Schedule

Mondays and Wednesdays beginners practice from 4:15 - 4:55 and advanced kids class 5:00 to 5:45. Saturday at 1:15pm any kid who has passed their first test is invited to come practice weapons with us.

Children's Aikido

• Fun

• Fitness

• Coordination

• Harmony

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). He was a powerful man who mastered many martial arts, yet had a firm devotion to peace. He said, “[Aikido] is not a technique to fight with, or to defeat the enemy. It is a way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family.” Aikido is a powerful system of self-defense, but is deeply infused with a set of values and attitudes that seek to deal with conflict in a calm way.

Our children’s program is designed for kids ages 7 to 12. Aikido can help children develop physically, mentally and interpersonally. Instruction is initially centered on physical exercises designed to improve motor skills and physical coordination, and to teach how to fall safely. In conjunction with these skills, we introduce the basic martial arts principles of movement and the self-defense techniques of Aikido.

Most beginners should start in the beginners classes at 4:15 Monday and Wednesday. If your child is older than 12 please talk to me to help decide between joining the beginners or the advanced class at 5.

How can my child benefit from Aikido?

• Kids have the opportunity to develop strength, coordination and resilient flexibility and Aikido practice strongly emphasises those.

• Conditioning exercises inspired by animal movements keep thing fun and challenging.

• Falling and rolling practice promotes self-confidence and safety.

• Practicing Aikido techniques promotes concentration and cooperation.

• Aikido provides a safe environment for ALL practitioners to learn to establish clear boundaries and to respect the autonomy and consent of others. This can be a uniquely valuable opportunity for siblings.

How is Aikido for Kids different from other children’s martial arts programs?

• Non-competitive. 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 your partner’s movements and redirecting them, not confronting force with force. The only competition is with oneself, striving for improvement.

• Non-profit. We don’t require long-term contracts and we don’t pressure kids into expensive testing or competitions. Our dojo including the kids classes is run by dedicated volunteers from the adult program.

Can we observe classes?

Visitors are always welcome. The best class times to observe are 4:30-5:30 Mondays and Wednesdays. The instructor or assistant instructor will be happy to answer any questions you have after the class.

Class schedule