Lincoln Aikido Club...

Aikido is a unique martial art in that it can be practiced without regard to size, strength or gender.  It works because it does not seek to fight with the attacker; instead, it emphasizes removing oneself from the line of attack, using curves and spirals to unbalance the partner, with a variety of throws or pins to finish the technique.   

Regular practice can aid in the development of: 

• Self discipline
• Mutual cooperation
• Confidence and self esteem
• Enhanced concentration
• Empathy
• Fitness and flexibility  

The importance of Aikido lies in it being a form of somatic education, which focuses on the interactions of posture, movement, emotion, thought, self concept and cultural values.  It begins with cultivating the ability to notice and feel sensations in the body, particularly tension in the muscles, breathing and posture, and through this awareness a greater control of emotions and stress levels can be obtained.  For example, when anger is felt, the muscles tighten, breathing becomes constricted and the pulse quickens, with the ability to relax the body, these physical markers are no longer present and the anger is lessened.  With awareness of oneself comes a greater awareness of other people and an improvement in social interaction and conflict resolution. 

Safety Considerations: Safety is paramount in the training of Aikido, and students are taught from the very beginning that the art of ukemi, or receiving of the technique, is just as important as performing the techniques themselves.  Much time is spent initially in class on training these skills, so that everyone can practice in a safe and responsible manner. 

Discipline: We have found that in itself, the class structure is conducive to the development of self-control and mutual respect, as each individual has a responsibility to look to the safety of their training partner.  Within a society filled with complex demands, challenges and stresses, self-discipline allows the student to respond to situations in a thoughtful and reflective manner and gives them a sense of responsibility for their actions. 

Confidence: The nature of Aikido allows students to work together in a non-competitive environment, with the aim of developing trust and consideration for their training partners.  Everyone has the ability to succeed as proficiency does not depend upon strength or agility and it is often the quiet and observant students who progress the most quickly.  Positive reinforcement and constructive criticism is the essence of our teaching method.  

David Thompson, the martial arts instructor at Maple Hayes, a specialist school for children with dyslexia, says of his program: 'At Maple Hayes, where every pupil shares the same difficulty, children can work at their physical coordination without fear, which then improves their self esteem and ultimately their other achievements at school.' 

Concentration and Meditation: Meditation is essentially a state of poised, highly directed concentration, and its use at the beginning and end of class helps to maintain focus, discipline and safety.  This can also carry on to the student's other classes, with the associated benefits of stress reduction, improved memory and greater academic achievement.  

Conclusion: An important aspect of Aikido involves eliminating the need for aggressive and competitive behaviour associated with some martial arts and sporting activities.  Issues such as bullying, behavioural problems like ADHD and learning difficulties such as dyslexia can benefit from this supportive community, in which no student is placed at a disadvantage. 

In the words of Bruce Bookman, 6th Dan, Seattle Aikikai: 'The children's program is one of the most important things I can be doing as an Aikido instructor...introducing children to how strong they can be through this very gentle approach.' 

Through our Aikido program, we aim to instil into each student a greater awareness of self, improved academic performance through enhanced concentration, discipline and confidence, and an understanding of how mutual cooperation with others can be a force for good in their lives.   "

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