Children Aikido Training

 

Children ages 7-12

is based on the teachings of tradtiional Aikido techniques, philosophy and exposure to Japanese culture in a noncompetitive environment.   At an early age, we believe it is crucial to instill structure into the children.  Structure is the base for learning and growth in children and that is our main goal here at Tri City Aikido. Below is an example of a few of the students practicing a classic waza or technique.   Martial arts is fantastic for children.  It's dynamic, exciting and will get your childs attention.  The devoloping of a strong body and mind should start early in life.  Martial  arts teaches this.  Martial arts teaches confidence and self control.  It's all here for the taking. 

 

Childrens beginner Aikido class 

  The beginners class is based on character development and the fundamental teachings of Aikido.  Of course discipline, strength training and encouragement to learn are also emphasized.  The  techniques the children are taught techniques are geared towards a non0violent resolution.  This approach acts as a safe-guard against recklessness and potential harm.  A tremendous amount of interaction between the students and teachers is foremost and reinforced with the question and answer sessions we have regularly. This serves the purpose of activating your child's brain to get them to think!  Everyone is expected to participate so there is no more hiding in the shadows. 

 

 

Advanced Childrens Aikido

  The advance class is much different.  The ability and know how needed to be introduced into this class takes time and tremendous effort.  The children are introduced to much more difficult techniques along with sword and staff training.  Solo and paired practice.  

We have a cooperative training environment.  The object is to learn.  In school, children are taught no to copy from others.  In Aikido, it's just the opposite, if you see someone doing it well, do as they do.  In time, each child will eventually have the opportunity to share what they know  with children of lesser experience. In a small way, they will become leaders and teachers themselves.

Childrens aikido and tournaments.

  Many martial arts are about sport fighting, or the tournament circuit. The sport school may require you to spend a small fortune on equipment. We only have one piece of equipment, the bamboo sword, used for the traditional art called Kenjitsu. Of course, sword practice is done in a way where safety and structure are implemented relentlessly. So whether your child is practicing sword, or empty hand applications, competition doesn't exist, therefore there isn't a loser. Our children will study the martial movements of Aikido, but are constantly reminded

that they must respect and take care of their training partners in the school. This non-competitiveness is something that changes the dynamics of the entire school.

As in the Teen/ Adult class, an ego-free environment will emerge and then everyone wins.

 

Teacher to student ratio

  Our teacher to student ratio is very good, on average about 1 instructor for every 6 children. We are constantly in the process of trying to prepare our youth to enter society as respectable adults. Discipline is reinforced and exercised to help parents get more out of their children then they might have originally hoped. As for the physical movements, we do not teach our children to become wrecking machines. The movements they learn are presented in a nonviolent manner.

 

Aikido Exams and testing

Aikido exams are held in a traditional manor in front of the childs peers.  Testing involves ettiquette, ukemi (art of falling) tradtional techniques and proper attitude.  Each test is repeated in the next level exam with added material in order to created depth.  All exams are taken in-house and are based off material presented to the student.

 

Aikido and Tae Kwon Do

Children can also take advantage of the Tae Kwon Do class led by David Palmer. This class is focused on kicking, and the development and coordination of the lower body. It has been a real success with the cildren, and that is why we encourage the practice. This Friday late afternoon class is also taught in a nonviolent way. We must emphasize that only the air, focus pads and heavy bags are kicked, not other children.  As you can see, board breaking is also exercised to teach strength, follow through and to boost confidence in a child.  The Tae Kwon Do class is included in the tuition, and attendance is completely optional.

 

When can my children start training?

We have an ongoing curriculum.  Classes start weekly.  We start accepting kids for the hour long classes between the ages of 7 - 12. We feel that age 7 is good because the attention span has

developed enough to hold for the entire class.  There are 4 classes a week and open to all.  The ultimate goal is to instill confidence, structure, discipline, and a strong sense of worth. Our kids

are very important to us, and you will see that when you visit us. If you have the chance, we highly recommend that you visit a kids' class soon. All are welcome!

For younger children (ages 4-6), you may wish to consider the tots' class.

 

The children's class emphasizes these points of practice:

• Discipline
• Safety
• Respect and consideration for others
• Self-control
• The physical techniques of Aikido
• The ability to focus
• Goal setting
• Physical conditioning
• Developing coordination
• Sportsmanship

You can contact us at 510-742-8321, or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it