Although adults might practise Traditional aikido to develop inner peace, relaxation, or self-defence, most children don’t even think about these concepts. For one thing, it teaches them calmness. Of course, children shouldn’t be calm all the time. Traditional aikido gives them the choice. If they need to sit still at school, concentrate on homework or focus during sport, Traditional aikido shows
them exactly how to do that. By practising the techniques and developing their ki, they become truly calm and attentive, rather than merely suppressing their emotions. This means they absorb knowledge more easily and think with greater clarity. Traditional aikido is about developing the full human potential, and school is one of the most important places for this potential to be realised. Knowing how to look after themselves in schoolyard conflict or other dangerous situations is very important for children’s happiness and well being. Traditional aikido teaches practical self-defence, because it does not require athletic talent. Traditional aikido works for little people, since it does not rely on size, or speed, or weight. More important are mental focus, the ability to stay calm and act confidently. The key to making progress in Traditional aikido is simply persevering and having a positive attitude. What better lesson can we teach our children? Some martial art instructors feel that ‘fun” does not belong in the dojo, because to study martial arts one must be dedicated and serious. However, for a child, any environment that promotes learning through laughter, imagery and games becomes a safe environment. This safe environment can enhance a child’s ability to learn and thus begin studying the more serious side of martial arts. Having fun, playing games, and using one’s imagination are part of growing up. Opportunities and permission to do all these things allow children to take risks in a safe way. By exploring their limits, children can open new realms of understanding about themselves and the world in which they live. Children have the ability to learn basic Traditional aikido principles through exercises, games and techniques. They can become absorbed in an activity because it is fun and then receive additional benefits, such as an increased awareness of their surroundings and a better perception of the intentions of others. They have the opportunity to push themselves further, to explore their abilities, to assert themselves, to focus their attention, to push themselves physically, emotionally and mentally beyond what they think they are capable of. Traditional aikido teaches children “how to be strong” and “how to look cool” while winning without fighting. They discover that staying calm and relaxed is much stronger than things like anger, force and aggression. They learn about taking responsibility, doing the right thing, even without reward and treating each other with respect and kindness. Traditional aikido is training for the mind and body. Traditional aikido is training for life. A plodding serious approach to life doesn’t feel good and it usually doesn’t yield the best possible results. Traditional aikido works best when you relax and feel light. By learning this in practice, our children can’t help but apply this to their lives. Traditional aikido gives children a positive worldview. It teaches that in order to create something worthwhile, you must work in harmony with your environment and others. If your mind is correct, calm, and positive, you can make something good out of whatever the universe hands you.
