Welcome to Framingham Aikikai's Youth Program!

 

Aikido Youth Program

Our Aikido program for children ages 6 to 13 promotes self-discipline, confidence, awareness, compassion and fitness in a structured, safe and fun environment. Aikido, a non-combative Japanese Martial Art, is a great way to help children learn to defend themselves, learn about cooperation and foster great social skills.

Our program focuses on helping children to use their minds and bodies to neutralize conflict by developing awareness of how humans think and move and by maintaining a balanced and centered position. A typical class usually is comprised of two students taking turns as the attacker (Uke) and defender (Nage) to practice a particular technique demonstrated by the instructor.

When you see Aikido’s circular and blending movement using a partner’s energy, and the student's use of eye and hand coordination, it’s easy to see why physical strength is not essential.

There are no competitions in Aikido: all practice is cooperative, with each partner working on the development of his or her skills while helping the partner do the same. The goal of our children’s program is to foster personal development rather than focus on technical achievement in Aikido. If the children enjoy themselves and succeed in integrating into the group and observing the rules and etiquette of the dojo, we are very satisfied.

Of course children, like adults, are all different. We don't all progress in the same way. Therefore, we want to allow each child to focus on his or her personal steps in learning rather than focusing on constant competitive comparisons with others. To accomplish this, instructors make the kind of individual suggestions and corrections that can only be done by knowing the progression of that child.

That having been said, we must help our students to become open to the suggestions and corrections of others. It's our belief that only by accepting other views in a humble way that interior progress and growth can be achieved. Also, we believe that our students can improve themselves through helping others. We work on this skill, with students taking the responsibility to help in a patient, non-judgmental spirit of partnership.

Class Schedule

Classes last one hour; students can practice either once, twice or three times per week.  See the schedule page for days and times

Observing a class

We encourage prospective students and their parents to observe any of our classes and ask questions of the parents, students and instructors before enrolling their child.

Registration

If you decide to sign up your child, you will be asked to pay for the initial registration, a practice “Gi” (White practice uniform) and first monthly fee. (Gi can be purchased elsewhere, if preferred, as long as they are white without insignia). Fees are charged monthly, there is no contract, term or yearly commitment. We do encourage members to set up an automatic credit card payment plan and receive a $5 per month savings.  Students can join at any time of the month.

Parents

We encourage parents to ensure their children arrive on time, and are dressed and ready to practice 5 minutes before each class. Our program is aimed at children ages 6 through 13. At around the age of 13, we encourage the student to make a transition to our adult classes. Although it is not required, we welcome parents if they’d like to practice alongside their children; while separate fees apply, low family rates are available.

Promotions and Testing
While not required, your child will be told when they are eligible to test their proficiency and understanding of Aikido. Children are promoted at the time of testing, and receive a colored belt reflecting their rank. Testing occurs usually every third Thursday of the month, every 2 months.

Instructors
Framingham Aikikai is fortunate to have a team of instructors trained in the standards of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), the largest Aikido organization in the United States. These instructors freely give their time to promote Aikido and teach in our children’s program. All of our instructors are students of David Halprin, Chief Instructor of Framingham Aikikai. The Director of the Youth Program is Elisa Kramer, who started her training in Aikido as an instructor's assistant in a Youth Aikido Program in 1992. In addition she is now a professional educator and practicing speech and language pathologist.

For further information, an electronic copy of the Framingham Aikikai Student Manual, or questions about the Framingham Aikikai’s youth’s program, please contact Elisa Kramer.