Meet Whiskers, the sneaky cheese-loving weasel who wears a black belt and calls the enchanting state of Wisconsin his home. Wisconsin, known for its lush green fields, cheese head cap-wearing locals, and love for the Packers, is a place where kids can enjoy a variety of activities, including the art of Aikido. Whiskers is a master in this Japanese martial art and loves to teach it to the kids of Wisconsin. They flock to his dojo, nestled between two golden cornfields, bright-eyed and bursting with energy. These young Wisconsinites, or "Cheese Cubs" as Whiskers affectionately calls them, find Aikido not only fun but also a great way to stay fit and improve their self-discipline. It's a sight to behold when Whiskers bellows a hearty "Hajime!" to start the Aikido class, and the Cheese Cubs tumble, roll and grapple under the endless Wisconsin sky. Their laughter echoes through the fields, and even the cows seem amused, looking up from their grazing as if to join the fun. Sometimes, when they're taking a break, Whiskers entertains them with tales of giant cheese monsters. He tells them about his heroic Aikido moves that save the day, making the young Cheese Cubs giggle and marvel at his imaginary adventures. These stories often inspire the kids to return to their Aikido training with renewed vigor and enthusiasm, dreaming of their own cheese monster showdowns. In Whiskers' world, martial arts, storytelling, and laughter are as essential as the Wisconsin air itself. And so, the state of Wisconsin isn't just known for its cheese, but also for its enthusiastic Aikido-practicing Cheese Cubs, and, of course, a black belt weasel named Whiskers.
Read moremore aikido programs near Fitchburg, WI


Building Character with Martial Arts. The Black Belt Leadership Academy has a rich history that spans more than ten years, during which it has been pivotal in aiding students to sharpen their concentration, bolster their power, and enhance their self-assurance through exceptional martial arts instruction. Our branch in Wauwatosa is a welcoming space that respects and includes students of every kind, regardless of whether they're novices or seasoned martial artists. Each class that we provide is meticulously planned to challenge students at a personal level, while also creating a positive and rewarding ambiance. This individualized approach guarantees that all our students feel recognized and motivated, which leads to a more successful learning journey. At our academy, we're committed to fostering an environment that brings out the best in each student. Our classes aim to not merely impart martial arts techniques but also to instill qualities such as discipline, respect, and resilience. We are firm believers that the values learned at our academy extend beyond the training hall and will benefit our students in all their future pursuits.


At Aikido of Madison, we are dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for students of all ages and abilities. We offer classes for beginners and those with prior training, and our assistant instructors offer a range of unique approaches to teaching the art of Aikido. Our dojo is a peaceful place for the practice of martial arts, and we share the space with East Madison Martial Arts, which teaches Bujin-Ki-Do Karate and Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-Ryu. We also host a special “Abilities” class twice a month, providing a personalized experience for those with various learning styles and needs. We look forward to having you join us at Aikido of Madison!