35 Center St.
Chicopee, MA 01013 Phone: (413) 594-4300
Aikido helps children develop both self-confidence and respect for others, while enjoying a physical activity which teaches them how to neutralize rather than promote aggression.
Classes are 1 hour long. The first 15 to 20 minutes are spent warm-up, performing exercises to promote flexibility, agility & physical fitness. The remainder of the class activities alternate between repeating body movements, defense techniques with a partner, and games designed to emphasize these principles. Typically a class will have 1 to 2 adults participating to assist the children. The children are given a sufficient amount of activity to work out their day's tensions.
From the beginning, children are taught how to fall and roll safely. This tends to increase self-confidence. Techniques for children consist mostly of simple avoidance, unbalancing and neutralizing methods. The joint locks associated with adult Aikido are not used with young children.
