Kids' Classes

I've been thinking about teaching a kids' Aikido class ever since Steve sensei asked if I'd like to give it a go. I found a really useful web site about teaching Aikido to kids, including a sample curriculum that spirals over eight weeks to increase student learning, and a number of games that incorporate Aikido skills. I'm getting excited about this.

We also discussed whether we'd want a short-term introductory class, or something ongoing. We decided on an introductory class first, mostly as an introduction, followed by the ongoing class. Steve sensei also mentioned that we could grow the dojo by getting parents to join after their children start. This would be an added benefit.

We had a 90 minutes weapons class today; bokken and jo. It was a repeat of something I remember we did months ago, but it was an opportunity work on skills that I actually remember beyond the regular suburi, and jo work.

I used my own bo today, which is a lightweight red oak. As the class progressed and we were switching between weapons, I used other students' bokken as well. About an hour ago, I went downstairs to the basement, and slid my new bokken out of the new weapons bag; both of which I'll get for Christmas (Oh, Sweetie, how did you know?). It felt incredible. The balance is outstanding. The weight, at 750 grams, is empowering. It felt like a true weapon in my hand. I could do some serious damage with this, as it stacks up beautifully against anything else I've used at the dojo. One of the students has a bo made from hickory, which I've seen online, and I don't particularly care for it. When I've used it, I can feel the wood grain in my hands, like it's in need of a good sanding. He's happy with it, which is all that counts, I suppose, but I can hardly wait to take my new bo to it's first weapons class.