Aikido By the Bay – Kids Martial Arts Program
Aikido By the Bay, 811 S B St., San Mateo, CA 94401
About
Aikido By the Bay – Kids Martial Arts Program offers training in Aikido, self-defense, and weapons training. The program takes place in a martial arts studio that is described as clean and spacious, with 2400 square feet of indoor space that is optimized for safety with superior ventilation and room to move. The studio includes a private parking lot that is accessible from 8th Ave.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price: New To Aikido gives the opportunity to try two classes for $55.
The program focuses on a traditional Japanese martial art that includes etiquette and respect for tradition, with an emphasis on connection, reading body language, and engaging with others through movement. Stated areas of focus include discipline, respect, physical coordination, self-confidence, mental strength, social skills, focus, conflict resolution, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and communication. The environment is described as family-friendly and inclusive, and as a community where families grow stronger together through martial arts and holistic wellness, with attention to building strength, balance, and resilience physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The chief instructor, Daniel Brasse Sensei, is a full-time instructor with over 40 years of practice in Japanese martial arts, beginning in 1978, and has taught Aikido and self-defense to people of all ages and to police both domestically and abroad. Daniel Brasse also brings a background in law enforcement and security to his teaching. The leadership team includes Daniel Brasse (Founder & Head Instructor, 5th dan), Bruce Mendenhall (Senior Instructor, 5th dan), George Lane (Instructor, 4th dan), Michel Vidal-Naquet (Instructor, 4th dan), Joice Chan (Instructor, 3rd dan), Marinela Aquino (Instructor, 3rd dan), Leslie Cruz (Instructor, 2nd dan), Glafira Valencia (Instructor, 2nd dan), and Marcel Barraza (Instructor, 1st dan). The program notes that it has world-renowned instructors with decades of martial arts experience and that the chief instructor has over 40 years of practice in Japanese martial arts.
Aikido By the Bay’s children’s program was expanded in 2015 in Switzerland at the Swiss International School (SIS), where the Aikido club became part of the after-school program and continues under the guidance of Basel Aikikai. Affiliated dojos include Aikido Silicon Valley, Sunset Cliffs Aikido, and Takemusu Aikido Association (takemusu.org).
Parent and student testimonials describe the studio as a wonderful place for children, including a 6-year-old and a 7-year-old, and mention that instructors are patient, kind, and give individual instruction. Reviewers describe the dojo as clean and safe, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and refer to it as a community that feels like a family. Multiple testimonials highlight Daniel Brasse Sensei as knowledgeable, dedicated, and an exceptionally good instructor, and note that there is a lot of emphasis on weapons training and a large number of available classes. Several reviewers with prior martial arts experience recommend the dojo for both adults and children and mention that they chose to stay at this dojo after trying or considering other martial arts schools.
Last updated March 23, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price: New To Aikido gives the opportunity to try two classes for $55.
The program focuses on a traditional Japanese martial art that includes etiquette and respect for tradition, with an emphasis on connection, reading body language, and engaging with others through movement. Stated areas of focus include discipline, respect, physical coordination, self-confidence, mental strength, social skills, focus, conflict resolution, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and communication. The environment is described as family-friendly and inclusive, and as a community where families grow stronger together through martial arts and holistic wellness, with attention to building strength, balance, and resilience physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The chief instructor, Daniel Brasse Sensei, is a full-time instructor with over 40 years of practice in Japanese martial arts, beginning in 1978, and has taught Aikido and self-defense to people of all ages and to police both domestically and abroad. Daniel Brasse also brings a background in law enforcement and security to his teaching. The leadership team includes Daniel Brasse (Founder & Head Instructor, 5th dan), Bruce Mendenhall (Senior Instructor, 5th dan), George Lane (Instructor, 4th dan), Michel Vidal-Naquet (Instructor, 4th dan), Joice Chan (Instructor, 3rd dan), Marinela Aquino (Instructor, 3rd dan), Leslie Cruz (Instructor, 2nd dan), Glafira Valencia (Instructor, 2nd dan), and Marcel Barraza (Instructor, 1st dan). The program notes that it has world-renowned instructors with decades of martial arts experience and that the chief instructor has over 40 years of practice in Japanese martial arts.
Aikido By the Bay’s children’s program was expanded in 2015 in Switzerland at the Swiss International School (SIS), where the Aikido club became part of the after-school program and continues under the guidance of Basel Aikikai. Affiliated dojos include Aikido Silicon Valley, Sunset Cliffs Aikido, and Takemusu Aikido Association (takemusu.org).
Parent and student testimonials describe the studio as a wonderful place for children, including a 6-year-old and a 7-year-old, and mention that instructors are patient, kind, and give individual instruction. Reviewers describe the dojo as clean and safe, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and refer to it as a community that feels like a family. Multiple testimonials highlight Daniel Brasse Sensei as knowledgeable, dedicated, and an exceptionally good instructor, and note that there is a lot of emphasis on weapons training and a large number of available classes. Several reviewers with prior martial arts experience recommend the dojo for both adults and children and mention that they chose to stay at this dojo after trying or considering other martial arts schools.
Last updated March 23, 2026.
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