Thursday, May 26, 2011

Aikido Kids

The last few years have been a struggle as we tried to find an outside activity that fit Josiah's personality and our family's schedule. I'm very strict about only doing one thing at a time with my kids. I hate running around. That is why I never really liked soccer, but I did it for two summers anyway, even though Josiah didn't seem to be a big fan of it either. He wanted to do football this year, but I told him he had to show us he could have a good attitude in soccer first, so we signed him up this year. 

Since we didn't have any other activities currently happening, I heard about Aikido (a Japanese martial art) at a MOPS meeting. What attracted me was this particular school does not focus on the fighting part, but more the defense part, awareness of your surroundings and how to deal with bullying and such. They teach self responsibility and how to identify and leave potentially dangerous situations BEFORE they get dangerous. There is a lot of agility and balance training. Best of all, they really focus on self-control in a non-competitive environment. It sounded like something my children could really use, so I decided to give it a try for a month. 

It is growing on Hailey, but for Josiah, I knew instantly it was a perfect fit for him. He was smiling from ear to ear the entire time! At the end of the first class, he said he no longer wanted to do soccer or football, just Aikido. I knew he meant it. So, we were able to get our money back from soccer which pretty much paid for their uniforms. Another plus, is that it is the least expensive activity I could find, in addition to the fact that it fits into our schedule perfectly. I'm even able to bring my laptop and do soil database work while watching the kids in their back to back classes. That really took some pressure off!

Hailey looks so cute in her uniform. Aikido has been good for teaching both kids even better listening skills. If they aren't listening, they lose their turn.

There is another little red-head in Hailey's class. They have to separate them a lot because they love to chat with each other. It really helped a lot for Hailey to have a friend in that class (Ren's mom and I are MOPS friends).

Hailey, learning to hop on one foot, a very long way. They do a lot of right/left brain coordination activities, too.

The batteries in my camera were going dead that day, so some of these pictures are a little blurry. I still wanted to post it so you could see JUST how much fun she having :)

Josiah, waiting his turn.

He is learning to sit still on the blue line and not talk. This is a huge accomplishment alone. He knew a couple of kids from Lego club and AWANAS, so he had some instant friends in his class.

Kids from the class above, often help out with lower classes. The kids can test to get different colored belts.
This is Josiah's favorite game called "Color Dodge" . The teacher calls out a color, and the people on the sides quickly toss that colored-ball at you. They can be throwing up to 3 balls at you at one time, so it really teaches you to be quick on your feet. 

So this reluctant soccer mom is thrilled to not be traveling all around our valley to games during dinner time. So glad we found something we can do year round that is affordable and is teaching them things I'm not able to in our homeschool. I just feel so blessed to have found this Aikido school when we did!

Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. Don't forget to reflect and ponder on the sacrifices of all the soldiers who died in service of our country throughout the life of this great nation. 

God Bless,
Jackie

8 comments:

Sarah said...

Woo...Aikido sounds like a great activity for both your children Jackie!

You are right, Hailey does look just as cute as a button in her suit!

I'm glad they are both had a grat time!

Kimberly said...

Our boys really grew and improved coordination and attitudes, when they were in TKD- they decided to stop about a year ago. Sounds like a good fit for you!

I'm sorry you missed the drawing! Thank you for the kind comments about the dish clothes.

His bondservant said...

Jackie,
It does sound like a great activity. I am like you…very careful about what activities my children are involved in. I too, do not like that idea of running around all over the place…that just takes away from the family structure. Love the pictures and am so glad you found just the right thing for Josiah…I know with boys sometimes that can be especially difficult.

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

Jack, it just sounds awesome. I know TKD has really helped Marcus and Jessica. It has been a great experience, and it gives them skills that they really might need someday.

So glad you found the perfect fit. What an answer to prayer.

Jill said...

Love the pictures! They look like they are having so much fun trying something new!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Blessings,
Jill

Unknown said...

Loved all the pictures! Hailey looks adorable and Josiah looks like he's have a GREAT time!

RaD said...

Amen to that last part!

It's great when you find the fit. Sometimes I wonder about Elisha. He likes baseball and wants to play it, and he likes drums and he likes basketball and works hard at all three, but sometimes I wonder if they are what he's really passionate about. Bethany plays softball because she likes to make new friends and have something to do like her brother. But she LOVES keyboard and does well with it.

We do sports because they get experiences with other kids they don't get at their school, even if all are not all that positive. We talk through those times encouraging them to pray for those kids and their coaches.

Your kids looked like they were having a great time. I can't wait to see more pictures as the months pass by, of their many accomplishments in this new found activity!

Catherine said...

This looks like a GREAT fit for you and your kids, Jackie; the pictures tell it all very well.

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