AIKIDO—AN EVOLVED MARTIAL ART FOR TODAY’S CHILDREN

Kids Aikido classes teaches cooperation, self control,and self defense while protecting a partner/attacker. Kids Aikido is aerobic, fun, and respectful. Aikido is an evolved art for today’s children.

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art. It has a unique philosophy. Not only do we need to take care of ourselves, we need to take care of others too. This makes Aikido an excellent art for children’s physical and personal development. Aikido is not competitive, and there are no matches. Aikido is used to teach anti-bullying strategy and is often taught in mediation counseling as a physical metaphor for blending with an opponent and understanding their point of view.

Children’s Aikido classes practice lots of Aikido rolls, the fun and safe way to fall down. This is an important safety measure for children. Parents will appreciate the etiquette of the dojo, which instills quiet, respectful sitting as an integral part of active learning.

Steve Sensei’s years of public school teaching and a lifetime of intensive martial arts training combine to give him insight into how to effectively create a positive learning environment, so students can grasp how to peacefully handle aggression. (See more about Steve’s teaching background.)

Kids classes are specific to the needs of different age groups. Teenagers 15 and up are grouped with the adult classes. We make provisions for young teens to have flexibility in attending some children’s classes and some adult beginner classes as they mature. We rely on the readiness and confidence of the student and want students to advance at their own pace. We believe in running classes like a family, so the young kids are often helped by our teens which gives confidence to both age groups.

Open Sky’s schedule includes a Fall and Spring semester. We usually have a short session for June/July classes.

CLASSES

Aiki Intro Ages 5–7

Tuesdays 4–4:30 p.m.

School-Age Kids Ages 8–14

Mondays & Wednesdays 4–5 p.m., Saturdays 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Advanced Kids Orange belt and permission of the instructor are required.

Techniques    Saturdays 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Weapons        Mondays  5:00–5:30 p.m.

2013 Kids Fall Fees Semester fees & info