Once upon a time, in the vibrant state of North Carolina, nestled between the Atlantic coastline and the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, there was a bustling community of energetic kids. These were no ordinary kids. Oh no, they were Aikido kids! Aikido, as the wise Grandmaster Broccoli-head would say, is a Japanese martial art that blends the spirit, mind, and body. It teaches not just self-defense, but also respect, discipline, and harmony. And Grandmaster Broccoli-head, well, he's a talking broccoli trying to make vegetables cool, and he's as funny as a stand-up carrot comedian. Every day, under the clear Carolina blue skies, these kids would meet at the local park, which they had affectionally named "The Aiki-Dome". Here, with the sweet scent of honeysuckle wafting through the air and the cheerful chirps of cardinals for background, they would practice their rolls, falls, and throws with the enthusiasm of a squirrel on a caffeine rush. The Aikido kids were as diverse as the 100 counties of North Carolina, each with their own unique strengths and quirks that they brought to the mat. There was Fast-Foot Frankie, who could sidestep an attack faster than a jackrabbit avoiding a coyote. Little Miss Grace, whose movements were as elegant as a Carolina Ballet dancer, and Whirlwind Willie, who could perform an Aikido roll as smooth and swift as a hot dog rolling down a hill. These kids proved that whether you were as tall as an oak tree or as petite as a hummingbird, as bouncy as a basketball or as serious as a librarian during storytime, Aikido was something that everyone could enjoy. And while they may have been different, they all shared the same love for Aikido and the same appreciation for Grandmaster Broccoli-head's never-ending vegetable puns.
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Welcome, craft enthusiasts, to the Crafts Zone! This is your gateway to a world where creativity meets learning. With our specially designed crafting sessions, we aim to cater to not just your artistic side, but also your intellectual curiosity. We dedicate 20% of our sessions to learning, so you can always stay updated with the latest crafting techniques. Get ready to create and network as these form the bulk of our sessions, a whopping 70%! You'll have plenty of opportunities to bring your imaginative ideas to life and also meet fellow craft lovers. Enjoy the shared experience of creating something beautiful while making friends who share your passion. And let's not forget about relaxation! At Crafts Zone, 10% of our time is devoted to unwinding. Crafting can be therapeutic, and we believe in the power of creativity to relieve stress. So, come and enjoy the tranquil, artistic atmosphere. Don't forget to take a look at our upcoming workshops. With Crafts Zone, let the creative journey begin!

Aikido of Charlotte has been teaching the art of Aikido for over 25 years! Our Chief Instructor, Dennis Main Sensei, 6th Dan, Shidoin has over 50 years of experience and is the most senior aikido teacher in the Charlotte surrounding area. We are dedicated to helping our students learn and practice the traditional Aikido as handed down from the Founder, Morihei Ueshiba (O’Sensei). At Aikido of Charlotte, we emphasize the importance of respecting one another while training. Aikido is not a sport and therefore there are no competitive tournaments. Instead, we focus on cooperative training in which the Aikidoist betters oneself without belittling others, without the intention of harm or fear of injury. Our training seeks to encourage the spirit of O-Sensei’s desire for universal peace and harmony by balancing the attacker and defender.

At our school, we believe that Taekwondo is one of the most beautiful and effective martial arts in the world. It is a great way for families to bond, as parents and children can both participate in the activities. We offer open enrollment, so you can become part of our school any day. Our classes are tailored to fit each student's individual needs, and we provide one-on-one instruction to teach them the basics. To get started, all you need to do is take a free trial lesson – no uniform is required, just regular exercise clothes. So, come and join us today!


For almost 30 years, Byung Lee's King Tiger TKD has been helping children and adults in Eastern North Carolina reach the highest level of martial arts. Our instructors are carefully chosen for their impressive martial arts skills, as well as their ability to share their knowledge and understanding with students of all ages and backgrounds. At King Tiger TKD, we believe that martial arts is about so much more than just self-defense. We understand that everyone is different and our school is designed to accommodate everyone. Our instructors strive to help each individual reach their full potential, no matter what their background.