Why is Aikido Good for Kids

Aikido is a non-aggressive martial art. What does this mean? Basically, that you can't really start a fight with Aikido. Aikido doesn't encourage kids to have Power Rangers Syndrome, in which they go around punching and kicking their friends, siblings, and pets. While teaching children punching and kicking can be a valuable discipline in itself, the small size and power of children generally makes it ineffective for self-defense at their age. Aikido technique starts when someone else "breaks the rules", i.e. attacks. Also, teaching children self-defense as a competitive sport can give them a false sense of effectiveness . Should they ever find themselves in a threatening situation, it will certainly not be like a match on the mat. . And, depending only on kicking and punching could lead to serious consequences because the assailants may be much larger than the child. Aikido concentrates on aspects of self-defense in keeping with the child's size and mental and emotional capacity and is therefore more likely to help them survive a dangerous situation. Self-defense for children should emphasize awareness of surroundings and one's own feelings and it should teach how to escape from holds and strikes. This is a major component of children's Aikido training. Self Defense aspects: In Aikido confidence comes from knowing one can completely neutralize an attack without excessive force, while maintaining a mind which is peaceful and therefore effective. One can be much smaller, slower or weaker than a dangerous adversary. Practitioners find that it is safer to escape from holds and to execute throws, and pins by working in balance with the attacker's intention and energy rather than by attempting to fight against them.

Anyone can be good at Aikido. Aikido works for little people. Since Aikido does not rely on size, or speed, or weight, or reach, it is actually applicable by children on adults. In fact, it can be quite surprising how much power a chiled can muster when throwing adults. Aikido does not require athletic talent. In fact, athletic prowess can sometimes get in the way. The key to making progress in Aikido is simply persevering and having a positive attitude. We believe that students' progress is at their own pace and by their own choice so that, we do not guarantee ranking according to a rigid schedule. And because we consider a black-belt ranking to be a recognition of maturity and responsibility as much as of skill and time in training, we do not believe in giving black belts to children. We strive instead to build character, confidence and skill in all our students:

Aikido teaches kids to be calm. Of course, kids shouldn't be calm all the time. But Aikido gives them the choice. If they need to sit still at school, or concentrate on homework, or focus during sports, Aikido has the benefits of martial arts training: good physical conditioning and the generation of confidence, politeness, consideration, Aikido gives kids a positive view. It teaches that in order to create something worthwhile, you must work in harmony. It teaches that if you make trouble, you will lose. But if your mind is calm, and positive, you can make something good out of whatever the universe hands you.

One aspect of Aikido training we do not cover until children are teenagers is the application of joint locks, as their joints are still growing. Aside from that, children have access to most of our techniques, including elementary weapons work.

Aikido class will make your kids tired So hopefully, they'll go to bed a little earlier.

Rules for Observing Class

1.  Sit respectfully, never with legs propped up on the furniture or in a reclining position.
2.  No eating, or drinking, when class is in progress.
3.  Do not talk to anyone on the mat.
4.  Do not talk or walk around while the instructor is demonstrating or lecturing.