What We Offer
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Children's Aikido
We put the kid in Aikido
- Fun!
- Fitness
- Self-defense
- Self-confidence
- Conflict resolution
Young children benefit from practicing Aikido
Children are avid learners of new material. They enjoy challenging their young bodies and minds. They take special pride in mastering new skills. Children also require regular exercise to stay fit both physically and mentally.
Keeping this in mind, we have the following goals with the children:
- Develop and expand physical and mental awareness.
- Improve flexibility and coordination.
- Enrich interpersonal skills.
- Enhance self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Provide overall body conditioning.
Instruction is initially centered on physical exercises designed to improve motor skills and physical coordination. We teach the children how to fall without hurting themselves. After the students are comfortable with falling, we introduce the basic martial arts principles of movement. In conjunction with these principles of movement, we instruct them in the techniques of Aikido.
Aikido is a noncompetitive martial art. We don’t have tournaments or trophies. We stress cooperation, teamwork and respect among students, and between teachers and students. Aikido techniques are based on blending with the opponents movements and redirecting them, not confronting force with force. The only competition is with oneself, striving for improvement.
Classes are offered in a spacious and safe environment
Our program is designed for children aged 7 to 11. Please refer to our schedule of fees and classes for specific class times and monthly dues. Please note that the class schedule is subject to change and may be modified to accommodate special events. Uniforms and belts are available for purchase through the school.
We don’t require long-term contracts and we don’t pressure kids into expensive testing or competitions. Our instructor and his assistants are dedicated volunteers from the adult program devoted to promoting the art of Aikido and are not paid.
Our Children’s Instructor
Bob Scollard began training in Aikido in 1991 at Multnomah Aikikai under Chief Instructor Aki Fleshler Sensei. In 1994, under Fleshler Sensei’s guidance, he developed Multnomah Aikikai’s program for children 4 to 6 years of age. In 1996, under Chief Instructor Frank Apodaca, Bob became an Assistant Children’s Instructor for children 7 to 12 years of age. In 2000, Senseis Apodaca and Fleshler appointed Bob to the position of lead Children’s Instructor. In 2005 Bob was promoted to Fukushidoin (Assistant Instructor). In 2008 Bob was promoted to Sandan (third degree black belt).
Bob’s involvement in Multnomah Aikikai Children’s Program has given him a deeper understanding of the principles of Aiki especially in terms how these principles can be applied to parenting. Additionally, this experience has made him aware of the positive impact that physical training has on the cognitive and emotional development of children.