I can't emphasize enough how proud Sebastian is with his achievement in moving to an orange belt. Following his test last weekend, we were driving home, when he quite randomly said:
"Mum, Dad this is the best day of my life".
I think your emphasis in enforcing the fact that he worked hard and should be proud of his results has had an incredibly positive impact on him. He has been attending classes at Aikido kids for 3 years now, and he continues to grow in so many aspects of his personality and maturity as a result of the experience.
Thank you! -- Clare/(Sebastian, age 7)
We will certainly get Neha to continue Aikido as long as she is in Seattle. She truly enjoys her class and I can visibly see the "life skills" she imbibes in these sessions. I also want to share with you that your teachings about tenacity , persistence, rigor, patience, self esteem are all showing results. Neha qualified for Full time Quest program (enriched learning experience provided by Lake Washington School District) this month. I know that the life skills that she learns are shaping her mind in terms of taking on challenges and working hard to achieve goals. -- Manjusha (Neha, age 8)
Since
starting Aikido, in the last two weeks, I have gotten
so many compliments from his Sunday school teacher and
daycare teachers. Jacob
listens and focuses more. The teachers tell me that
he is not as disruptive anymore.
I am very proud of my son, Jacob. As soon as his
sister turns 4, she will also be put in an Aikido class. --
Tannia/(Jacob, age 5)
The other day
Max was in trouble for being rough with his brother.
We had a long talk about being loving to members in our
family. After a few minutes of silence, Max said, "mommy
are you still mad at me?" And I said "No, I am not mad
at you, I love you, it is your behavior I do not like." Max
thought about it for a minute and he said, "Ya know, my
Aikido teacher told me that I could walk different, eat
different foods, wear different clothes, but I am still
me." At that moment, my eyes welled up with tears for he
had finally got it! He had taken what Nancy had said and
applied it to his situation. He figured it out that his
behavior was also something he could change about himself,
but that he would still be Max. Those words were gold to
me, those words will pay for Aikido lessons as long as
Max wants! It's worth every penny, and they learn so much
more than just a few Aikido stances. -- Annie/(Max,
age 5)
I would like
to thank you for giving Brandon the opportunity to learn
Aikido! In the last 6 months, I've seen Brandon grow
in so many different ways! He's becoming more comfortable
with expressing himself. I've had friends, and teachers
notice a difference and comment to me that his self confidence
has increased tremendously. He's becoming more social.
I thought that Aikido would help him with body awareness,
and it has. What I didn't realize is how much it would
help in other aspects of his life. You teach amazing
life skills that make a difference. Thank you! -- Carlita/(Brandon, age 12)
Joshua was initially intimidated
by and opposed to the idea of participating in class. Within
two weeks he was eagerly looking forward to it, following
directions and learning techniques which he would demonstrate
happily after class. I attribute this not only to Teacher
Nancy 's excellent program, but to her kindness, sensitivity,
and creativity. Aikido Kids has been a wonderful opportunity
for us! -- Andrew/(Joshua,
age 5)
Aikido kids has been more than a martial art for my five-year old daughter, Audrey. Not only has she learned valuable self-defense skills, but she has improved in her ability to focus, her ability to listen well, and in her ability to show respect.
I have receive so many compliments the past few months about Audrey's courteous and respectful demeanor - to adults, to her friends, and even to her sister! Yesterday she received a compliment from a stranger in the grocery store who described her as "so sweet and mature for such a little girl!"
Most importantly, Audrey has improved her confidence. She knows she can stand up to a bully and to anyone else who would want to harm her - physically or verbally. She is confident in her skills, but understands she has a lotmore to learn. She has set goals, attained them, and set more goals. This has given Audrey a strong sense of self-value, and she wears her yellow belt with pride! Thank you, Teacher Nancy! Thank you, Aikido Kids! -- Cheryl/(Audrey, age 5)
Michael has been in Aikido with Teacher Nancy for 6 months. He has never once complained about coming and is excited each time it is an "Aikido Day." Other programs we've been in were exciting at first but didn't have long-term appeal to him. Michael is learning he can achieve bo good work and attention, he is setting goals as he looks torwards the next level belt, and he is having fun.
As a parent, I'm thrilled when I hear Michael explain to someone how he would handle a bully or when he uses the manners and exhibits the respect he is learning from Teacher Nancy's class. I couldn't be happier with the program here at Aikido Kids! -- Susan/(Michael, age 6)
Aikido Kids! is about a lot more than self defense. My son has learned about listening, respect and being a leader. Teacher Nancy has taught him to be a better listener in her class, which has carried over to school. -- Val/(Will, age 5)
One of the
children's assignments at Aikido Kids® is to create a Victory Book for themselves. It is a great tool for building self esteem. This page was brought in by Ishan, and we'd like to share it with you:
I am happy I am alive. I have a great life. I have a nice mom and dad, great friends and a great school I attend. Here are some things I like to do
- play on computer
- travelling
- riding my bycycle
- swimming
- playing my piano
- playing with my legos
- playing on my gamecude [sic, GameCube]
