Meet Whiskers, the sneaky cheese-loving weasel who wears a black belt and calls the enchanting state of Wisconsin his home. Wisconsin, known for its lush green fields, cheese head cap-wearing locals, and love for the Packers, is a place where kids can enjoy a variety of activities, including the art of Aikido. Whiskers is a master in this Japanese martial art and loves to teach it to the kids of Wisconsin. They flock to his dojo, nestled between two golden cornfields, bright-eyed and bursting with energy. These young Wisconsinites, or "Cheese Cubs" as Whiskers affectionately calls them, find Aikido not only fun but also a great way to stay fit and improve their self-discipline. It's a sight to behold when Whiskers bellows a hearty "Hajime!" to start the Aikido class, and the Cheese Cubs tumble, roll and grapple under the endless Wisconsin sky. Their laughter echoes through the fields, and even the cows seem amused, looking up from their grazing as if to join the fun. Sometimes, when they're taking a break, Whiskers entertains them with tales of giant cheese monsters. He tells them about his heroic Aikido moves that save the day, making the young Cheese Cubs giggle and marvel at his imaginary adventures. These stories often inspire the kids to return to their Aikido training with renewed vigor and enthusiasm, dreaming of their own cheese monster showdowns. In Whiskers' world, martial arts, storytelling, and laughter are as essential as the Wisconsin air itself. And so, the state of Wisconsin isn't just known for its cheese, but also for its enthusiastic Aikido-practicing Cheese Cubs, and, of course, a black belt weasel named Whiskers.
Read morebest aikido programs in Madison, WI
Give your child the opportunity to learn a unique Olympic sport while building confidence, focus, coordination, discipline, and strategic thinking at ALLE Fencing Club in Fort Lauderdale. ALLE Fencing Club specializes in saber fencing and welcomes students from beginners discovering the sport for the first time to experienced young athletes preparing for regional and national competitions. Youth beginner classes introduce children ages 6–12 to the fundamentals of fencing, including saber handling, footwork, distance control, fencing etiquette, sportsmanship, coordination, focus, and basic rules. Junior programs are available for ages 12+ and help students progress toward competitive fencing. With experienced coaches and a supportive training environment, students develop both physical and mental skills while learning a sport that challenges them to think quickly, move confidently, and make strategic decisions. Advanced and Elite programs provide additional training for experienced fencers interested in tournaments and high-level competition. ALLE Fencing Club also offers private lessons for personalized instruction and skill development, as well as beginner-focused fencing camps that combine fencing activities with teamwork, confidence-building, focus, and fun.
At Aikido of Madison, we are dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for students of all ages and abilities. We offer classes for beginners and those with prior training, and our assistant instructors offer a range of unique approaches to teaching the art of Aikido. Our dojo is a peaceful place for the practice of martial arts, and we share the space with East Madison Martial Arts, which teaches Bujin-Ki-Do Karate and Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-Ryu. We also host a special “Abilities” class twice a month, providing a personalized experience for those with various learning styles and needs. We look forward to having you join us at Aikido of Madison!