AIkido For Kids

Aikido provides the most effective self defense training for children and teens.  The techniques of Aikido focus on harmonizing with an attack rather than resisting it and then re-directing the energy of the attacker against him.  Aikido embraces the use of various pinning techniques as forms of self defense without seriously hurting the opponent.  Many arrest and control techniques used by law enforcement officers are based on Aikido principles.

Aikido is not only a very effective form of self defense for adults but for children and adolescents as well.  This art of self defense is the answer for parents who are concerned about the effect of violence in movies, on television and video games.  Aikido stresses the importance of respect for others while instilling self confidence, discipline and self esteem.  Children and adolescents may increase their confidence level without becoming overly aggressive and violent.  These individuals learn to respect authority and defend themselves should the need arise.

Aikido classes do not teach striking and hitting yet the techniques that are taught   provide are children with effective tools for self defense in any given situation.  In the Aikido class not only do children learn the art of self defense, but they develop great sensitivity to their own bodies through movement.  Through learning the principles of mind and body coordination students are able to direct their energy more positively and effectively.  The Aikido class room provides self defense training in a non-competitive environment to teach children to utilize their full potential.  As many children are not attracted to martial art forms that promote competition, children and adolescents are able to use Aikido to defend themselves using the minimum necessary force needed to protect themselves.  Because there is no competition in the Aikido class students are able to practice self defense in a “safe” environment.  They take care of their partners and their partners take care of them.  Everybody works together because they realize that in order to make progress in the art they need one another.  More senior students take care of the newer ones and assist them in developing their Aikido skills.  Lessons are taught using partners.  Therefore, you need your partner and your partner needs you.  In the Aikido class children help each other to grow.

Movement games are a big part of Aikido for both children and adolescents because it allows for some pure fun in class while students learn naturally – without being aware of what they are doing.  Freeze tag done on the knees Japanese style and “bowling for kids” in which the students knee walk and have to evade inflatable balls rolled at them are just two favorites.  Aikido teaches awareness and reinforces circular body movement patterns.

Most children start at the age of six or above.  If your child can focus for a full hour we will start him or her at age five.  The children’s class provides a great deal of strengthening exercises for the entire body are done, Aikido techniques and falls are a part of the training.  By age thirteen children move into the adult classes.  There are currently adolescents practicing with the adults. This gives them the opportunity to focus on details of Aikido while interacting with other adolescents and adults in a more serious yet safe environment.  The minimum age to move into the adult class is ten for highly focused children.

Aikido practice will provide children with improvements in the following areas:

• Personal Skills: Self Discipline, Focusing skills, Self Confidence and Self Awareness.
• Social Skills:  Cooperation, Relating to Others, Good Manners.
• Physical Skills:  Flexibility, Agility, Balance, Stamina and Strength.
• Cultural Skills:  Japanese Customs, Etiquette, Tradition, Language and Clothing.

As children and teens continue to participate in Aikido classes they begin to apply Aikido principals in activities such as schoolwork, sports, music and art.  More importantly, they gain the intangible benefits of having a positive attitude, respect, always doing their best, being able to calm their minds, concentration and self discipline.  It also applies to being able to get along with family, siblings, peers and schoolmates. The benefits are the result of fundamental applications of Aikido training.  Good learning skills – listening, concentrating on tasks and following through to completion – are naturally developed.  Children gain confidence in their abilities, and as they grow, the tools and direction of their training provide something for them to rely on.  A disciplined, cooperative environment affords them the opportunity to learn to work and grow together.   Additionally, it has been proven that children who have been diagnosed with learning disorders and physical handicaps have actually benefited from Aikido practice.  In fact special Ed teachers and doctors have been known to recommend Aikido classes for their students.  Children and adolescents are finding that the principles of Aikido are very effective for conflict resolution as opposed to aggressive fighting.