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Aikido, the way of harmonious energy, is a martial art which was created by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century. Aikido, in the west, gained prominence in Steven Seagal's Hollywood films. The movements he demonstrated inspired many to seek Aikido training because of its seemingly effortless methods of diffusing incoming attackers. Although the infusion of more violent counter-attacks are demonstrated in the movies, the Aikido which was demonstrated did shed some light on what is the essence of this martial art. This essence is the redirection of an attackers energy and to use this energy against that attacker. The counter-attacks typically take the form of a submission hold or a throw with minimal striking involved. This practice of blending a martial arts technique in harmony with the energy of an attacker describes the art and the term Aikido.
As with any martial art, your child's personal comfort level is key to his/her enjoyment in Aikido. Aikidokas (practitioners of Aikido) practice several drills which are done in continuous contact with a partner in order to develop sensitivity skills. Whether or not this high amount of physical contact is a problem with your child should be considered.
The martial art of Aikido does have a profound spiritual element and it strives to teach aikidokas to apply technique without inflicting harm on the attacker. As contradictory as this may sound, this philosophy does have in a place in the fast-moving 21st century. For children, it serves to develop martial skill while de-emphasizing aggression towards others. This can make Aikido an attractive alternative for a child who has aggressive tendancies and can use a more harmonious and gentle approach to solve problems or altercations.
Those entering the martial arts for the first time should also be aware that Aikido is a non-competitive martial art and is, hence, absent of tournaments. Primarily, Aikido emphasizes the harmony of its practitioners with his/her surroundings and to further the moral fabric of that individual.
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