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Aikido for children: sports, martial arts, benefits, contraindications
Strengthen immunity, tone the body and learn to stand up for yourself – all this can be done in aikido classes for children. This oriental martial art is relatively new – it appeared in the mid-20th century in Japan and quickly spread to other countries.
Features of combat sports
It’s not just about using force or defending correctly – aikido has its own philosophy. Therefore, children develop not only physically, but also spiritually. It has about 30 separate directions with their own characteristics.
Aikido for kids contains a variety of defensive fighting techniques
Aikikai is considered the most common and classical form. There is absolutely no aggression in it, the movements are smooth, like in a dance. The sessions are based on the exact repetition of the movements behind the trainer.
Other varieties are more rigid, have deep stances in their arsenal and powerful blows to the most painful points. There are types that additionally include some elements of other martial arts, for example, judo. The modern direction – real aikido – teaches self-defense in extreme life situations.
The best time to start classes is 11-12 years old. At this age, the child will already be able to understand the special worldview that this sport brings with it. There are sections that accept five-year-olds. In such groups, they are prepared only physically for more serious activities in the future.
What are the benefits of training
So what does a child who practices aikido gain:
- Good physical form. Children have excellent control over their bodies, coordination of movements improves, and ideal posture becomes. Good stretching is necessary for striking, so a lot of time is devoted to this in the lessons.
- Development of personal qualities. Aikido philosophy teaches discipline, punctuality, the ability to take responsibility and independence. This is a peaceful sport that excludes aggression and teaches to use force only in extreme cases.
- The ability to defend oneself, even if the enemy is larger and stronger.
Like any sport, and even more so this is a martial art, aikido has medical contraindications:
- Heart disease, heart failure.
- Mental illness, epilepsy.
- Spine diseases, injuries, restriction of movement as prescribed by a doctor.
- Delayed physical development.
- Infectious diseases, bronchial asthma.
The sport itself is useful for children, but only without serious health problems. Before signing up for a section, consult your pediatrician.