Aikido of San Antonio offers complete Aikido instruction to children.

Due to the sophistication of the art of Aikido we take children from age seven to thirteen. Fourteen-year-olds generally join the adult class.

Aikido is great for teaching children how to defend themselves. In addition, through the hard work and discipline of Aikido practice and the study of its philosophy, children build qualities of character such as self-esteem, self-control, confidence, awareness, discipline, humility, honesty, and compassion.

Children Learn Non-Aggressive, but Effective Self-Defense

Aikido is non-aggressive because it doesn't teach children to inflict injury to avoid injury. Instead Aikido teaches how to avoid injury by blending with and redirecting an attack, using the attacker's strength against themselves. In Aikido children learn how to use their body and mind in a way that will help them defend themselves even if the attacker is much larger than they are. Aikido is not passive though, the throws and pins in Aikido are effective in defending one's self.

How Aikido Helps Build Your Child's Character

Humility & Discipline

The moment a child begins Aikido he learns humility through the practice of etiquette. They learn how to take care of their uniform and wear it properly. They learn how and when to bow. Bowing to each other and the instructor teaches the children respect and discipline. In class, little to no talking is permitted during instruction and only helpful talking during practice. Children are expected to maintain a good attitude and practice diligently. These expectations help build a sense of discipline in children.

Self-esteem & Confidence

Children first begin by learning to fall. Sometimes, though children have difficulty learning to fall. Some are a little afraid of rolling over their head (really they roll over their shoulder), but with perseverance and support from the instructors, parents, and other students, children eventually learn to fall correctly and begin to enjoy it. Going through difficulties and overcoming them with hard work is essential for children to develop confidence.

After learning to roll, children really love this aspect of Aikido: They learn to control and protect their bodies while flying through the air, what could be more fun that that?

Learning falling skills and learning the techniques of Aikido, gives children self-esteem and confidence that with effort and a good spirit they can accomplish anything.

Awareness & Compassion & Self-control

As students progress, they have more confidence in their ability and understanding of Aikido. Inevitably, a new student will join without that same sense of ability. Students are taught in Aikido to be helpful with newer members. Students must pay attention to another students' ability and control the execution of their technique accordingly. Learning to pay attention to others and take care of other students engenders compassion and awareness which are crucial qualities of a strong, moral character.

Parents, YOU ARE the Most Important Part of Aikido

When you enroll your child in Aikido, we are building a partnership to help your child learn a self-defense and grow into a fine adult. Your interest and enthusiasm for your child's participation is crucial to your child's success. We recognize the importance of your involvement and encourage you to get involved with the children's program. There are a number of ways to get involved but the best way is to help us teach your child the importance of Aikido. To do that we ask that you learn some of the aspects of Aikido etiquette and practice. For example, make sure your child arrives to class on-time, awake and ready. Help them learn to tie their gi and belts correctly. Encourage them by watching classes every three or four sessions.

The Techniques of Aikido and Non-Competition

Aikido is perfect for children because it teaches that there are alternatives to violence. Instead of learning how to kick and punch, children learn to redirect an attacker's energy and resolve conflict while minimizing injury to the attacker. Because Aikido is not a sport there is no competition. In competitions there is always a winner and a looser. Competition in sports is healthy for children if the emphasis is not placed so much on winning but rather on effort, sportsmanship, etc.

In a martial art, however, when a child fights another child, one must "win" and the other must "lose." Aikido is built on the premise of not-fighting. Winning by defeating another human-being is not winning at all. Consequently, defeating another person through competition is against the philosophy of Aikido. Instead we teach children to learn to protect themselves while not hurting others.

With all the violence that our children are exposed to on TV, movies, video games, etc., the practice and philosophy of Aikido is essential to teaching children alternatives to conflict. Children learn Aikido techniques and practice them with each other in a non-competitive environment. Children learn how to cooperate and help each other learn Aikido. By learning techniques to avoid conflict your child learns that there are alternatives to fighting.

Promotions and Testing

Testing opportunities are offered every two to three months. You and your child will be notified ahead of time when your child will test. Testing is an opportunity for the child to demonstrate his/her understanding of Aikido to the instructors and to their parents. Children are promoted at the time of testing and receive a colored belt, reflecting their rank.

Monthly Dues & Schedule

At AOSA, we do not have contracts. Instead you pay monthly dues. Click here to learn about our dues schedule. As a member in good standing, children can practice two days per week.