Martial arts for shy kids

Aikido of Berkeley on University Avenue near Sacramento is a wonderful place for kids. Sensei Kayla Feder teaches the kids with help from her Ushi Deshi. Sensei's seven year old son is  a student there also. I was in the adult classes for many years, until my knees prevented me from getting up quickly, so i have observed the children't classes, the teachers, and the atmosphere. My granddaughters would be enrolled there if they lived locally. 

I highly recommend Estrella Jiu Jitsu School in Albany on San Pablo near the El Cerrito Plaza.  My five year old daughter recently started taking classes there and she loves it! I have already observed her more confident and focused.  There is an anti-bullying curriculum that really empowers the kids. Igor Estrella is a second degree black belt from Brazil and his classes are fun, relaxed, and technical. The class for 5 to 7 year olds is 4:15- 5 pm, Monday - Friday and there is also a Saturday morning class at 10 am. Kids new to the academy get 2 free classes so you can always check it out and see if your kids like it.  

My child does Aikido at Aikido Shusekai ( http://aikiarts.com/kids ) and loves it.  My child can be shy and felt at home right away. I feel it has helped her to be more confident and out going. I believe they do a free month in September but for 7 and up.  

I can't say enough about Studio Naga Indo-American Arts at 59th and San Pablo for Poekoelan martial arts (pronounced Pu-kah-lahn). It's been such a blessing to our family! The reason is because it's more than just classes, it's truly a loving community that does activities together and supports the kids all throughout their years. They really teach the kids about focus, meditation, caring for the studio, and community. The classes often have adults with kids and everyone at different ages does some teaching. They learn about responsibility and it's a great place to be a part of. My 10 year old son is the most unathletic kid there is, but is honestly motivated to go, progress, and show people what he has learned. We've been there for over a year and he really sees himself doing this for many, many years. They don't have a lot of money or a fancy studio (or studio location), but the love and support there is much more than I was expecting. They have pictures on their walls of students that have been their as kids all the way through college. They sincerely cherish each kid and help them grow in more ways than one. I've seen plenty of shy kids go there and grow. Check it out!