Why kids should practice Aikido
Adults may practice Aikido for inner peace, relaxation, or self-defense. But these are concepts that most children don't even think about. So why is Aikido a good idea for kids? What can it contribute to their lives?
- Aikido is a non-aggressive martial art. Aikido doesn't encourage kids to go around punching and kicking their friends, siblings, dogs, and cats. Aikido technique starts when someone else "breaks the rules", i.e. attacks. Aikido teaches kids practical self-defense
- Place to meet and play joyfully with other kids. Very different from other sport activities Aikido joins kids of different age and gender.
- 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 shows them exactly how to do that. Aikido calmness feels good because it is entirely different from keeping their emotions bottled up.
- Aikido gives kids a positive world view. It teaches that in order to create something worthwhile, you must work in harmony with your environment. It teaches that if you make trouble, you will lose. But if your mind is correct, calm, and positive, you can make something good out of whatever the universe hands you.
- Aikido helps kids at school. By training in Aikido, kids develop calm, clear minds. As a result, they absorb knowledge easier, and think with greater clarity. Aikido is about developing the full human potential, and school is one of the most important places for this potential to be realized.
- Anyone can be good at Aikido. Aikido does not require athletic talent. The key to making progress in Aikido is simply persevering and having a positive attitude. What better lesson can we teach our kids?
- Aikido makes your kids tired. So hopefully, they'll go to bed a little earlier on Saturday nights :-)
Please contact us if you would like to come visit yourself or with your child, or simply stop in and give it a try!
