Nancy
D. Churchill is the Head Instructor and Director
of Aikido Kids!®.
Ms. Churchill became
interested in Aikido after enrolling her then
5-year-old son in Aikido classes. She
soon enrolled in classes herself, and began
her martial art training in 1999. She
has studied Nihon Goshin Aikido, attaining the
rank of Purple Belt, and has also begun training
in the Filipino art of Arnis. Ms. Churchill
has instructed or assistant instructed children’s
Aikido classes since 2002.
Ms. Churchill
formed Aikido Kids!® in July of 2004 when she
recognized that many martial arts programs for
children did not meet the needs of the parents
and children, resulting in a high drop-out rate.
She has incorporated many unique ideas
into the Aikido Kids!® program, many of them
learned from Sensei Dawn Barnes, the director
of the successful Karate
Kids program in Santa Monica, CA.
Ms. Churchill received a certificate of Instructor
Certification from Sensei Barnes in October
2004.
George Cannon
Teacher George has been studying Aikido for 12 years, and is planning to test for her second degree black belt later this year. She became involved with Aikido when her son wanted to study a martial art. She has three children, and a granddaughter. She has her Black Belt, which she earned 3 years ago, and is getting ready for her next test some time next year. Her favorite thing about Aikido is the movement, and the focus and joy Aikido brings into her life. Teacher Nancy asked George what her favorite technique was, and she said "it changes daily...but I like playing with swords. Aikido is a wonderful thing, what else would you want to do with your life?".
