Aikido Japanese
Aikido Japanese classes teach children playground safety, early language skills, respect and confidence. Energetic physical exercises are balanced by creative Japanese activities. The program is suitable for both girls and boys ages 2 to 16.
Drawing on her keen interest in Japanese culture, Ann has created a fun, active and engaging program for children and teens. Students safely practice the basic elements of aikido and experience a Japanese language and cultural atmosphere, including activities such as origami, calligraphy, traditional stories, and songs.
We encourage your child’s natural adventurous and imaginative spirit and teach them to deal with the rough and tumble of life. Children learn skills and a mindset to safeguard themselves responsibly without harming others, to encourage friendships and to embrace cultural differences. Aikido Japanese classes address the development of the whole child; physical, social and intellectual, in one integrated program.
Family Participation
For the younger childrens’ classes, parents and carers also join in the fun! For the older childrens’ classes, parents and carers are free to participate, watch or leave. The best outcome for the child drives this decision. Children are given relevant Japanese materials to take home, so to encourage learning and reinforce the ideas, expressions and songs introduced during class, it is useful if parents, even if not participating, are ‘listening from the sidelines’. This is a great opportunity for carers, parents and the whole family to learn Japanese too!
“The lineage and culture of Aikido Japanese is what separates this program from all other programs out there… I am impressed with Sensei Ann’s Aikido Japanese kids program…”
» See more Mums, Dads and Grandparent comments on the Testimonials Page
Tiny Tots
Kids
Big Kids & Teens (ages 10 – 15)
The Kanji and Samurai classes are designed to suit the body and psyche of these age groups. Big Kids & Teens may choose to do Aikido only, Japanese only, or both. In Aikido, we focus on developing these core skills: Awase, Ki, Kokyu, Ukemi, Zanshin and Budoo. These Japanese words encompass the concepts of centering, balance, blending, awareness of surroundings, breath control, extension, flexibility, hip power and martial effectiveness. Some of the joint locks practiced in adult aikido classes may be damaging to growing young limbs; hence we are very careful in our selection of techniques for these age groups. A more intensive Japanese session enables these groups to develop more comprehensive writing and conversational skills. Through a combination of fun games, rigorous training and exposure to another language and culture, the children develop respect, discipline, empathy, tolerance and confidence.
For some children aged 14+, participation in the adult class may be more appropriate. Please discuss with Ann Sensei.
Dates for Term 1 2012
Term 1 2012: Friday 10th February – Thursday 5th April.
DRAFT Class Times for Term 1 2012
Classes are kept small for safe training and individual attention. (8 – 12 children/class depending on age group). There may be a waiting list for some classes. Please book early to avoid disappointment. NEW classes have been added for 2012. During these first weeks of the year, there is much movement between classes. Even if your preferred class is full, please enquire. It may also be possible to add more classes.
| Class | Comments | Ages* | Duration | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Momo | NEW - Term 2 Beginners | 2 - 4 | 60 min | Tuesday | 10:30 - 11:30 am |
| Ume | NEW - Term 1 Beginners | 2 - 4 | 60 min | Friday | 9:45 – 10:45 am |
| Sakura | 3 - 5 | 60 min | Saturday | 9:40 - 10:40 am | |
| Kiku | FULL | 3 - 5 | 60 min | Tuesday | 9:30 – 10:30 am |
| Ikebana | NEW - Term 1 | 4 - 8 | 70 min | Friday | 3:40 - 4:50 pm |
| Origami | 4 - 8 | 70 min | Saturday | 8:30 - 9:40 am | |
| Fuji | FULL | 6 - 10 | 75 min | Tuesday | 3:45 - 5:00 pm |
| Takenoko | 6 - 10 | 75 min | Saturday | 12 noon - 1:15 pm | |
| Matsu | NEW - Term 2 Beginners | 6 - 12 | 75 min | Thursday | 3:45 - 5:00 pm |
| Kanji | 10 - 14 | 80 min | Saturday | 10:40 am - 12 noon | |
| Samurai | FULL | 10 - 16 | 80 min | Tuesday | 5:00 - 6:20 pm |
“Ann has a great approach to teaching the kids with lots of fun hands on activities.”
Fees for Term 1 2012
- Annual Membership: $15
- Aikido Japanese Term 1 Fee: $128
- Sibling discount $10 and multiples class discount $20 applies
Available to Samurai class only (ages 10 – 16):
- Aikido ONLY Term 1 Fee: $80.
- Japanese ONLY Term 1 Fee: $80.
Enrolment Information and Forms
