The art of Aikido is:

• Effective, Non-violent Self Defense - Aikido techniques involve grappling and tumbling. Children learn how to defend themselves against even a much bigger attacker using minimal force and without wild kicking or punching. And because Aikido does not rely on blunt physical force, it can be effectively learned and practiced by boys and girls of all sizes and athletic ability levels.
• Cooperative and Non-competitive - Aikido practice stresses cooperation and respect. Children learn at their own pace and do not spar or take part in tournaments. They practice individually, in pairs, and in groups. Their progress is marked and rewarded by our grading system in which kids gradually earn progressive colored belts.
• Fun! - Kid's practice is energetic and positive. We use a variety of activities and games to keep things interesting, and we teach more than just technique. Japanese language and culture learning is an integral part of our curriculum, and we hold holiday parties, demonstrations, and summer camps throughout the year.

At Florida Aikikai, we are dedicated to helping kids develop the skills and strengths they need now and in their future through practice in a safe and effective defensive martial art.

From focusing on school work to safely falling to the ground in a game to navigating the complex social world of adolescence, kids lives are full of challenges. Aikido practice helps kids build physical fitness and mental focus. It teaches them how to keep their bodies safe and how to remain calm and decisive in stressful situations. And it gives kids a chance to practice and play with others in a cooperative yet challenging and fun activity.

Kohai (Juniors) - Ages 5-7

Our Kohai classes for young children are focused on teaching the fundamental movements and body skills needed to practice Aikido.

Kids learn to roll and tumble on the mat in order to build the ability to fall safely. They practice the three main steps out of our basic stance and how to apply those steps during technique. They may even learn simple weapons exercises and forms.

Throughout the classes we put our emphasis not on collecting a large variety of techniques but on cultivating coordination, balance, body awareness, and mental focus. Teaching is done through a variety of activities and games to keep the students interested and having fun.

Kohai means "junior" in Japanese and refers to one half of a very important relationship. In Japanese culture and in the tradition of Japanese martial arts, junior members of a club, school, or organization are helped and guided by more senior members. At Florida Aikikai, we strive to maintain that tradition in our children's program where junior students follow the example of their seniors and learn to work well in groups and to follow the etiquette and traditions of the dojo.

Sempai (Seniors) - Ages 8-14

Our Sempai classes for children 8 to 14 years of age are taught in a traditional manner with the addition of Aikido games and creative exercises to add to the student's enjoyment.

Every class includes meditation, stretching, and breathing exercises followed by exercises to practice rolling and basic body movements. Techniques are demonstrated and broken down into basic steps and then practiced in partners and small groups.

Our curriculum gives focus to a particular set of techniques each month and we consolidate our learning towards the end of each class with a review of previously taught techniques, so that children begin to develop a sense of continuity and ability in their practice. At this level, the teaching emphasis is on practicing safely and cleanly, learning to work carefully with a partner, and building the physical coordination and mental focus needed to advance into higher levels of Aikido practice.

Sempai means "senior" in Japanese and refers to one half of a very important relationship. In Japanese culture and in the tradition of Japanese martial arts, junior members of a club, school, or organization are helped and guided by more senior members. At Florida Aikikai, we strive to maintain that tradition in our children's program where senior students have the responsibility of guiding and helping more junior students. This helps our senior students to develop empathy and leadership skills.

Teens

We have recently begun a class focused totally on our teenagers.

These students vary in experience from total beginners to young men and women who came through our children's program for several years.

Whatever their level of experience, however, we help them to concentrate their practice on strong, safe ukemi (falling) and having clean fundamentals in order to prepare for a transition to adult beginner's classes when they are ready.

In addition, our teen students can attend the sempai (8-14) class as senior students and assistant instructors, and adult basics or mixed classes as approved by Sensei.