In the thrilling realm of New Jersey, where fire-breathing dragons camouflage themselves as smoke-spewing factories and mystical mermaids disguise themselves as surfers riding the Atlantic waves, an extraordinary group of children morph into mighty samurai warriors. They are not ordinary kids, oh no, they are Aikido kids! These mini martial artists, who may look just like your everyday Jack and Jill when they're busy with math equations and science projects, are secretly superheroes in training. At the Aikido dojo, they swap their school bags for kimonos and their pencils for wooden swords. And, you'll never believe who teaches them - Grand Master Snortimer, a giant, green, wobbly blob of a creature, with a belly that jiggles like a bowl of jello every time he laughs, which is almost always. Snortimer, a 5th degree black belt from the planet "Judo-nobo", has eyes that twinkle with mischief and a voice that thunders like a summer storm. With his three wavy arms, he can demonstrate Aikido moves that will make your eyes spin like a dizzy pigeon. He insists that Aikido is not about fighting, but about harmonizing with energy. It's about using an opponent's force against them, a bit like that time when you convinced your little brother to do your chores for a week. Balancing on one toe, rolling around like tumbleweeds, these New Jersey Aikido kids learn to be quick, kind, and brave. Be it dodging a mythical beast's fiery breath or standing up to a class bully, they're always ready, always fearless. So next time you see a kid from New Jersey, remember, they may just be a superhero in disguise!
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.

Aikido Center of Manasquan is a traditional Aikido Dojo located at Manasqaun Recreation, St. Denis School (eastern end), 90 Union Ave. (rear), Manasquan, NJ 08736. At Aikido Center of Manasquan we teach traditional Aikido as handed down by the Founder of Aikido, affectionately known as O Sensei (Great Teacher). We hold to his inspired vision-emphasizing Aikido's philosophy and ethics while at the same time teaching Aikido's full range of capabilities from gentle persuasion to full street effectiveness. Stop in to visit us, watch a class or actually participate to learn the beauty and power of this unique martial art.