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Aikido is a martial art, yet the ultimate goal of Aikido is a peaceful
resolution to conflicts. Aikido achieves this goal by employing techniques
that enable one to control the aggression of an attacker in such a
way as to protect the attacker as well as oneself.
The most obviously visible goal of Aikido is self-defense. Students
will be offered training in self-defense techniques - techniques that
will allow them to safely control an attacker who is bigger and stronger.
They will be challenged to learn how to roll and fall with safety
and grace. The difference between raw strength and power will be made
evident in many ways.
One less visible aspect of Aikido involves techniques to manage and
control aggression - both aggression externally directed toward you
as well as that generated within. Students in the class will be taught
how to use an attacker's energy to allow them to control an attack,
and this serves as a not-so-subtle metaphor for how to manage other
forms of attack. They also learn, physically, the most basic of lessons
- in the Aikido dojo, whoever attacks, ends up on the mat.
Additionally, learning Aikido involves teaching your body to do uncommon
things. To become familiar with Aikido requires considerable practice,
but the rewards for that practice are physically apparent - our students
learn how to do things that were previously quite impossible for them.
The rewards for continuing practice become clear, which can make it
more likely that the student will find it possible to pursue other
challenging goals that require ongoing practice.
Aikido practice can be a lifelong pursuit. Students can transition
from the Children's program to the Northeast Aikikai adult program
in their teens. A bit later on, many colleges have Aikido clubs or
associated Aikido dojo. After college, Aikido dojo can be found in
most areas of the country.
Aikido practice continues to pay dividends in later life, and is one
of the few martial arts where you actually get better as you get older.
Knowledge of Aikido gained in our Children's program can serve as
a solid foundation for training during the college and adult years.
Whether the student in the Children's program continues to practice
Aikido or moves on to other pursuits (perhaps to return to Aikido
training later in life), they will have learned the rewards of continuing
practice. All of the students will have learned how to fall and roll
and protect their bodies. All of them will have learned how to turn
aside from an attack instead of running headlong into it or, conversely,
headlong away from it. And, all of them will have learned how to turn
confusion and frustration and "I don't have any idea of how to
do this!" into "Ahh, yes, that's it!".
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