[Aikido Special] 8 Different Games For Aikido Kids

[@bardawulf5827]

I am so jealous of these kids! I would have given anything to have had these experiences and the chance to learn Aikido at such a young age. Delightful! I teach physical fitness to kids via a volunteer program and you have to make things fun. It keeps them happy and focused and enthusiastic.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

+Barda Wulf That's a good point. I find it too that only technique and theory is not suitable for that age. We have to spice it up :)

[@magerehenk7579]

I used to practice aikido as a kid, Im picking it back up now but the classes are way more traditional and serious. A game I used to play during my classes as a kid was basically handball but on your knees. where the instructor would look at everyone's technique while playing (how you walked when you're on your knees and how you managed to steal the ball by using aikido techniques), that was the best part of the training and I learned a lot while doing it.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Sounds great. Try different Dojo's, whether it's very serious depends a lot on the instructor

[@tonio2366]

Merci, de quoi motiver mes jeunes élèves avec ces exercices fluides et très pédagogiques

[@jimdryburgh]

Fun games, and your students look great. Having fun, but with control and self-discipline.

[@SenshinRonin]

Very Nice Games. had a lot of fun with the youngest and made them more interested in the training. Thank you for sharing your experience and keep up the Good Work.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Glad to hear it worked in the training!

[@batyaintzfat]

This was awesome!! Thanks so much

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Glad to hear it was useful!

[@ncampos73]

Thanks very much for the video, I teach aikido for kids and it help me a lot!! Un abrazo! Nico

[@navinthiyambarawatte5121]

We actually played something similar in school at break called “what’s the time mr wolf”

[@PH1M0]

Looks both fun and educational 👍

[@xyntak8270]

Another good one. Shikko tag/freeze tag. using strips of fabric, much like you would for flag football.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

+Tim Johnston It sounds great. It would be great to see it though... Do you maybe have footage of it? I'm trying to figure out the fabric part

[@xyntak8270]

AikidoSiauliai I'm sorry, I do not have and video yet, but I should have elaborated. We play Shikko tag in 3 manners. standard tag-you're-it, freeze tag (if tagged, you're frozen until one who is not "it" tags you to unfreeze), and the flag version is like flag football. You take any piece of light fabric, like a handkerchief or bandanna (cut into thin lengthy strips, about 2 inches wide and at least nearly a foot long), you loop the flag(s) over the gi belt, either one on the back or one on each side. If the person who is "it" takes your flag, you're out until the next round. Also, leaving the mat is automatic out for the round in all forms. Here is a picture of the flag concept. Have to use this as the visual aid on the flags, like flag football. austinssc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/football-banner.jpg Hope this helps!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

+Tim Johnston That sounds great! Thank you for sharing!

[@geney6271]

Nice video:) WHAT SONG IS THAT??? !

[@Queleas]

Sweet ! love this song! :3

[@KhadijahJoySams93]

Ninja Castle, AWESOME

[@Superbobos123]

These look fun, but except for maybe the sumo thing do they actually have anything to do with aikido, or will they help your aikido?

[@MartialArtsJourney]

+Superbobos123 That's a good question. You see, in my perspective, the Aikido kids class is meant not only to develop their self-defense and technical skills, but also improve them as human beings. After all, that was also stated as the goal of O'Sensei: “Aiki means making the spirit of heaven-and-earth your own, fulfilling your mission by adopting the Great Spirit that loves and fosters all. The martial techniques of Aikido are nothing more than a way to help you reach this goal.”. So as long as these games are cooperative and instills positive qualities, I see them in accordance with Aikido. And then there is "reaction speed" and etc. but that is secondary

[@Superbobos123]

I totally agree, in my dojo the kids classes has a lot of fun games like these too. I've always been a bit confused by them, though. Do you think these kids games also instill positive qualities in a unique way ( that is, in a way any different than any other game, like checkers or tag)? If not, is there any reason to prefer games like these over, for example, playing checkers in aikido class? Sorry for all the questions, I practice aikido and i'm also studying education so these aikido kids games are a pretty natural interest for me.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

+Superbobos123 Hey, I really appreciate your openness and willingness to look into this topic, so all questions are welcome! And it's a good question you ask. There are a lot of different games we play during kids classes and these ones I've chosen to show more since they are unique and more visual than some others, not necessarily because they are the most positive quality instilling. Yet nevertheless, the first thing that I find important about "Aikido games" is that they would not stress on "winning and loosing" or competition, but rather teach kids to accept 'failure' as a cheerful part of the process and a bridge to success and development. Thus all of these games, even while some have "winning and loosing" they all stress the involvement of oneself and trying to become better than to win. Also, since Aikido is directed towards physical movement, I prefer that the games would also help them develop physically, teach them to feel space, develop coordination and body sensitivity which are also helpful later in the technical part of Aikido. I also prefer games which open up kids physically and emotionally and also develop self confidence, because actually - with great self confidence and open body, physical conflicts and bullying doesn't really catch on, so again it's a win win. These are my first thoughts for the answer. Let me know if you want to discuss some more, I'd be more than happy.

[@muteqx]

AikidoSiauliai What makes these games awesome is that they are exploring the principles of Aikido in a wonderfully playful way. Perfect natural learning, through direct experience! Since the principles are universal, they apply in all domains of life... which is the nature of aikido itself! So what I see in these games, is something far more applicable than a technique - it's an approach to learning and mastering ANYTHING, through the body and exploring the feeling of conflict and unification within the body. Once you know what that approach to a "problem" feels like within your body... you can master anything you set your heart on! "Masakatsu agatsu" - true victory, self victory. So, bravo!

[@KhadijahJoySams93]

Cool

[@maumihajohn]

cool!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks!

[@KidsPlanetTV]

Insane vid~ 0_0

[@sambaldwin6151]

how does someone not like this? anti-kids having fun? nice job

[@Wingman225]

This is disgrace to aikido as a martial art. It looks like these kids are at daycare.