Aikido is a particularly valuable discipline for young children. The training emphasises physical balance and timing, coupled with a calm and controlled attitude. The great difference in Aikido from other martial arts is that it is strictly defensive; therefore youngsters can learn how to be effective and safe in hostile situations without having to resort to violence as a reaction 

Children mimic what they learn. If you teach your children how to punch and kick, he or she will punch and kick. If you teach them how to be more relaxed and confident in a difficult encounter, fear and animosity become less important and less automatic in the moment. Clear thinking and instinctive, precise action replaces violence as a response. This is the kind of training on the Aikido training mats that becomes a wonderful lesson for youngsters when dealing with all life’s problems that your child may face as he or she grows up

Kids Aikido training sessions are comprised of warm-up exercises, basic movements that form the building blocks of Aikido, more advanced techniques and some more playful activities meant to enrich the skills already beginning to develop. The children train in a lively, healthy and relaxed atmosphere that they enjoy, yet the purpose and skills are always serious and real. The young students work with the instructors and each other. A great deal of class training is with partners and so, they also learn not only interactive skills but also, how to trust each other and how to help each other

Learning how to receive an Aikido technique "ukemi" (how to fall and roll safely) is strongly emphasised. This skill not only makes training safe but, is also one of the most physical abilities that a child or adult can have to keep themselves healthy, accidental falls being one of the leading causes of injury during one’s life. In many ways Aikido is very helpful in the physical and mental development of a child. It is an excellent self defence system and helps a child to develop a physical grace, a peaceful mind and a healthy, vibrant spirit. Since Aikido is based on unbalancing one’s opponent while staying firmly balance oneself, physical size, strength and athletic ability are not very important – youngsters of all sizes, shapes and types can enjoy training and become good at Aikido

At the discretion of the Principal Instructor and the Chief Instructor children aged from 16 years and above are accepted into classes at UK Shinwakai Aikido. They may join at any time, new students are given particular attention and everyone trains at their own level. 

Our instructors are fully qualified (British Aikido Board (BAB) Level 1 Coach or above) and are expected to hold the Children & Young People’s Coaching Award. They are all CRB checked and hold First Aid Certification

UK Shinwakai Aikido has adopted in full and endeavours to be in complete compliance with the Equality Policy and Child Protection Policies of the British Aikido Board: 

BAB Equality Policy: CLICK HERE
BAB Child Protection Policies: CLICK HERE


UK Shinwakai Aikido & UK Shinwakai Association: - are fully committed to 
the highest standards in Child Welfare and Protection. 

All instructors working with under 18's have been CRB checked and screened for their suitability to work with children. If you require any further information about child protection, please contact: 

UK Shinwakai Aikido Club Liaison Officer (CLO) Sensei Marill Poole on: Tel: 01494 671666 & e-mail: aikido@ukshinwakai.org

UK Shinwakai Association Child Protection Officer; John Jenkin on Tel: 020 8337 2503 or Mobile: 07792 719833 & e-mail: fiveelements@live.co.uk

If you have concerns which you wish to discuss with another person then you contact the British Aikido Board (BAB) Lead Child Protection Officer, Sue Ward, on Tel: 01271 328892 / 343952 or Mobile: 07794 147 302. If Sue is not immediately available please leave a message and she will call you back, you can also send her an e-mail: cslo@bab.org.uk