The Club has an active and well-attended programme for girls and boys aged from 7 to 14 years of age.

The Children’s class is held every Monday night, during school term from 6:45 to 7:45 pm.

The aim of the children’s class is to give children a practical understanding of techniques to protect themselves. Whilst developing their physical and emotional centredness the exercises and interpersonal practice also gives children insight into the humanitarian and harmonising principles that underlie Aikido .

The children’s programme has 6 levels of attainment over 6 years. Each December an annual grading is conducted to test their progress and a coloured grading rank is awarded. The six levels are: first Yellow stripe, second Yellow stripe, first Red stripe, second Red stripe, first Navy stripe, second Navy stripe. Each stripe is added to the next so that after a few years children can see their progress. This gives children a goal to strive for, and fosters their ongoing development towards more senior skills.

At the end of the children’s six-year  program they are ready to graduate to the senior class, and already a number of students have done so.

What Kids learn

The children’s classes are fun but emphasise practice of Aikido forms and a practical understanding of Aikido principles of self defence. Unlike senior practice, only basic forms of Aikido are taught. Harmful and dangerous techniques are avoided in favour of flowing, extending and energy directing movements.

Children learn how to stay safe and deal with aggressors by controlling the attacker (not defeating them). They also practise rolling and tumbling to develop physical balance and flexibility of movement.

What we do NOT teach

We do not … teach children to punch or kick another child as a way of settling a dispute.

Many parents want their young children to learn techniques of self protection so that they will be more self confident, self reliant and better able to deal with ever present bullying at school. Aikido teaches effective collaborative methods of controlling aggressive behaviour that gives your child a way to preserve their integrity and stay safe.

We do not … “enforce discipline” or teach children in a rigid or automoton way.

In our practice we follow our principles. We work with your child, to follow their energy and divert them to safe and sensitive practice. Through their practice of Aikido they will develop “self discipline” and ways to control not only themselves but others.

When Classes are held and the Cost?

TERM 1: First class, Monday 28 January 2013 – Last class 8 April 2013 [10 lessons]

TERM 2: First class, Monday 29 April 2013 – Last class 8 July 2013 [10 lessons]

TERM 3: First class, Monday 15 July 2013 – Last class 16 September 2013 [10 lessons]

TERM 4: First class, Monday 8 October 2013 – Last class 16 December 2013 [10 lessons]

For information about fees, see here: Training Fees.

Learn about the Dojo’s etiquette and procedures here

Want to Register your child?

Download the application/indemnity form, fill it in and bring it along with your child, to their first class.