large and to manifest an internal mindset of protecting all of life.
Mutual Respect. Etiquette. Mindfulness.
Instructors
Nico Secunda
Yondan (4th degree black belt)
View Bio
Jeff Reed
Sandan (3rd degree black belt)
View Bio
Jay Munyer
Sandan (3rd degree black belt)
View Bio
Zachiah Murray
Shodan (1st degree black belt)
View Bio
Nicole Tsao
Sandan (3rd degree black belt)
View Bio
Maria Borges
Shodan (1st degree black belt)
Khristian Marquez
Shodan (1st degree black belt)
+ MORE GUEST INSTRUCTORS
Summer Camp Highlights
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Monday will be brush calligraphy, taught by Nicole Tsao Sensei. Nicole grew up in Taiwan, where “calligraphy” is… writing.
She will be teaching Japanese style kanji calligraphy, not Chinese style calligraphy.
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ORIGAMI – One of the things we will make is paper boats, which actually float if folded so no edges are on the bottom, and sail them at DeLaveaga Creek the next day.
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Outdoor training at Da DeLaveaga Park + Crafting koinobori, carp windsock streamers, traditionally flown on Children’s Day in Janpan.
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TBA – We’re keeping this a surprise for now : )
FAQs
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This summer camp is for children 6-12 years of age.
We offer regular classes for children, adults and teens. Learn more here → -
Registration is open until June 8 and is first come first serve. Space is limited. Once filled, you can opt to join the waiting list.
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Yes, simply register one person at a time. Once selecting “Save Registrant,” you will have the option to add another registrant.
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No, meals and snacks are not provided.
Please pack a lunch and snack for your child, and be sure to label the bag or lunchbox with your child’s name. -
Comfortable and loose-fitting pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended.
You may also purchase a GI (martial arts training uniform) at the dojo anytime before or during the camp. -
Kids may be dropped off between 9:45–10:00 am.
Pick-up time is 3:00 - 3:15 pm.
Locations:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday:
Aikido of Santa Cruz
306 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Wednesday:
DeLaveaga Park
855 Branciforte Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Past Camp Parent
“We chose Aikido over other programs because of its focus on peaceful solutions over aggression, avoidance over confrontation. The summer camp was wonderful, because the instructors and assistants spoke with such calm voices and treated all the children with respect, expecting the same in return.”
