Information for parents

What do we teach your child?

Unique

Unlike Karate or Taekwondo, which are primariliy striking arts (ie punches and kicks); Aikido is a defensive art. A student in Aikido is taught how to neutralisie an attack in way that, uniquely, maintains the safety of both the attacker and defender. Further, there is no sparring or competition element to our training. Our students are not taught to fight each other and as such we don't instill any negative winner/loser mentality in them. Instead our students learn to work together to develop their techniques and, through this co-operation, all of them can build positively reinforced self-confidence.

Learning

Aikido techniques incorporate precise body movements to redirect the energy of attacks and neutralise an attacker through joint locks, pins and controlled throws. Some of these are not appropriate for little ones and their growing bodies, so our childern's classes mainly focus on a number of simple self-protection exercises, movement forms and games. Our classes are split into three different age groups: Little Dragons age 4 to 7, Juniors age 8 to 11, and Cadets age 12 to 16 with more emphasis on learning Aikido techniques from the adult syllabus introduced at the Junior and Cadet level.

Regardless of age, each class our students are working together towards the techinques required for their next belt grading and skills achievement badges; are engaging in pro-social behaviours of respect and honesty; keeping active and healthy and most importantly, having fun with their friends!

Experience

Our children's classes are taught by principal club instructors Sensei Richard Watts and Sensei Kevin Whitney; they are both qualified BAB Level 1 Coaches.

Further, they are supported by the club welfare officer Pete Wond in ensuring the classes are run safely. All three children's instructors hold accreditation in Safeguarding and Protecting Children and have current enhanced-CRB checks.

Why not try an Aikido lesson yourself? »»

Read our new Children's Martial Arts BLOG for information on bullying and life skills issues.