Non-violent Martial Arts for Kids in Sydney with
Aikido Kenkyukai Sydney City
Children's Aikido Program
For peaceful warriors approximately 5-12 years old
Avoidance of violence is the heart of Aikido. Children learn not how to fight,
but
how to cooperate; how to resolve conflict in a positive way; how to make friends and
avoid making enemies. They learn self-defense, but more importantly they learn
self-confidence, self -respect and the path to self-discovery. In a world
increasingly filled with stress and conflict, these lessons are survival tools for
children of all ages.
Roberta K. Beach
in praise of “Children and the martial arts: An Aikido point of view” by Gaku Homma
'Harmony'
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a method for turning conflict into harmony and responding to aggression with compassion. It is a beautiful, non-competitive and non-aggressive martial art quite unlike any other. Aikido was developed last century in Japan and today is practised all over the world. Its natural flowing movements are based on the principle of non-resistance and enable us to protect ourselves in a physical conflict as well as our partners. There are no losers or competitions in Aikido, and no-one is harmed. Aikido is about polishing our spirit and improving ourselves from within, about developing awareness and care for each other and our environment.
The Dojo
The dojo (practise place) is a unique and
sacred environment which promotes learning through laughter, imagery and games. In this safe and peaceful atmosphere, kids learn to respect and cooperate with each other, and to move with grace and confidence. We do stretching and warm up exercises, and play energetic games that improve our balance, coordination and concentration. We introduce Aikido principles and techniques, especially emphasising the art of ukemi (falling and rolling) to receive techniques safely. We do not teach kids to punch and kick each other as an acceptable response to conflict. Wooden swords (bokuto), a favourite among the children, are used to illustrate the lines and space present in the movements, and basic Japanese language, culture and etiquette are interwoven throughout each class.
Self-discovery
Children are well-supervised and guided by the instructors during the class but are also given the freedom to learn and discover things for themselves. The older students (sempai) are supported and actively encouraged to take leadership, helping the younger students (kohai) to learn and grow. In this way, the kids learn to teach each other, to discuss and resolve problems together, and to comfort and yield to one another. Their awareness and self-confidence increase noticeably, as do the bonds and friendships they forge.
About our dojo and instructors
The children’s Aikido program is led by Berin Mackenzie Sensei, 4th dan, and assisted by his senior students. Berin lived and studied Aikido intensively in Japan and taught Aikido classes to kids for several years during his stay.
Our dojo is a registered member of the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA), the peak industry body overseeing martial arts in Australia. Each of our instructors has been individually accredited by the MAIA and has undergone training in martial arts coaching, first-aid and risk management, as well as police background checks.
How to get started
Interested parents and carers are invited to visit the dojo
with their children to watch a
class and speak with the instructor and other parents about our program. The MAIA requires that all prospective students download and complete a membership application before taking part in our classes.
We are currently offering subsidised starter packs for children which include a 100% cotton Aikido uniform (called a
dogi or keiko-gi, and comprising a jacket, pants and belt), plus their first 2 classes at the introductory rate of
$49 (total value: $90). Subsequent tuition is $14 per class, or a 10-class pass may be purchased for $120 (valid for 4 months, non-refundable). An annual membership fee of $40 applies.
Class times
Our children’s Aikido program runs all year round, including school holidays, with several classes per week on offer:
Tuesdays:
Saturdays:
Thursdays:
5:15 - 6:00pm
10:30 - 11:15am (begins 4 February 2012)
(teenagers class opening soon)
Gradings
All students begin with a white belt. With training and practise, the children progress
through the coloured belts over a 6-year program from white-yellow-orange-green-red-blue-purple.
They are then well-prepared to join the adults program where there are five ranks of white
belts called kyu, followed by the black belt ranks called dan.
Aikido camps
One- or two-day weekend intensives called gasshuku are offered for children several times a year. These Aikido camps are special days where the children's learning curve and
confidence is greatly increased. They train hard and enjoy many different cultural activities in addition to Aikido practise. This is when we see the fruits of all their hard work and their
spirit shines! Testing takes place during these times, for those students who are ready.
Gasshuku are richly rewarding opportunities for friendship and exchange with children and
instructors from other parts of Australia. From time to time, international kids camps provide
the chance to meet and study with children from other parts of the world including countries
with such diverse cultures as Canada, Chile and Japan.
Further reading
For parents who wish to better understand the benefits of Aikido training and the effect it can have on their children, we highly recommend Gaku Homma’s inspiring book,
“Children and the Martial Arts: An Aikido point of view.” It is available online as a PDF and can also be purchased from our dojo.
