Kids and Martial Arts
Many academic studies have documented benefits to children from martial arts training. Chief among these is self-regulation, which can also be thought of as focus or delayed-gratification. Martial arts programs offer a regulated environment with a healthy mix of learning to sit still and plenty of time to move around and get to know what their bodies can do.
Aikido for kids might be a different experience compared to other martial arts:
- Aikido is quieter. We don't do lots of loud punching and kicking, and the kiai (shouting) you might hear in other arts is rare.
- Collaborative. You do Aikido WITH a partner, not TO an opponent. Both partners have a role in each interaction, and they trade places frequently so they can learn to see both sides of a situation.
- Non-competitive. There are no competitions or tournaments in Aikido. Kids and parents have plenty of options if they want competitive activities. Aikido provides an alternative where the non-competitive version is the full version, not a watered-down recreational program. With support from their teachers Aikido students learn to evaluate their own progression, not to rely on external validation by collecting trophies and medals.
- Inclusive. Kids of all ages and experience levels train together and change partners frequently. It's expected that a child will train with every other kid in the class. Those who are more experienced will help guide those who are not as far along, and these more experienced students (called sempai in Japanese) may be older or younger than the student they are working with.
Our youth Aikido instructors also know that while parents may want activities to offer opportunities for growth, the kids have to enjoy them. Our youth classes include not only structured practice but also fun games that feature running, jumping, and learning to fall down safely.