But Aikido gives them the choice. If they need to sit still at school, or concentrate on homework, or focus during sports, Aikido shows them exactly how to do that. The techniques and ki testing we do teach them correct calmness. This is entirely different from keeping their emotions bottled up. Aikido calmness feels good.
Aikido teaches kids practical self-defense.
Sarah Gray, a long-time children's class member, related a story of how an older boy was making trouble with her on the bus. Twice she used Aikido to take away his balance and safely pin him. And she avoided the trouble she would have gotten herself into if she the only defense she knew was punching or kicking. Aikido gives kids a positive world view. It teaches that in order to create something worthwhile, you must work in harmony with your environment.