Junior Program
There are widely recognized benefits to be derived from practicing any martial art. At Victoria Aikido Centre, children will learn to roll and fall safely, breathe more effectively, relax, and respond appropriately to aggression. The children develop improved self-discipline, calmer dispositions, confidence and respect for themselves and others. The classes are conducted in a safe, friendly, formal-but-fun atmosphere that allows each child to develop at his or her own rate of progress.
Aikido, because of it's emphasis on mind body coordination, teaches children to locate and be aware of their centres' resulting in a more focused, alert and self-regulated child.
Since there are no tournaments in Aikido, the child receives all of the positive benefits of martial arts training without the sometimes unfortunate "side effects" of competition. Aikido teaches a "win/win" approach to conflict resolution. In Aikido no child should ever feel like a "loser".
Aikido is a purely defensive Art - children are taught that punching and kicking are not acceptable ways of dealing with conflict. Rather, they learn that aggression only leads to self defeat. If you share these values, we invite you and your child to visit our dojo to observe and/or participate in our classes.
Junior Program classes are held twice a week (Tuesdays & Thursdays) and are geared specifically for ages 8 to 14 years.
Junior program fees are available here.
Morihei Ueshiba
"The key to good technique is to keep your hands, feet, and hips straight and centered. If you are centered, you can move freely. The physical center is your belly; if your mind is set there as well, you are assured of victory in any endeavor."
Excerpted from The Art of Peace translated by John Stevens.