Martial Arts Programs for Young Children & Children with Special Needs in Westchester
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 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.
Scarsdale Aikido
4 Gray Rock Rd
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-648-0492
or Contact Us
4 Gray Rock Rd
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-648-0492
or Contact Us
The Program for 4-6 Year Old Children & Children with Special Needs
Private lessons are available for children with special needs and will be discussed individually.
For 4-6 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 4-6 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 - 5:30-6:15pm
Sun - 4:30-5:15pm
During the fall season, depending upon demand, we may add classes Wed 5:30-6pm & Sat 12:30-1pm
Cost - $45/month for 1 class per week.
The Instructor
Private lessons are available for children with special needs and will be discussed individually.
For 4-6 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 4-6 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 - 5:30-6:15pm
Sun - 4:30-5:15pm
During the fall season, depending upon demand, we may add classes Wed 5:30-6pm & Sat 12:30-1pm
Cost - $45/month for 1 class per week.
The 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. 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. 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...
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. 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. 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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