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Why should my child choose Aikido
versus another martial art?
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to Top
Every martial art has something unique and special to
offer an adult
student. However, we believe that children have particular needs that
are nurtured through Aikido practice. For instance, Aikido is
non-competitive, allowing children to discover the art through inward
focus and self- motivation. Character building is important in an
increasingly competitive and stressful culture that all too often
rewards exterior, material success rather than inner qualities of
self-confidence and composure.
If your child enjoys and excels in competitive sports, then Aikido is a
nice counterbalance to team competition. Many children and parents have
commented that several years of Aikido significantly improves their
athletic ability and understanding of teamwork. If your child dislikes
competition and team sports, he/she often discovers the excitement of
improving coordination, flexibility and movement through Aikido.
Many martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do, Karate and Wu Shu (Chinese forms
like “Kung Fu”) emphasize striking and kicking skills. This could lead
to a false sense of power that does not help children creatively
resolve conflict on one hand, or effectively defend themselves on the
other. Aikido, by emphasizing the importance of blending with an
attack, intrinsically promotes the peaceful and creative resolution of
conflict.
Striking and the contraction characteristic of more linear martial arts
potentially heighten tension and inhibition in the upper body; in
contrast, Aikido continually promotes core power and relaxation. The
open handed, relaxed stances of Aikido allows the child to learn
centered, calm and circular movements instead of relying on the rigid
mechanics characteristic of many striking and kicking styles.
Children’s Aikido classes dynamically balance technical training with
teamwork exercises and games. The games that we play provide a fun
dimension to the focus of Aikido, while emphasizing fundamental
principles of the techniques themselves, such as centering, blending,
teamwork and non-violent conflict resolution. We also teach some yoga
during warm-ups to promote flexibility and unified movement, essential
qualities of the young athlete and martial artist.
I would
like my child to learn about
self-defense. Is
this a good
style?
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Beware of any martial art that claims it will make your
child a good
fighter, or grant them the ability to evade or escape a significantly
larger and stronger attacker. For instance, it is somewhat unrealistic
to strike, throw or pin someone that outweighs you by 200 pounds
(although not impossible, provided the right strategy, many years of
training and the advantage of surprise). It is important that children
are not deluded about their power and ability to defend themselves. On
the other hand, children need to know that there are times when it is
appropriate (and necessary) to say “no,” assert boundaries, and
possibly fight back. The most important self–defense skills involve the
promotion of self-confidence, street smarts and awareness. In Aikido
class we teach street awareness and abuse prevention skills. In
addition, by learning how to move in a relaxed, confident and aware
manner, children naturally learn how to establish boundaries and avoid
potential conflicts or dangerous situations.
I am concerned
about safety. How do you make
sure that
the children
know how to fall? Back to Top
We emphasize the art of ukemi, or methods of falling
that are safe and
fun. Children are allowed to progress to a more dynamic fall (higher
from the ground) only when they feel comfortable with the movement and
the instructor believes that they are ready. Our safety record is
excellent; there are many more injuries in team sports like baseball,
basketball or soccer. In fact, by learning good ukemi, the child will
reduce the chance of injury in other physical activities like skiing,
snowboarding and team sports.
Aggressive
children and bullies bother my
child. How
would Aikido help? Back to Top
We learn how to deal with bullies creatively by using
Aikido
principles. Children discover that metaphors are powerful tools to
understand difficult concepts, so we integrate imagery, movement and
metaphor in a dynamic and unique manner in order to promote peaceful
conflict resolution. For example, Aikido’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba,
believed that Aikido embodies the principles of the Square, Triangle,
and Circle depending on the martial context. A square represents
stability (the ability to say “no” and express the necessity of
boundaries or take a strong Aikido stance), a triangle might illustrate
a direct entry (the ability to directly communicate feelings in a clear
and non-confrontational manner) and the principle of the circle
represents the way of harmony (the ability to be compassionate and
understand another perspective or to blend with an attack). Each
principle has an appropriate application in self-defense and in the
peaceful resolution of conflict. We apply these principles in fun ways
– through games, role-playing (as a bully, victim, or a bystander), and
discussion.
My child often
tries to bully or dominate
others.
Should my child
practice Aikido? Back to Top
Aikido is a wonderful method of transforming angry
energy into
something more positive because children with power issues appreciate
the physicality of the classes and the fact that Aikido is fun. In
class we always emphasize the importance of cooperation and the fact
that the highest goal of a martial artist is to keep from fighting.
Children learn through the centering movements and strong ethical
emphasis that a good martial artist is compassionate and learns how to
protect other children, animals, and the environment.
Aikido is a wonderful choice for children struggling with issues of
power due to its intrinsic emphasis on the peaceful resolution of
conflict and the fact that while we learn how to defend against
strikes, we don’t rely on strikes in the techniques themselves.
Children are only allowed to test when they complete a worksheet that
demonstrates their understanding of principles of compassion and
mindfulness (see the following question). Children are told that except
in extreme cases, Aikido should never be used outside the dojo, and
they will not be allowed to train if they cannot follow this rule.
What is the
particular value of studying
Japanese
warrior arts?
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Japanese culture emphasizes the importance of
etiquette, harmony and
cooperation, essential skills for becoming a responsible member of
society. In order to promote an understanding of traditional Japanese
culture, every child studies the Code of Bushido, or the seven Japanese
principles of the Way of the Warrior. Before testing for the next rank,
children complete a Bushido worksheet that demonstrates how they have
applied these principles in the dojo, at home or in school. The Bushido
principles are: Justice/Honesty (Gi), Respect/Courtesy (Rei), Courage
(Yu), Honor or Integrity (Meiyo), Compassion (Jin), Sincerity (Makoto),
and Loyalty (Chu). The child’s understanding of these difficult
concepts grows with their understanding of Aikido.
How do you
enforce discipline?
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We find that discipline does not need to be enforced if
children are
genuinely engaged and excited about Aikido. Occasionally, children are
told to sit and watch for a short time if they cannot sufficiently
focus or if they are distracting others. We emphasize that we are not
babysitters and if the child is not ready to focus, then they should
leave the mat and watch the class.
Do you take
children under 7? Back to Top
We occasionally allow 6 year-olds to join, in
particular if they are
unusually focused and coordinated. We also allow 6 year-olds to
practice if a parent/guardian chooses to train with them.
Can I practice
with my child? Back to Top
We encourage children and parents to join the dojo if
there is a
genuine enthusiasm and interest on the part of all participating family
members. We strongly encourage that parents also attend at least one or
two adult classes every week in addition to the children’s class. This
is not necessary, but it will deepen the parents’ understanding of
Aikido, and allow the parent to improve more rapidly. We also have a
children’s play space adjoining the mat so that families with children
who are too young to take class can still enjoy the dojo. The
children’s play space contains many books, toys and games for younger
children. Younger children may need to be supervised by a parent or
caregiver.
What if my
child is very large/physically
advanced for
his age and/or
is over 12 years of age? Back to Top
We also offer an Intermediate Children’s Class on
Thursdays at 4pm.
This class is for green belts and higher (and by special permission)
and children ages 12 and up. A number of teenagers also participate in
this class. We often let children decide what they would like to do –
children at this age can either join the adult classes exclusively,
stay in the children’s classes, or train in both. (Click here for the schedule)
What should my
child wear in class? Back to Top
Children can wear clean, loose, and comfortable
clothing. They should
wear long pants (sweatpants are ideal) and a t-shirt or sweatshirt.
Ideally, the clothing should not have any logos or graphics. We also
sell keikogi, traditional Aikido uniforms. After the first month we
expect every student to purchase a keikogi. If the jacket does not have
an insignia on it, the child is welcome to wear a used uniform from
another style. We encourage parents to purchase a uniform as soon as
they feel that the child will make a commitment to practice. Please let
us know if you have any financial limitations regarding paying for
class and/or the uniform.
When should
they start/how long should they
practice? Back to Top
Children can begin training any time of the year (with
one exception
-we do not offer Children’s classes in August). Usually it is
preferable to begin in the first class of that month, because often
other children will also begin at this time. We encourage children to
continue training through teenage and adult years; ideally, Aikido is a
lifetime practice.
How often
should they train? Back to Top
We strongly encourage children to attend two classes a
week. Older
children/teenagers should come as often as possible, ideally three or
more classes a week. (click here for the
schedule)
Can my child try
a class? Back to Top
We let children try an Aikido class for free. A parent
or guardian will
need to complete and sign an application and release
form before the child begins training.
What if I am
not sure I can afford to pay for
classes
every month? Back to Top
We currently have a Samurai Youth Program that
supports families
and children who cannot afford to pay for all or part of the membership
dues. The program also allows the child to receive a keikogi (uniform)
that will be returned to the dojo if the child chooses to leave.
We also accept tax-exempt donations for our Samurai Youth
program. Please let us know if you have any financial concerns.
I have other
children. What could they do
during class? Back to Top
We have a children’s play space with many books, fun
games and toys for
children of all ages. The play space adjoins the mat on the Pine Street
side of the dojo. This area is unsupervised, so younger children may
need a non-practicing caregiver.
Have you
worked with home-schooled children? Back to Top
We have over ten years of experience working with
children that are
home-schooled. A number of parents have made Aikido an integral element
of their child’s physical training, and home-schooled children often
practice Aikido for many years, eventually joining the adult classes.
I am ready to
register my child. What should I
do? Back
to Top
We believe that you and your child should watch a class
(they could
also try a class). You are also encouraged to meet with the Chief
Instructor for an informal interview. This is a nice way for you and
your child to meet their teacher and we can answer any questions that
you may have in person. You will also need to complete an application
and release form.
Please Contact us or visit the dojo if you have additional questions.
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Aikido
of Champlain Valley is a 501(c)(3) federal non-profit organization that
admits students of any race, color, age, gender, and sexual preference
to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities that are
available to all members. We do not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, age, gender, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in
our educational, hiring and admissions policies.
Aikido of Champlain Valley is a member of the United States Aikido
Federation
©2004-2008 Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine
St., Burlington Vermont For questions or comments about this web site,
please e-mail the webmaster
.
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