Power without Aggression

Traditional Aikido of Sarasota is excited to bring its experienced, qualified instructors to The Out-of-Door Summer Academy.  We appreciate this opportunity to introduce Aikido to your child (or children) in a fun and lively day camp environment.

In addition to some self-defense skills, they will participate in activities and games that will:

• improve their focus and co-ordination
• increase their awareness of their relationship to themselves and others
• enhance the value of being co-operative and collaborative
• learn skills that can help deal with bullies

There are 2 camps:

1. June 11 – June 29 (ages 9 to 12)   8:30 am -11:30 am
2. July 9 – July 27 (ages 7 to 9)        8:30 am -11:30 am

Students may register for 3, 2, or only 1 week!

To see pricing and to register:  http://www.oda.edu/page.cfm?p=1839

Why Aikido classes for children?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adults and children learn best in an environment that is engaging and fun !

When children have opportunities to take risks in a safe, controlled        environment, they will explore limits, even stretch them.  These experiences support children while they make sense of their world, of themselves.  Understanding one’s self, one’s relationship to another, and in relationship to many others is a benefit and a goal of regular class participation; in fact, we design and structure our classes toward these ends.

Aikido classes teach that working in harmony with others and the environment, a person can create valued, positive experiences.  These amplify one’s ability to be alert and relaxed in the face of challenges; to navigate the unexpected difficulties and disappointment one inevitably must confront in life; how to keep a positive attitude that will help one make lemonade out of lemons!

Your child is welcome to try out a class and you both can see if Aikido is a “fit” that will support your child’s development to their full potential.

Our classes teach Aikido principles through skill building techniques, exercises and games!

Children’s self defense takes many forms. Our program teaches to think, explore options, and get out of harms way, instead of panic.

We help children see that they can develop skills, abilities and insights beyond what they may have thought was possible for themselves.  By pushing themselves physically, emotionally and mentally is a structured, safe, and caring environment staffed by professionals, our fun classes help children develop self-confidence

while learning they can “win” without fighting!

We are often told that practicing Aikido helps the student learn how to respond spontaneously when something unexpected arises.  This includes things like how to roll when falling off a bicycle or when pushed; safely resolve an argument; avoid a punch; or deal with bullies.

Benefits of Aikido for Kids

A core principle of Traditional Aikido is learning how to be alert while staying relaxed. In addition to being an important element of Aikido as a martial art, this skill can help kids while they are at school, at play, or when they are hanging out with others.

Sure, kids are kids and should not be expected to be calm all the time.  The regular practice of Aikido gives them a choice.  Practice gives children access to self–control and discipline.  If they need to sit quietly and focus, they will develop more abilities and have more choices; it’s not about suppressing emotions, but becoming more discerning!

When it comes to self-defense, Aikido teaches practical techniques and ways to evade an “attack.”  Aikido does not require athletic talent; it works for smaller people as it doesn’t rely on size or even speed.  And, an important part of Aikido is how its sharpens one’s focus by increasing one’s ability to stay calm while acting confidently.  As you see in our banner, Power without aggression! ™

The key to developing these skills is persistence and maintaining a positive attitude.  Budo, the way of the warrior, is now learned in practice:  getting up one more time before than you fall down!  These are the kinds of experiences build character and the kinds of lessons that will serve children throughout their lives!