Guidelines
Common methodology of specialised Aikido trainings with the aim to develop skills of young people in order to reduce disruptive and assaultive behaviour among children in schools.
Introduction
This course is a simple tool for Aikido teachers to help structure and teach their classes for children. It is designed in a such a way that you can prepare for your class in about 15 minutes using the following framework:
Prepare - define your goal
By answering these questions:
What do I want to do?
What will participants get out of this class? What will they learn?
What principles (universal or Aikido) am I going to use to reach the goal?
Create a safe space
Start your class by setting safety rules
Nobody gets hurt. Look after yourself and others.
Concentrate on techniques instead of talking, you'll get to share your thoughts at the end of the class.
Help each other to learn and understand, instead of competing.
Explain what you are going to do and what students are going to learn
Do this to keep minds occupied with activity instead of wandering
Warm up
To establish trust, connection, playfulness, and flow in the group
To warm up bodies to lift up the energy and spirit
To use breathing as a method of awareness
Implement your goal
Main activities that align with your goal
Main activities based on aikido principles
Immovable principles (fudo genri)
Basic principles (kihon genri)
Energy principles (aiki genri)
Finish class with sharing
Invite students to express their experience verbally, so that they better understand and remember what you taught.
Sharing rules
Sharing is not a discussion, but instead a space where students can express their experiences andfeelings.
Use sharing for students to ask questions (instead of talking during class).
Address challenges, difficulties, and AHA moments students had during the class in order to deepen understanding of what they were doing and how this knowledge can be transferred into their daily situations, relations, and study.
Talk about Aikido values and tell stories about heroes.