Newport Beach Aikido (Newport Beach Aikikai Dojo)

Newport Beach Aikido (Newport Beach Aikikai Dojo) offers Children’s Class sessions with basic Aikido techniques, stretches, rolls, and games. It also offers Aikido Samurai Summer Camp, where children ages 6-12 learn advanced Aikido skills, foamed bokken patterns, and stranger awareness skills. Adult classes include hand techniques and weapons training with bokken, jo, and tanto.

Programs

• Children’s Class — School-aged children; ages 6-8 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; advanced kids class for ages 9 and up on Thursdays · After school and weekend classes; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays for ages 6-8; Thursdays for ages 9 and up · Hour-long class of basic Aikido techniques, stretches, rolls, and games. Professional mat provided. Uniforms required.
• Adult Class — Adults; teens and adults · Morning, lunch, evening and weekend classes; 13 times per week · Flexible schedule. Mix of all levels. Includes weapons training twice a week. Beginner students are paired with a senior student.
• Aikido Seminars
• Aikido Samurai Summer Camp — 6-12 years old · During the month of July · Full and half days are available. Meals are included. Learn advanced Aikido skills, foamed bokken patterns, and stranger awareness skills.
• Corporate Wellness

At a glance

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Facility hours: Open 7 days a week; morning, lunch, evening, and weekend classes

About the provider

The dojo has been affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation for over thirty years and has been a USAF member since 1987. Its leadership team includes Gentil Pennewaert Shihan, Chief Instructor; Charn Pennewaert Fukushidoin, Assistant Instructor; and Seichii Sugano Shihan, listed under Our Senseis. The credentials listed say Gentil Pennewaert Shihan is a 7th Dan with over 40 years of martial arts experience and over fifteen years of teaching children Aikido, and that those credentials are recognized by the World Aikido Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan and the United States Aikido Federation Headquarters.

• Weapons Training — Beginners through advanced students · Included in classes; twice a week for adult classes · Learn bokken, jo, and tanto in classes that blend hand techniques and weapons training.
• Aikido Mastery Channel — Monthly membership for instructional videos; sponsored by the Orange County Beach Cities Aikido Foundation.

Trial class offered for $40. Children may attend as many or as few of the scheduled classes each month as fits their wants and needs. Adult classes have no limit to the number of days or hours you can practice each month. Children ages 6-8 can attend classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; advanced kids class for ages 9 and up on Thursdays.

What families say

“I am so fortunate to have found Newport Beach Aikido-Shin Do Kan Dojo and Sensei Pennewaert both for myself and for my family. The adult classes provide a lot more than mere instruction in the techniques and skills of aikido. For me they also bring harmony and coordination between body and mind and are the source of new energy that always leaves me recharged and looking forward to the next class.” — Anna Racheva

Last updated October 7, 2026.