Kids and Families Program

Parents: Why Aikido at Seikeikan?

Aikido is a martial art based on balance and timing rather than muscular strength. Kids can learn to deal with aggression and bullying simply and effectively through Aikido.

Bullying Prevention: Core Behaviors and Mindset

in many cases martial arts teaching kids and youth to 'fight' and to 'spar' promotes the use of punching and kicking as an appropriate response. Aikido does inherently instill a mindset of attacking and winning, but rather an approach to respond "in kind". A balanced mindset is taught by allowing everyone to experience both sides of a situation (ie) applying the defense method and receiving the defense method.

Non-Aggressive Conflict Resolution: Aikido teaches practitioners to blend with an aggressor's force and redirect it safely, rather than meeting force with counter-force. This principle discourages the escalation of conflict and offers a "win-win" solution where the defender protects themselves without having to injure the attacker.
De-escalation and Evasion Skills: Training includes focusing on situational awareness (mindfulness of surroundings), threat assessment, and techniques for evasion and escape. The first goal is always to avoid a confrontation entirely.
Strength of Character and Assertiveness: Students learn to comfortably stand their ground and assert themselves verbally with confidence. This involves managing the natural "fight-flight-freeze" responses and responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.
Respect and Empathy: The practice is built on a foundation of mutual respect for one's training partners (even the "attacker"). This ethical philosophy extends off the mat, helping practitioners understand that a bully's actions often stem from their own insecurity, which can foster a sense of compassionate understanding rather than hatred.

Key Benefits

Calm Confidence and Self-Esteem: Regular practice cultivates a robust sense of self-worth. Students gain confidence from becoming more comfortable and capable with their own bodies, leading to better posture, eye contact, and body language that naturally projects strength and deters potential bullies.
Emotional Regulation and Self-Control: Aikido is often described as "meditation in motion." It teaches one to maintain a calm, cool, and composed demeanor under pressure. This emotional control prevents the bully from getting the volatile reaction they often seek, making them more likely to back off.
Mindfulness and Body Awareness: Training improves one's awareness of their own body, their movement, and their surroundings. This refined physical presence makes the student less likely to be instinctively targeted by those looking for a "soft target."
Practical Self-Defense Skills: While non-aggressive, Aikido provides effective techniques for practical self-defense, including pins, joint locks, and throws. Knowing they possess the ability to defend themselves if absolutely necessary provides a profound feeling of security and empowerment.
Experience Japanese Culture: Our Teachers are certified instructors direct from the family of Gozo Shioda. We teach in Japanese, through terminology, and instill the core concepts of budo.
Fun & Life Long Learning: The best part of training is having fun. But more so to instill behaviors and skills which will be carried forward for life.
Our Instructors: Professionals of diverse backgrounds and capabilities, including Professional Educators with multiple certifications.

Leadership Program

At Seikeikan Dojo, the journey of a child is not just about learning self-defense; it is a meticulously structured path of character development and leadership that evolves as they grow. Rooted in the precision of Yoshinkan Aikido, our program transforms students from curious children into confident, disciplined young leaders.

Here is the narrative of how your child will grow through our leadership elements from age 7 to 16.

The Foundation: Age 7–10 (Building Physical Literacy)

At this stage, leadership begins with self-leadership. We believe that before a child can lead others, they must first learn to lead themselves.

Physical Discipline: Children learn to manage their bodies through rolling, falling safely, and basic techniques. This builds the "physical literacy" needed for confidence.
Etiquette and Focus: From the moment they step onto the mat, the practice of Reigi (etiquette) begins. Learning when to bow, how to sit, and how to maintain "laser-sharp focus" during instruction instills a sense of respect and situational awareness.
Emotional Regulation: We introduce the "meditation in motion" aspect of Aikido. Children learn to stay calm under the pressure of a "bully" scenario, choosing de-escalation over a "fight-flight-freeze" reaction.

The Transition: Age 11–13 (Building Social Agency)

As students enter their pre-teen years, the focus shifts toward collaborative leadership and taking responsibility within the community.

Partnership and Empathy: In Aikido, there is no "opponent," only a partner. Students learn to work with peers of different sizes and skill levels, developing the empathy required to lead without ego.
Accountability: Youth are held accountable for their actions on the mat. They begin to assist younger students with their uniforms (dogi) or belts, learning that their experience is a tool to help others succeed.
Conflict Resolution: Training moves beyond physical moves to "verbal self-defense." They practice standing their ground with confidence and using body language to project strength, a key leadership trait in school environments.

The Evolution: Age 14–16 (The Emerging Leader)

By the mid-teens, the student serves as a bridge between the youth and adult programs. Here, leadership becomes mentorship.

Teaching and Leading: Senior youth students often lead the warm-up exercises or stretching for the class. This builds public speaking skills and the ability to direct others with clarity and poise.
Advanced Weapons Training: Using the Bokken (sword) and Jo (staff) requires a high degree of focus and responsibility. Mastering these traditional tools symbolizes a transition into "Budo"—the way of the martial artist where discipline is a lifestyle.
Resilience and Spirit: Through the grading system and rigorous testing, teenagers develop a "resilient spirit." They learn that true leadership is about perseverance through difficulty and maintaining a calm, focused mind even when exhausted.

The Seikeikan Promise

At Seikeikan, the characters of our name signify the "honing of wood"—a metaphor for fine-tuning one’s character through the lessons of life. By age 16, your child will have transitioned from a playful beginner to a young adult who possesses:

Unshakeable Confidence: Derived from competence, not just praise.
Harmonious Leadership: The ability to lead with grace rather than force.
A Solid Moral Compass: Rooted in the traditional values of respect, integrity, and self-control.
Join us on the mat in Burlington and watch your child's potential evolve into a lifelong foundation for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Q: What age is best to start? A: The best age to start is generally 7 - 10 years old, however younger kids may be accepted as well.

Q: What style of martial arts does Seikeikan teach, and how is it different from Karate or Tae Kwon Do? A: Seikeikan teaches Yoshinkan Aikido. Unlike Karate or Tae Kwon Do, which often focus on strikes, punching, kicking, and competition, Seikeikan Aikido focuses on non-aggressive self-defense. The art is based on using balance and timing rather than muscular strength. Children learn to de-escalate conflict and control an opponent or bully without needing to punch or kick.

Q: Does Aikido teach my child to fight? A: No. Aikido at Seikeikan does not provide the tools to attack, only to defend. The philosophy is to empower children to protect themselves without becoming aggressors. The training emphasizes simple and effective defense methods.

Q: How does Aikido help with bullying prevention? A: The curriculum is specifically designed for bullying prevention. Students are taught how to handle bullying by experiencing both sides of a situation—applying the defense method and receiving it. This approach fosters empathy, self-control, and the ability to de-escalate conflict.

Q: Does Seikeikan focus on competition? A: No, Seikeikan focuses on cooperation over competition. Kids work with partners to master movements, which helps them build social skills and develop lifelong friendships rather than rivalries.

Q: What life skills and character traits will my child learn? A: Students gain much more than physical skills. They receive:

Character Education: Learning respect and developing "laser-sharp focus."
Cultural Education: Learning Japanese language, including counting and terminology, which contributes to their success in school and at home.
Physical Benefits: It is a great way for kids to expend energy, and the skills learned can compliment other sports abilities.

Q: What is the testing and grading process like? A: Kids grow and develop as they are tested at each grading level. Testing is a demonstration of their mastery of Aikido movements and is done with a partner. As they progress, the testing becomes more challenging and progressively builds their skills, eventually including freestyle attacks and counters called jiyu-waza/randori. The Shodan (Black Belt) test is conducted completely in Japanese.

Q: Does the training include weapons? A: Yes, the Kids and Families membership includes Weapons Training with the Bokken (wooden sword), Jo (wooden staff), and Tanto (wooden knife).

Q: Can parents train with their children? A: Yes, this is unique to Seikeikan. Parents are welcome to join their children on the mat. This shared activity allows families to bond while learning valuable skills together.

Q: What is included in the Kids and Families Membership? A: Membership includes:

Unlimited weekly class (with an invitation to remain for the adults class).
Safe Weapons Training (Bokken, Jo, and Tanto).
No contract is required.
Discounts are available for family groups.

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