Hi

We are about to go about starting up a children's aikido class - and I would like to know if anyone has recommendations or advice on how to teach children martial arts? We of course have a basic idea but any comments or hints would be welcome, as we are still a small dojo.

Thanks
Draken :-/

Draken,

YOU SAID:
We are about to go about starting up a children's aikido class - and I would like to know if anyone has recommendations or advice on how to teach children martial arts? We of course have a basic idea but any comments or hints would be welcome, as we are still a small dojo.

I ANSWER:
Keep it fun and structured with consistent discipline. Make the lessons shorter and more to the point than teaching adults. Keep it moving.

5-6 year old EX- 3 ten minute lessons each class with a 2 minute break in between for water and individual mentoring activities. These lessons should be warm up/stretching/self-control training. Then stance and technique training. Then review and meditation while doing cool down routines.

7-11 year old EX- 3 fifteen minute lessons with a 2 minute break in between for water and individual mentoring activities. These lessons should be warm up/stretching/self-control training. Then stance and technique training. Then review and meditation while doing cool down routines.

12- 15 year old EX- 3 twenty minute lessons with a 2 minute break in between for water and individual mentoring activities. These lessons should be warm up/stretching/self-control training. Then stance and technique training. Then review and meditation while doing cool down routines.

Old Coach

My 5 year old is in a class. They keep it fun, a lot of movement, combine or make games out of the practice. And they use all sorts of stickers, and little tapes they put on their belts to show they have made some level in the class.

Also they give out little printed awards in the award meetings to all members of the class for something.

Hi,
Here is a link:

http://www.atriumsoc.org/pages/whattolookfor.html

This link deals with what to look for in a school, from the parents prospective.
If you read what parents should look for in your school, then that is what you would need to be teaching.
Happy New Year.

Remember, they are kids. You need to have patience and also make it fun.
I used to have to teach kids (ranging from ages 4-14).

You can try to turn something's into little games, to keep their attention.

But most important, remember they are kids and be patient with them.