Annual Youth Intensive Overnight Camp (Nov 7–8)

Posted on by Natalie Vakulin

 

As our students continue to develop focus, discipline, and confidence on the mat, there are specific milestone events that truly shape their martial arts journey. Our Annual U12yrs Intensive Overnight Camp (IOC) is one of those defining experiences, and we strongly encourage every family to support their child in attending.
 
This is our premier U12yrs training event of the school year. Because it takes place only once annually in the fall, there will not be another opportunity like this for an entire year.


Why This Event Matters

If you were to ask any of our senior black belts about their fondest memories of growing up in the dojo, each one of them would tell you stories about these overnight camps.
  • Building Resilience & Character: An intensive camp challenges students beyond their everyday weekly classes. When kids dig deep, muster their determination, and navigate rigorous training together, they realize just how capable they are. They leave on Sunday with immense pride and self-confidence, knowing they pushed past their self-perceived limits.
  • Accelerated Belt Progress: With extended mat time, training will be targeted directly at colored belt ranks. Students will make extensive strides toward their next rank, and those who are eligible may even have the opportunity to test during the camp.
  • Unbreakable Camaraderie & Long-Term Momentum: Sharing long training sessions, enjoying meals together, playing massive games we rarely have time for in regular classes, and winding down with late-night movies forge deep bonds. This shared experience cements a student’s lifelong connection to the dojo and the art of Aikido, creating the momentum they need to stick with training and reap the lifelong benefits of practice.

Led by an Experienced, Dedicated Instructional Team

Unlike our regular overnight camps, Steve Sensei will not be attending, as our senior teaching team has taken on planning and running the whole event. Your children will be in exceptional, caring hands. This camp is planned and led by the senior black belts of our Instructor Training Program—Lauryn, Cassie, and Josie—with energetic support from our rising instructors, Roland, Logan, Ethan, and Daniel.

Every one of these instructors grew up right here in our dojo and brings over a decade of personal experience participating in and running camps just like this. They deeply understand youth aikido training dynamics, know how to keep activities safe and engaging, and care tremendously about supporting every single student's growth.

 

Camp Details & Logistics

  • Dates & Times: Saturday, November 7 at 6:00 PM – Sunday, November 8 at 12:00 PM (Noon)
  • Location: BigRock Aikikai Main Dojo (G, 7004 5th Street SE)
  • Cost: $40 per participant (includes all intensive Aikido training, meals, snacks, beverages, and evening entertainment)
  • Eligibility: All aikido students under 12 years old
  • Capacity Limit: Capped at 30 participants to ensure an outstanding instructor-to-student ratio.

Flexible Sleepover Option

All participants are welcome and encouraged to sleep over at the dojo! However, we understand that for some of our younger students, spending the night away from home may feel daunting.

Sleeping over is completely optional:

  • Students are welcome to participate in the Saturday evening training, dinner, and activities for as long as they like, head home to sleep in their own beds on Saturday night, and return refreshed on Sunday morning to finish camp.
  • Saturday evening’s schedule is flexible to accommodate whatever bedtime pickup works best for your family.

How to Reserve a Spot

Because space is strictly limited to 30 students to maintain individual attention and safety, spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Register here!

Thank you for your continued dedication to your child’s Aikido journey—we look forward to sharing this unforgettable weekend with them!