Aaron Cass started the kids program in 2013 with his children, Adrian and Hana, and a few of their friends. Since then the program has flourished, and Aaron has enjoyed watching the kids continue to train, grow and have fun. Outside the dojo, Aaron is a high school English teacher.

Sofie Larsen started practicing Aikido at age 12 in Brussels, Belgium, where she grew up. She joined Portsmouth Aikido in 2018, and has two kids of her own. She enjoys helping young students gain confidence as they practice their skills and techniques. Outside of the dojo, Sofie is a high school French teacher and enjoys gardening, animals, and goofy super hero movies.