The Club has an active and well-attended programme for girls and boys aged from 7 to 14 years of age. The Children’s class is held every Monday night, during school term from 6:45 to 7:45 pm.
Aikido is a modern martial art based upon principles of non-aggression, non-resistance, and non-competitiveness. As well as developing their physical and emotional centredness the exercises and interpersonal practice of Aikido also gives children insight into the humanitarian and harmonising principles that underlie this art of Harmony.
The children’s classes are fun but emphasise practice of Aikido forms and a practical understanding of Aikido principles of self defence. Unlike senior practice, only basic forms of Aikido are taught. Harmful and dangerous techniques are avoided in favour of flowing, extending and energy directing movements. Children do tumbling and rolling practice and empty-hand techniques from a seated or standing position to control partner by Positioning, Gripping, Wrist locks, and throwing forms.
The children’s programme has 6 levels of attainment over 6 years. Each December an annual grading is conducted to test their progress and a coloured grading rank is awarded. The six levels are: 1st Yellow stripe, 2nd Yellow stripe, 1st Red stripe, 2nd Red stripe, 1st Navy stripe, 2nd Navy stripe. Each stripe is added to the next so that after a few years children can see their progress. This gives children a goal to strive for, and fosters their ongoing development towards more senior skills. At the end of the children’s six-year program they are ready to graduate to the senior class as a number of students have done.
What we do NOT teach
We do not … teach children to punch or kick another child as a way of settling a dispute. Aikido teaches effective collaborative methods of controlling aggressive behaviour that gives your child a way to preserve their integrity and stay safe.
We do not … “enforce discipline” or teach children in a rigid or automoton way. In our practice we follow our principles. We work with your child, to follow their energy and divert them to safe and sensitive practice so they will develop “self discipline” and ways to control not only themselves but others.
Reserve your Child’s place
1. To enrol your child and pay the course fee on-line, select the pink “course box” (below) for the Terme:
WARNING: service ID(s) not found. Please check the shortcode syntax and ensure at least one of the specified services is active.2. Complete the Enrolment and Indemnity FORM online.
3. Send the completed form in PDF format by e-mail to info@aikido.com.au.
4. Learn about the Dojo’s etiquette and procedures, read the Dojo Booklet