Martial Arts Programs for
Young Children
The specific
benefit of martial arts training is the unique ability to show children how to be relaxed and
peaceful in the midst of stressful and difficult situations. One might consider this benefit
as a long term goal at the outset, as simply placing a child in an environment where such
principles are taught is bound to "rub off" on the child, so to speak, over time. Training in
the early years lays the foundation for some physical skills, but more importantly, for self
confidence, discipline and certain ideas which can be very helpful to them as they grow older.
For example, the body becomes very strong when it is relaxed (instilling confidence) and
responding to anger with anger only serves to make you weak and easy to defeat. We learn many
such lessons in our early years, but absent a physical practice that demonstrates the veracity of
these principles on a regular basis, we do tend to forget as we grow older and face challenging
circumstances. Unlike sports or other activities absent a philosophical component, developing
a foundation in martial arts training can provide more profound benefits over time...benefits which
cannot be overestimated.
That said, younger children simply do not have the developmental capacity to
train fully in any martial art, from Karate, Tae Kwon do, and Jujutsu through to Aikido. In
this sense, martial arts training does not differ from modern sports such as baseball or
soccer. It is therefore important for parents to set their expectations for this age range
appropriately so the child may derive the greatest benefit.
Many martial arts schools with programs for children in the 4-6 year age range
actually spend a fair amount of time working on basic motor skills. One frequently finds
obstacle courses, relay races, etc. While we genuinely applaud this approach, as it turns out
our program focuses more on actual Aikido exercises and technique for the same
purpose.
The Program
for 4-7 Year Old Children
For
4-7 year olds at Scarsdale Aikido, we target developmentally appropriate aspects of Aikido in a
supportive and cooperative setting. We do not utilize obstacle courses ourselves, but
concentrate on specific exercises used in Aikido as a martial art for the development of motor
skills. Also, careful research resulted in the design of games to impart key aspects of the
art through play. Finally, Aikido itself is uniquely beneficial for young children due to its
emphasis on defending oneself by controlling the attacker rather than teaching damaging strikes and
techniques. The importance of this point is discussed more fully in the
program
materials for older children.
The benefits of practice include:
- Self confidence
- Discipline
- Understanding the power inherent in natural body movements
- Evasive movements
- Perception useful in sports as well
- Value of cooperation and working well with others
Discipline is not overly harsh or lax. Children are allowed to operate
within the range of appropriate behaviors for their age. Enjoyment and creativity are encouraged in
their activities. When a child steps outside the allowable rules of conduct, they are
directed towards more appropriate behaviors for their own benefit - the feeling on the part of the
instructor is one of compassion rather than anger. At times, stern action is required to
direct overzealous children towards appropriate behaviors, but again stern actions are only taken
within the spirit of compassion.
The Class
The class for 4-7 year old children takes place within the class for the 6-12 year old
children. For the most part, children are taught by a separate instructor in a separate
area. However, both programs benefit by the ability of children to cross over and participate
in the other program where beneficial. Six year olds move between groups based upon their
developmental abilities.
Class times
Fri - 5:30-6:00pm
Sun - 5:00-5:45pm
Other class times may be available upon request (e.g. Mon & Wed
5:30pm)
Cost -$50/month for 1 class per week.
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Instructor
Kim has been
assisting in the children's Aikido classes since early 2006. Prior to caring for her two
daughters, Kim was an editor in the medical and scientific publishing field. She has
experience teaching pre-K children, has graduate level course work in child development, and
has completed a certification in teaching children's
yoga from a school in
Manhattan specializing in children. In addition she competed training for teaching
yoga for
children with special needs.
Kim treats each child the way she would like her own children to be treated. Along with
her training in Aikido, Kim is a student of meditation and teaches yoga for adults & children. Her history of
exploration over the past 25 years includes Western philosophy, Zen Buddhism,
Christianity, and Jungian psychology. Kim wrote her own biography because she was an
editor and cannot let go of the past...
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