Classes for Children at American Aikido Academy

Children learn respect for themselves and their classmates, self discipline, and confidence. Effective ways to deal with bullies without fighting are also brought into the curriculum. The training is carried on in a friendly, coed atmosphere with children of all age levels working together. Parents are greatly encouraged to participate in the training with their children.

Aikido is a non-violent, non competitive Japanese martial art. Its principles are based on non-resistance and harmonious movement. Aikido is an ideal art for young people because its philosophy is non-confrontational and the techniques are designed to be executed without injury to the attacker. Practice fosters a calm and centered attitude toward handling conflict. Martial arts training will increase children's coordination and self confidence.

As contrasted with the striking martial arts such as Karate, Tae Kwan Do, and Kung Fu, Aikido techniques largely focus on control of an attacker's movements. Unlike Judo or Wrestling, Aikido is not a sport martial art and has no competition. Since Aikido techniques  rely primarily on blending with force rather than opposing it the attacks are neutralized using circular movements and are designed to be effective without being destructive. Emphasis is on controlling an attack rather than resisting it.