Tuesday
4:15–5:15 p.m. Kids aged 4–6
In Aikido, children and young people can explore their physical capabilities in a fun and playful way. They discover new movements and expand their repertoire. Together, we help them develop their perception of, and awareness of, their own bodies. We adapt the training for each age group to respond to their needs and support their individual development.
Children discover their physical capabilities through playful exercises in small groups. At this age, the main focus is not on the Aikido techniques. Instead, we promote flexibility, coordination, and balance, which are important motor skills for later Aikido training and other sports.
From the age of six, we introduce simple Aikido techniques and the basics of breakfalling. Older children gradually learn more complex aikido techniques. Practicing with a partner presents a particular challenge and is an important learning step: the children learn to engage with each other and work out the movements together.
Youth training is already similar to adult training in many respects and specifically prepares them for the transition. We focus intensively on katas and learn how to fall safely without injuring ourselves. This provides an important foundation for later practice in more dynamic forms. We also explore the basic principles of aikido, learning how to respond to attacks appropriately and without aggression. In addition to unarmed techniques, regular training includes the use of sticks and wooden swords.