Pacific Shizen Aikido

 
And what do the children think of aikido? The children say it best in their own words….. “It’s a martial art, but you don’t hurt anyone. Instead of attacking & kicking someone down, you take them down with a pin. You learn techniques, you cut, you block, but you don’t harm people.” Simon, 10 yrs “It’s kind of like Karate, but it’s not. You do rolls and attacks. You start as a white belt and go to yellow and orange and you get better and better! It’s very fun!” Ben, 8 yrs “It is a martial art with no violence. It is a peaceful way to be a warrior and it lightens your spirit. And it is very, very fun! Aikido is a martial art, but there is no kicking or punching. We learn to roll and fall - and play lots of fun games! The teachers are very fun. We learn different techniques of Aikido. The classes are not very long and we get to play games. I like the rolling and falling. Aikido helps my spirit along the path of life.” Noel 10 yrs “I learn how to focus myself, to have fun but still be focused. Its lots of fun, but it is quite a bit of work, and your dogi can get flaring hot sometimes.” Tate 9 yrs “The best part of the gasshuku is the test. I like the games too…Piggy Back Tag and The Gauntlet of Death!” Simon, 10 yrs “I like fishy-fishy!” Rudy, 5 yrs “ Aikido is really fun and you get to learn lots of new things that you've never learned before. I liked the International summer camp(2007) because we got to go around tother places and meet new people. This summer camp (2008) I liked it because we all got along really well and I liked the play we created and performed for our teachers at the end of the seminar and I liked the tribe game we played between aikido classes and events.” Lily 8 yrs
CHILDREN’S CLASSES Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on self-defense. Aikido is not about fighting, but standing ones ground and deflecting an attack. It is a training that develops flexibility, core strength, confidence, and courage in a playful, safe environment. For information about children’s classes contact: silknstrings@shaw.camailto:silknstrings@shaw.cashapeimage_2_link_0

Children’s Aikido (8+ years)

Weds 4:30-5:30  Sats 10:30-11:45

 

In this class, the children learn the art of ukemi (falling & rolling) and nage (receiving, blending with and resolving an attack). We practice basic Aikido techniques, and we also play energetic games that reinforce the principles of aikido.


Parents who wish are encouraged to participate in the Saturday morning classes

Aikido Fun (5-7 years)

Thursdays 4:30-5:30


  In this class, the children discover natural movements, how to move through the space and in relation to one another. They also learn to be still. We do exercises and games that enhance balance and coordination, and embody the underlying principles behind the techniques that they will learn when they move into the regular children’s classes.

Gasshuku, Intensive Trainings:


Twice a year, a special one or two day intensive training, called a gasshuku, is scheduled. During these intensive seminars, the teachers will invite students who are ready to test. The students train hard. This is when we see the fruits of all their hard work and their spirit shines! All students begin with white belt. With training and practice, the students progress through the colors back to white. In our style the colors progress from white-yellow-orange-green-red-blue-purple-white. Then there are 5 ranks of white called kyu and then the black belt ranks, called dan.


Summer Aikido Camps for Children and Youth are offered from time to time. White Pines Dojo (AKI) in the Kootenays, offers children eco-friendly camps. AKI Canada offers International Summer Camps creating opportunities for cultural exchanges with children and youth coming from other AKI dojos around the world. In the future, Aikido Kenkyukai International (AKI) will offer summer camps in other countries as well.

Tuition:


Aikido Fun         $65/session

Children & Youth $75/session for 1x/wk

                    $135/session for 2x/wk


Family discounts are available for two or more siblings training.


Tuition is paid by 3 month session. Additional fees are charged for the Intensive Training gasshuku and for the test.


Teachers:

Children’s Aikido teacher and coordinator: Miryam Huchet


Youth Challenge: Philipp Gawthrop


Alternate:  Alix Flavelle.


 

In all the classes, basic Japanese language, culture and etiquette are introduced.  The wooden swords, are used to show the lines and space present in the techniques. Kids have fun and are motivated by both the cooperative and competitive games while being encouraged to maintain their centre.




My son had an AMAZING day!  He loved the class!  He was thrilled to be with the older children.  He always seems so fulfilled after class...so centered. Thank you again!  It was great.    Jacqueline

Class schedule; 


Youth Challenge      - Fridays 4:30-5:30

Children’s Aikido     - Weds. 4:30-5:30    

                        - Sat 10:30-11:45 

Aikido Fun             - Thursdays 4:30-5:30


There are no children’s classes on statuary holidays, and during Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays. Classes are scheduled as usual during the school spring breaks.

Youth Challenge Class

Fridays 4:30-5:30


This is a class for children and youth 9+, who have already done a session of Aikido, can do 100+ rolls, and who are interested in more intense and focused training in Aikido techniques. In the classes we will do a lot of ukemi, as well as paired techniques, sword work, and cooperative exercises. Students in this class want some challenge, want to focus, and are training in at least one other class per week.


Youth in this class are encouraged to develop their sense of leadership in the Children’s Aikido classes.