Aikido for Kids Age 8-14+
Rigorous exercise
- Practical self defense even against multiple attackers
- Philosophy taught both verbally and in physical terms
- Training in sword and staff
- Full complement of benefits of all martial arts training (e.g. build character, confidence, etc.
see overview)
At age 8, the class increases in intensity. Rigorous exercise begins as well as more
challenging technique. The focus is upon evasive movement and multiple attacks, controlling an
attacker with simpler techniques using a throw or pin, and practice in falling. In most
encounters between children, evasive movement away from an attack along with a warning shove will
be sufficient to ward of any violence. The attacking child will have the sense the
practitioner is trained and more proficient than themselves, thus giving them the appearance of a
poor candidate with which to engage in violence. A more forceful shove or some simple techniques or
distracting strikes become obvious and available after the initial evasive movements to be applied
against more persistent attackers. Basic knowledge of how to use the body, including
centering, balance and posture, while under the stress of an attack will provide the student with
additional power. This
power alone will discourage further attacks. The program emphasizes these aspects of self
defense for children. As such, basic movements are emphasized repetitively, and realistic
techniques for children are taught, often within the context of multiple attacks.
The philosophy of the art is taught in class and through the testing process. Children are
given questions and told to investigate the answers with help from their parents, and consider how
these principles apply to their own lives. In this sense, children can learn to apply the
principles they learn through physical techniques to other conflicts in their lives. The
ultimate objective is to provide a sense of genuine peace within oneself, even in the midst of
conflict or violence. This approach maximizes the ability of the child to defend themselves while
minimizing the risk of unnecessary harm to other children. The benefits of the lessons
learned, applied to other areas of life, can provide children with a profound and efficient means
to accomplish both greater effectiveness and happiness in all aspects of their lives as they grow
older.
Training in sword and staff are introduced to familiarize the children with advanced concepts in
timing and posture, as well as the mechanics of the underlying empty handed self defense.
Each class is 45 minutes and usually ends with games that are designed to teach certain aspects of
the art. For example, some games act as a precursor to multiple attacks while others evoke a
calm, balanced or meditative state focused on the senses. There are four classes per week for a fee
of $45 per month. Typically one class per week is sufficient for growth in the art for the
younger children in this group. Children age 12+ may be allowed to take up to 3 adult
classes/week, depending upon their maturity and interests.
General Class Times & Dues (see Schedule & Cost tab for updates):
Mon & Wed: 5:30-6:15pm
Fri: 6-6:45pm
Sat: 11:30-12:15pm
Sun: 3:30-5pm Tween/Teens only can participate in adult
class
5-5:45pm all
ages
Cost:
$60/month
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