Frequently Asked Questions
How many classes may my child attend per week?
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At the heart of all martial technique is the assumption that a person holds mastery over his or her body and mind. It is my opinion that a great disservice is committed when a teacher simply presumes this mastery in his or her students. The error of this presumption is even greater when it involves the child practitioner. Today, with diminishing physical education programs in schools, and the common adoption of a more sedentary lifestyle, children are at a point further away than past generations have been in holding mastery over their body and mind. For this reason, we seek to develop the relevant physical and mental attributes through games – activities all children love to do. In short, and for example, it makes little sense to ask a child to kick if he or she has not yet developed a sense of balance or to hold more focus if he or she has not yet cultivated an adequate attention span. Our games are a base to our art. Our games are not a substitute for our art, nor are they an extension of our art. Aikido techniques will extend out of the games, and when the child looks back at their practice, they will know that they have been doing Aikido all along.
How few classes may my child attend per week?
Your child can attend as many classes as he/she would like to per week. The dues responsibility that goes with membership is about one's belief in supporting the dojo. It is not about the purchasing of hours. Thus, a child's schedule is decided by one's own capacity commitment and dedication. We encourage that a child train as much as possible – as skill, conditioning, and virtue comes relative to one's investment in the training.
Do you teach children self-defense?
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Indeed, Aikido is a martial art, and thus it is a viable means of defending oneself. However, no, we do not teach children self-defense. We do not believe that children should solve their issues with other children at home or at school with violence. Nor do we believe that children have within them the physical capacity to fend off an adult attacker. When it comes to self-defense issues between children and adults, we believe that children should be schooled in awareness, prevention, and in gaining assistance. This position is in line with all major law enforcement departments and with all major child welfare professionals. It is also in keeping with school policies in our districts. Training for kids then is centered around gaining spiritual maturity, developing one’s character, learning the art form, and cultivating one’s body and overall wellness.
Why do you start with developmental games, and not just jump in with kicking, punching and throwing?
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At the heart of all martial technique is the assumption that a person holds mastery over his or her body and mind. It is my opinion that a great disservice is committed when a teacher simply presumes this mastery in his or her students. The error of this presumption is even greater when it involves the child practitioner. Today, with diminishing physical education programs in schools, and the common adoption of a more sedentary lifestyle, children are at a point further away than past generations have been in holding mastery over their body and mind. For this reason, we seek to develop the relevant physical and mental attributes through games – activities all children love to do. For example, it makes little sense to ask a child to kick if he or she has not yet developed a sense of balance or to hold more focus if he or she has not yet cultivated an adequate attention span. Our games are a base to our art. Our games are not a substitute for our art, nor are they an extension of our art. Aikido techniques will extend out of the games, and when the child looks back at their practice, they will know that they have been doing Aikido all along.