I teach a traditional form of Aikido and emphasize the importance of learning how NOT TO FIGHT and NOT TO COMPETE (as is emphasized in other sports versions of Aikido). Many martial arts advertise the training as a venue to build self-confidence (and other claims regarding psychological functioning related to ego-functions) and "conflict resolution." They simply fall into the domain that other sports serve to function. Traditional Aikido has a distinctly different focus. The student learns how to develop a calm, self-focus; body awareness; interpersonal awareness and conflict-resolution skills that DO NOT involve intended violence and other forms of fighting.
I keep adult classes for adults (High School age and up). I will allow parents to train with their children in a child class. I do this for several reasons: One, I strongly encourage parents to be involved in their children's lives. Two, I STRONGLY emphasize that the importance of Budo is to keep our personal world safe. The family unit is the most important aspect of our personal world. Making our personal world more strongly connected (through family practice) helps to make that world that much more important to keep safe.
Marc Abrams
www.aasbk.com