Our dojo has been working with the Grandville Ave. Neighborhood Library and the Grandville Avenue Academy for the Arts in an effort to bring Aikido training to children in our area. Through the efforts of Sue Garza and our staff at the Dojo we are very pleased to announce the Daruma Aikido Program.

This cooperative effort will provide a incentive based training opportunity for kids (ages 8-12) from the neighborhood around the Dojo. Those who are interested in Aikido classes will be required to go to the the library and read for a designated amount of time. Afterwards, the library staff will transport the children to the Dojo for an hour of Aikido training every Tuesday night.

As this program will undoubtably require financial assistance in the future, we
are planning a fund raising T-Shirt/Sweat-shirt/Hat sale. The Daruma Aikido
Program Logo is nearly finished and I will post an update as soon as we have a
finished copy. Funds from the sales will go toward purchasing uniforms for
kids who meet their reading requirements and attend classes for more than 2
months, as well as assist with snacks, transportation, and additional housekeeping expenditures.

This is a exciting program and we are pleased to have the ability to help bring
Aikido training to our community.

Please contact me if you would like to be involved in any way.

Dave Mata