Kids Aikido Brochure 2009
Vancouver Japanese Language School, 487 Alexander St.
About Aikido
Aikido is a purely Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba. It is
based on the traditional sword. Yoshinkan style aikido was developed by Ueshiba O-Sensei’s most advanced student, Gozo Shioda. Yoshinkan Aikido is based on careful and precise practice and methodical use of basic movements, attention
to detail, and repetition of techniques to achieve mastery. Aikido does not depend on strength or speed and is non-competitive.
Aikido is based on principles of harmony. The techniques are based on blending
of movement and energy. We do not use power. We use connection, balance, and timing. We do not seek to injure, but rather to carefully control. Most techniques finish with a pin to painlessly but effectively subdue our partner. With trained partners, techniques can end with beautiful and graceful throws.
Aikido develops dexterity, timing, and balance. Aikido is co-operative, so people make new friends and learn how to co-operate with teachers, other students, and society in general. Aikido develops discipline and focus. Most importantly, we have fun. For children, aikido offers a safe, playful environment to learn a beautiful martial art.
Sokushinkan Dojo at VJLS
Our chief instructor is Keith Taylor (6th dan) who has 3 decades of martial arts experience. All of the black belt students teach the adult classes from time to time. All have international teaching licences issued from the Yoshinkan Hombu Dojo (headquarters) in Tokyo. All instructors are volunteers and receive no payment for their services. Our dojo fees are used entirely for the purposes of the dojo, like room rental fees and to bring guest instructors to Vancouver.
Children’s Aikido at VJLS
The main children’s instructor is Gregory Pun (3rd dan) who has practised aikido for over 10 yeas in Canada and Japan. We offer two classes: 60 min. for older children (age 7-13) and 30 min. for younger children (age 3-7). No special equipment is necessary. It is traditional to wear a judo-style outfit (dogi). It is not necessary that children have a dogi, although correct uniform is encouraged. For beginners, gym wear will suffice (e.g. sweat pants and t-shirt). Fees are due for 3 months in advance, for the term. Trial lessons and drop-in fees are possible.
Saturdays:
Jan. 10 – Mar. 28 1 child (age 7-13): $100/term
1:30-2:30 (age 7-13) 1 child (age 7-13): $100/term
2:30-3:00 (age 3-7) Parent/guardian may practise with child for free
Yoshinkan Aikido Training
Classes will include warm-up exercises, break-falls (ukemi), and the 6 basic movement exercises (kihon dosa). We will also teach several of the 150 standard
techniques (kihon waza) that are suitable for children.
More Information
For more information about Yoshinkan Aikido, or about the Sokushinkan Dojo, please visit our website at www.aikidobc.com.
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