Riai Aikido Learning Centre

Children's Classes

Application Form

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art developed by Master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) from the ancient fighting arts.

What are some of the benefits children experience from practicing Aikido?

• Akido is a non aggressive yet very effective martial art. It teaches students how to divert aggression in a positive way.
• The fluid movements practised in Aikido help to maintain and improve flexibility, balance and coordination.
• Aikido promotes physical, mental and spiritual well being.
• Aikido teaches students the value and rewards of patience, self discipline and determination.
• Riai Aikido schools offer a friendly, encouraging, and fun social environment.

What age can children start Aikido?

Children will typically start at 7 years. Because the effectiveness of Aikido does not rely on size or strength, it is suitable for almost all ages, builds and physical abilities. Aikido principally employs low impact graceful circular movements, blends and evasions. In most techniques the defender seeks to blend with the movement and energy of the attack enabling the attacker’s strength and momentum to be used against them.

Class Times

Learning Centre Children’s Classes run from 5:00 to 6:00 pm on Mondays for students aged 7-13 years. Unless otherwise notified each Aikido training term will start and finish as per the corresponding school term. No training is conducted on Auckland public holidays. Parents are not able to stay and view classes. Gradings offer the chance for parents to view the development of their child’s Aikido with family and friends.

What is expected of Riai Aikido Learning Centre students?

All students are expected to fully participate in classes and to be supportive of other class members. To ensure the dojo is an enjoyable, safe and effective place to learn and explore the art of Aikido, we observe a few basic rules of etiquette:

• At the start and end of class we line up in seiza (kneeling) and bow once to the front of the dojo, then once to our instructor. This signifies respect and gratitude to the founder of Aikido, the many teachers who have carried on the art, and to our instructor. It is the only time you need to line up according to grade.
• We bow to each training partner before commencing training. This reminds us we are offering each other a chance to train and that we should respect the opportunity * When the instructor is demonstrating students should sit silently in seiza and pay close attention. This helps maximise our learning and ensures everyone is clear what they should be doing when they get up to practice.

We reserve the right to withdraw training/membership from any student not meeting the expected safety and participation standards at any time.

What do I Wear?

Wear something loose fitting and comfortable, e.g. track pants and a t-shirt. Don't wear anything precious, as it's (remotely) possible it may get damaged. Because we wear bare feet on the training mat, please come with clean feet and wear footwear right up to the side of the mat. Jandals are ideal. Put on footwear if you leave the mat area during training. Remove any necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings or other jewellery, as these can potentially cause injury to you or your training partners.

What can I expect at an Aikido class?

Childrens’ classes begin with a period of warm-up exercises, followed by exercises in the basic stances and footwork central to most Aikido techniques. Children will be led gently through basics to build a foundation for future training. Training involves both partner and group practice. Individual attention is focused on each child to help them with areas they may find challenging. Riai Aikido schools place extra emphasis on the flowing and graceful aspects of the art. Training in Aikido normally involves two or more students working together. One acts as defender (Nage), the other(s) as attacker (Uke). There is no competition in Aikido. The 'attacker' simply provides a suitable attacking movement with which the 'defender' can practice the techniques. Winning the fight or beating the opponent is not the objective.

Gradings?

Gradings are issued to indicate progress to students and to indicate the skill level of the student to other training partners. Normally two gradings will be held each year. Several weeks prior to the grading the instructors will select students to prepare for the grading. Further information regarding gradings will be posted on our website.

Getting Started?

Simply complete the Application Form