Kid's Self Mastery Akido

The Wellness Resource Center's Self Mastery Aikido for Kids is based on a non-competitive martial art and is designed especially for children 5 to 10 years old.

Our goal is to provide a safe, fun experience to introduce your kids to skills that will help them on many levels including increased self-confidence, dealing with bullies and learning to have fun with exercise. During "mat chat" we give the children topics to discuss at home, which will help their learning experience. Parents and guests are welcome to observe classes, we just ask that you do not interact with the children while they are on the mat as this is distracting.

Our instructors are highly skilled and have been chosen for their expertise. We hope to teach your children that a martial artist is someone who does more than kick and punch. We will have mat chats that will cover topics from respect to dealing with bullies and more. Aikido is the martial art we will study. A martial artist is responsible to their family and community. A martial artist has fun and a good sense of humor; these are some of the attributes to become a good martial artist. I have been teaching for over 25 years and am very excited about this program.

Basic Glossary of terms and helpful information:

For general use by students and parents alike. (Not intended to be studied or memorized.)

Who is the founder of Aikido?
Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) [pronunciation: More-ə-hey Ueh-she-bǎ]

What does the word "Aikido" mean?
"Aikido" is actually make up from 3 smaller words: "ai", "ki" and "do".
"Ai" means harmony;
"Ki" means spirit or life energy; and
"Do" means the way or path.
When put together "Aikido" means the way of spiritual (energy) harmony.

What are the principles of Aikido?
To maintain one-point (your center or Hara), to relax completely, to keep weight underside and to extend ki (energy)

Count to 10 in Japanese:

Terms:

Sensei (pronounced: sen-sā): The Japanese term for teacher. It has been adopted into English mostly for use with martial arts instructors. In an Aikido dojo there is only one Sensei, he or she is the most senior instructor within the dojo.

Sempai (pronounced: sem-pī): senior students within the dojo – Often used when referring to an instructor who is not the Sensei of the dojo.

Dojo ( pronounced: dōjō): “place of the way” - A training facility for martial arts

Kamiza: used in Japan to refer to the 'top seat' within a room. In an Aikido dojo the Kamiza holds a picture of O-Sensei.

Gi ( pronounced: gēē ): the uniform worn during training

Obi (pronounced: ōbēē ): belt

Seiza (pronounced: sāy-ză): sitting on one's feet tucked underneath - heels turned out, toes touching but not crossed

Shikko (pronounced: shē-kō): knee walking

Tsuki (pronounced: sŭ-kī): straight punch

Shomen uchi (pronounced: shō-mĕn): over head strike with open hand (often shortened to Shomen)

Yokomen uchi (pronounced: yō-kō-mĕn): hooking strike to the side of the head / neck (often shortened to Yokomen)

Tsugiashi (pronounced: sŭ-gē-ă-shē): slide step

Ude-fudi-undo (pronounced: oodē foodē oondō): twirl step

Ukemi (pronounced: ookĕmē ): rolling and falling

Bokken (pronounced: bōkkĕn): wooden training sword

Jo (pronounced: jō): wooden staff