Samurai Skills Basic Training

Tuesdays • 12/2 - 3/10 • 4:00PM - 5:00PM • Alta Vista School
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Details
Tuesdays, 12/2 - 3/10, from 4:00PM - 5:00PM @ Alta Vista School
Emergency Contacts

Grasshopper: (720) 644-1670

School Contact,  

Danny Blumrich

:  

(925) 323-9061
Series Dates

12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10

Additional Notes:
Embark on an epic journey into the world of Samurai traditions, where students can channel their inner warriors through the ancient Japanese martial art of Kendo. This series may be taught with and without foam swords.

Sword-based: Using flexible foam swords modeled after the katana, children will learn proper grip, stance, and footwork, mastering waza techniques such as strikes, tsuki, do, and kote. They’ll benefit from this dynamic experience that emphasizes not only physical skills like offense and defense, but also the mental focus, emotional resilience, and respect essential to the way of the Samurai.

Sword-free learning and practice: Through engaging activities like barefoot meditation and seiza (kneeling) practice, kids will enhance their understanding of Kendo’s unique etiquette and traditions. This experience nurtures holistic well-being by encouraging perseverance, focus, and the spirited energy of kiai (martial shout). Put on your dojo spirit, an discover the power and discipline that comes with mastering this exciting Japanese martial art!

Notes for Teacher:

Teaching Instructions

Class Level Details

Parking Instructions

Arrival Instructions

  • Driveway Gates: The driveway gates are opened each day at 3:45 PM. Please enter through these gates when you arrive. 
  • Early Arrivals: If you arrive before 3:45 PM, enter through the front door on Somerset Street and go up the staircase to reach campus.
  • Do Not Enter through the Wayland Street side door under any circumstances.
  • If you need to drive onto campus and the driveway gates are closed, call the After School phone at 415.528.1560for assistance.
  • Upon entering campus, go directly to the fold-out table near the playground to sign in on the clipboard with me or another member of the After School staff. Please do this before going to the classroom you teach at. 
  • Wear your Alta Vista BookEnds lanyard at all times while on campus. If you need a replacement, we can provide one.

Departure Instructions

  • Drop students off in the parking lot promptly by 5:00 PM. Please be mindful of time—late dismissals create a domino effect for carpools and bus departures.
  • After dismissal, sign out on the same clipboard you used to sign in.
  • You may exit through the front door (middle floor) or back out through the driveway gates.

Site-Specific Information

***Under no circumstances should any after school instructors open the Wayland Street doors or front doors to the school. Parents know to call the after school number if they need to get into the building. 

Grasshopper Student Sign-Up 🎉

Learning with friends makes it even more fun! Use this form to register each child individually.

Once you enter your registration details using this form, you'll be sent to a payment page that will list the price.

48-hr drop period after the first class is taught (unless otherwise noted). NO refunds issued after drop period.
Note: please register and pay for each child individually, including registering siblings separately.
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Experience is Full, Join the Waitlist ✍️

This Grasshopper experience is fully enrolled! Join the waitlist to be notified via text when a slot opens up.

If you're trying to enroll more than one child, please register each child individually.
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About Chigusa

Artist, Jeweler, Athlete and Multi-Disciplinary Teacher
Chigusa loves working with kids, has worked as a children's art teacher for 5 years, and has many passions to share! Among them are jewelry-making, key-chain-making, Sumi Calligraphy, painting, gardening, Japanese language and culture, making sushi, and learning about animals and the outdoors.

Teacher Chigusa is also a talented athlete, particularly in swimming which she's coached for many years. As a student, she was also a member of the competitive basketball and Kendo (Japanese martial arts) teams.

Chigusa is vaccinated against COVID-19, CPR, AED and First Aid certified.
* Fully-vetted, background checked, and interviewed

What Parents Are Saying

“”
Kawaii Japanese Language Camp
I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you and the Grasshopper Kids team for leading such engaging and enriching Japanese and Mandarin classes during our February intersession camp. Our students had a fantastic time learning new languages and exploring different cultures through the interactive lessons your teachers facilitated. We truly appreciate the time, effort, and coordination that went into making these classes such a valuable experience for our students. Looking forward to working together again in the future!
Chantal W, Expanded Learning Associate
“”
Terrarium + Sun Catcher Making
I love what the kids made in their experience with Chigusa! She was lovely, and the terrariums and sun catcher are now proudly on display in our home. Kids had a great time.
Cat G
“”
Terrarium + Sun Catcher Making
"Is there anything we can do to improve your experience?" Nothing we can think of thus far! Grasshopper Kids has been a great experience. The support is amazing and always promptly responds to any questions I have.
Shelby G, Assistant Head of School
“”
Terrarium + Sun Catcher Making
this was a wonderful experience — easy to book — great communication .. flawless
Flora S
“”
Terrarium + Sun Catcher Making
Chigusa was amazing and the kids loved the experience! I'll definitely be booking again!
Nataly L

Questions?

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