Ninja kids
dublin
NINJA MARTIAL ARTS KOBUDO FOR KIDS
Do you have a kid at home who’s interested in all things ninja, samurai, anime or manga? Maybe they’d like to try an authentic Japanese martial art in a real Japanese dojo?
We teach kid-appropriate Japanese kobudo (old martial arts) in a full time dojo in Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6, with classes covering kids aged from 8 to 15, and adult training for older teenagers. Keep reading to find out more.
CLass details
If your child would like to try training with us, they’re welcome to come along and either watch or do a trial class for free, and then decide if they like it.
If they do, we’ll ask you to create an account on our dojo software portal.
Fees are €90 per two-month term with a 10% discount for additional family members. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you’d like to see if we have space, send us a mail at info@ninjakidsdublin.com and if there isn’t, we can put you on our waiting list and notify you when one comes up.
Training is held for this age group on Saturday mornings, from 11am to 11:45am.
Kids aged from 8 to 11
Training is held for this age group on Monday evenings from 6pm to 7pm.
Kids aged from 12 to 15
Teens aged 16 and over are welcome to join our adult classes. Full details on these at happobiken.com
Teens aged 16 and up
ABOUT US
What martial arts do you teach exactly?
Our focus is Japanese Kobudo, or ‘old martial arts. Specifically, we teach Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, which is sometimes also called ninjutsu or ninpo taijutsu. Our adult group has been operating for more than 27 years, while our kids group started in 2022.
Are kids taught the same things as adults?
No. We have two distinct kids groups, one for younger kids and one for teens. In the younger group, the focus is on falling, rolling, escapes, awareness training, learning to coordinate the body and above all having fun.
Safety is most important and all training is conducted in an age-appropriate way.
For the older kids group, class lasts a bit longer (1hr vs 45 minutes) and is more structured, with more actual material from the adult martial art. Once again, this material is taught in an age-appropriate way but is more anchored in actual martial arts.
The focus here is still on having fun but also in addressing some of the needs of adolescents in how to handle and diffuse conflict.
What are your qualifications to teach?
All our instructors are fully accredited to the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Chiba, Japan. In addition, all of our youth leaders are fully garda vetted, and have undergone child safeguarding and coaching courses, as part of our membership of the Irish Martial Arts Commission. This is the body recognised by the Irish government to oversee martial arts.
Where is training held and what are the facilities?
Our dojo is upstairs at 19 Greenmount Lane, Harold’s Cross , Dublin 6. It’s a full time martial arts premises, with a permament matted floor. We’re lucky to train in one of the oldest and best equipped Japanese-style dojo in Ireland.
What is the grading system? does it cost money to test?
We operate a grading system with a six colour belt system (known as kyu ranks) with 2 additional mon grades between each colour belt change. This essentially adds up to 18 steps before black belt.
Testing is held two or three times a year, and certification is issued by the dojo to reflect each child’s achievment. There is no extra cost associated with this.
The maximum rank a child can attain with us is 1st kyu junior brown belt. To be graded to black belt, a student must be at least 17 years old.
IS THERE A UNIFORM?
Parents are asked to make sure their child has a plain lightweight black ‘karate-style’ uniform to wear to class. (It’s fine to not have this for a few weeks to help spread out the start costs.)
We also operate a ‘wash-and-return’ scheme - when kids outgrow their uniform, parents are encouraged to launder it and give it to the dojo, so we can hand it on to younger or new students to help save on cost and needless waste.
If your child is starting, it’s worth asking if we have a uniform in stock that might fit them.
Meet the Team
All our teaching staff are licensed through the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Chiba, Japan, as well as being Garda-vetted, and trained in child safeguarding, coaching and first aid.
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Rae is a professional artist, mum and 7th dan black belt in the Bujinkan martial arts. She’s the lead teacher for all our kids and teens group.
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Declan is a professional in the insurance industry, a Dad and a 5th degree black belt in the Bujinkan martial arts.
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Graham is a professinonal in the book binding industry, a Dad and a 4th Degree black belt in the Bujinkan martial arts.
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Dylan is a digital UX professional, an avid gamer and a third degree black belt in Bujinkan martial arts.
What parents say
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"Ninja kids provides a wonderful supportive environment for teaching children martial arts. My two children always look forward to classes and have already learned so much.
Alan, Dad to Jacob and Isabella.
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“My 12-year-old son Jamie absolutely loves Ninja Kids. I’ve seen his confidence grow so much over the last year since joining, and he looks forward to the class every Monday evening. The instructors create such a positive and encouraging environment — highly recommended!”
Joseph, Dad to Jamie
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"My kids joined the ninja kids dojo a couple of years ago and from day 1, we have found the atmosphere incredibly relaxed, welcoming and engaged. They learn at their own pace, but are supported and encouraged every step of the way, in order to stretch their ability and expand their potential.”
Elizabeth, Mum to Anouk and Oran
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"Our son Oisín starting training when he was 7 & we have seen his skills & confidence grow over the last 18 months. When we asked him what he thinks of the Ninja kids classes he said '5 stars' & that says it all. Thanks to Alex, Rae, Graham, Dylan & Declan. We highly recommend the club.”
Eddie, Dad to Oisin
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"I would happily recommend ninja kids to other families. The most noticeable things with my kids is how confidently they can catch themselves if they slip or fall—they’ve learned safe techniques that give us a lot of peace of mind. The trainers are always responsive.”
Suad, Mum to Alreem and Mohammad
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"Christopher is thoroughly enjoying both Saturday and Monday classes. He has finally found a niche where he feels safe, supported and happy. We have noticed a vast improvement in his confidence and social skills. He seems to be learning fast and seems proud of his own progress. All credit goes to his instructors."
Margaret, Mum to Christopher
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"My son has trained with Ninja Kids for three years, every class is a fun training session led by a group of experienced instructors. One of only a few full time dojo, it is bright, spacious and creates a unique training environment. We would highly recommend."
Paraic, Dad to Daniel.