Aiki Kids Club

At Aikido Yoshinkai NSW (AYNSW) we firmly believe in establishing solid ties within, and contributing to, the community. As such, the Aiki Kids Club is an afternoon aikido program dedicated to providing a safe and fun environment for kids to better themselves and grow as individuals while at the same time learning a traditional Japanese martial art.

One of the major issues facing young people at school today is bullying.  A recent study has placed Australia at the top of countries facing this problem. It is now recognized that there is an indisputable link between bullying in childhood and adolescent anxiety, low self-esteem, loss of confidence and depression and self-harm.  Research has shown that one in six Australian students are bullied every week, and that those children are three times more likely to develop depressive illnesses (Rigby, 1997).

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Every school must have an anti bullying policy in place.  However a policy alone is not a deterrent.  Programs that teach children how to break out of the cycle of bullying, how to stand up for themselves and be compassionate and caring for others are now being developed to counter the bullying culture that is growing in our society.  One such program developed in Holland and known as Rock & Water has been particularly successful.

AYNSW Chief Instructor, Darren Friend, is a certified Rock & Water instructor and has woven elements of Rock & Water into the AYNSW kids program, combining lessons in martial arts with strategies to escape targeting and to stand up and support friends.  Darren is also available to run a Rock & Water program at your school.

Members of the Aiki Kids Club can enjoy many benefits:

  • The kids improve their general fitness, flexibility and coordination level.
  • Individual aikido goal & personal responsibility review at the commencement of each term.
  • Detailed pre testing homework book.
  • Strategies to recognize and avoid bullying behavior.
  • Learn discipline and respect for others.
  • Self-confidence and self-esteem become stronger.
  • Develop better social skills in non-competitive group activities.
  • Have fun while learning something challenging and beneficial to physical health and general well-being!
  • Exposure to Japanese language and culture.

Explaining Aikido to Kids
Our friends at Aikido Shudokan in Melbourne have produced this neat link to help explain aikido to kids.

Schedule
The Aiki Kids Club are on Tuesday / Thursday 5.00-6.00 and Saturday 10.00-11.00.  throughout the school term (no kids classes during school holidays).
Click here for the full dojo Training Schedule.

Q&A
How old do children have to be to join the program?
The Aiki Kids Club is open to school-age kids ranging from approximately 5 years old to 13 years old.

Is it safe for my kids to train?
Yes. Above all else, we emphasize safety awareness, tolerance and mutual respect. Kids are taught how to roll, do breakfalls and move around the dojo properly in order to protect themselves and others from injury

Are there competitions like in karate or judo?
No. Unlike karate or judo in which there are tournaments or matches, Yoshinkan Aikido is a non-competitive martial art. During demonstrations we may occasionally have students perform certain techniques or movements and judge groups on the the best form, but there is never any ‘one-on-one fighting’ or ‘win-or-lose’ situation.