Kids Aikido

Parents…
What Is The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Child?...
CONFIDENCE!
A confident kid is UNSTOPPABLE!

A Message from Sensei Derek Bindner, Director and Head Instructor

Dear Parent,
Did you know that Martial Arts is 10 times better than Team Sports in developing a child's self esteem and confidence?

Our program can and WILL help your child increase their confidence, self-esteem, discipline, and leadership ability, while teaching them life skills that will last them a lifetime. (Let me explain why you MUST come see our program for yourself.  It will be the best thing that you'll ever do for your child.) In our program your child will be able to progress at their very own pace. We understand that everyone learns differently, and this is why we incorporate the 4 learning styles; Kinesthetic, Verbal, Auditory and Visual, into every class. This is how we build your child up for success, in every area. No matter if your child can only train once a week or everyday we have the program that will fit your needs.

Wouldn't you like your child to develop amazing self-discipline, a positive attitude, and an unstoppable "can-do" level of confidence?
It can happen with martial arts classes at the Aikido Network!

Experts agree that martial arts is one of the very best ways to help children gain self-discipline, respect and confidence—essential traits for success in school, at home, and in life. At The Aikido Network, your child will achieve these traits plus:

• Improved Concentration • More Self-Confidence • Anti-Bullying Strategies • Better Grades and Study Habits • Higher Self-Esteem • Real Self-Defense • Greater Respect for Others • Improved Health and Fitness • More strength and Flexibility • Advanced Athletic Skills • Better Focus • and Tons of Fun!!

In Our Program Your Child Will Experience . . .

• Grade Improvement: The grades go up and stay up! Our program offers a lot more than just self-defense and physical agility. It is a Martial Arts educational program that will give your child the discipline needed to study, complete homework and organize their time wisely. Ultimately, this leads to better concentration at school and better grades. We make success a habit, not a chore!

• Leadership Skills: To help them succeed in life! Aikido will teach your child how to set goals and take responsibility for their own actions. These qualities, more than any others, will help your child develop as a leader and not as a follower. This, in turn, will ensure their success in school, and life!

• Increased Physical Aptitude and Fitness: To help your child develop physically! Our programs increase speed, stamina and agility in children. They also help develop balance, coordination and timing, which helps your child in sports and other activities.

• Mental/ Personal Development: To give your child the courage to say NO in the face of peer pressure! One of the scariest problems facing many parents today is the possibility that their child may become involved with drugs. The number of children taking drugs at a younger age is staggering. Our programs are designed to promote self-confidence and self-esteem--giving your child the strength to resist peer pressure.

• High Energy Classes: Fun-filled classes your child will truly enjoy! From the children's point of view, the best part about our program is how much fun the classes really are. We focus your child's energy in a positive and productive manner.

• Realistic Self-Defense Skills: That could save your child's life! The fact is, that we live in a world full of undesirable people, with uncertain intentions. Our program teaches your child how to protect themselves in real life threatening situations. This invaluable skill could be the difference between life and death!

• Personalized Attention: To ensure progress! We focus on quality instruction and personal attention. Our students are treated as individuals. All of our classes are taught by highly trained instructors committed to excellence and continued learning. You'll feel safe knowing your child is receiving the finest instruction possible!

• Positive Roll Models: Who is influencing your child? Role models play an important role in a child's development - too important to be left to chance. Our team of certified instructors provide positive role models for your child, teaching them how to resist negative influences.

Our Program Can Transform Your Child's Life!

You're probably wondering, how? How could one activity have such an impact on my child? Well, it's incredible, but true. The martial arts is not only an activity that can be enjoyed throughout a lifetime, but can also improve your quality of life!

Our Junior Aikido Program will arm your child with a host of positive mental and physical skills that will help him or her in school, at home and in life.
Even if your child is involved in sports, it may not be enough. Recent studies show that programs like ours that focus on personal achievement are vastly more effective than team sports!

In our program, we don't believe in just teaching children how to defend themselves. We work to help build your child's character. During classes, you'll see your child's energy, confidence, and spirit rise while he or she becomes strong and confident. We're not just talking about physical strength--but the kind of strength it takes to resist peer pressure and other negative aspects of life.

You'll see a new kind of discipline emerging . . . the kind that will positively affect all areas of his or her life. You'll notice an increased respect for others, and most importantly, for herself / himself. The result? A powerful mind/body connection that makes them unstoppable in life! Your child will learn to succeed!

Aikido classes also offer a great way for kids to relieve stress. I've seen so many kids join who were so stressed they had stomach aches, trouble sleeping, and even grouchy attitudes. The great workouts and the lifestyle lessons have made a big improvement in their lives—and made their parents' lives much more peaceful, too.

Click here for a membership application for one of our children’s programs

See for yourself why The Aikido Network was chosen "Best Martial Arts School" by Energy Magazine

Celebrating our twelfth anniversary in London, The Aikido Network has grown into one of the top martial arts schools in the city. We're home to over 100 children and adults who enjoy our authentic and traditional classes in Aikido and more. We've been featured in Energy Magazine, The Londoner newspaper, Two Your Health Magazine, Real Women London magazine, A-Channel, Roger’s cable 13, and over a dozen other publications. These articles have praised us for our high-quality instruction and the positive results that our students are achieving.

Our students achieve life-changing positive results because we focus on the traditional inner teachings of martial arts: the development of a strong mind, body and spirit.

Our Aikido Program teaches kids great self-defense and leadership skills, and the cultivation and improvement of one's character.
As head instructor I'm often asked if I've ever had to use my martial arts skills. My answer? I use my martial arts skills every day! The unique philosophy of Aikido allows one to use it continuously, to develop positive relations with other, and to resolve conflict without violence.
But each day I enjoy reduced stress, greater relaxation, improved physical fitness, better tolerance and understanding, a more positive and generous spirit, and so much more. And these skills are a direct result of my martial arts training.

One of the top martial arts programs in Canada

By any measure - curriculum, environment, number and quality of students, success of our students - The Aikido Network ranks among the top martial arts schools in the country.

Our Teaching Approach

Though all martial arts schools teach kids how to kick, punch, block and grapple we focus on the inner teachings of martial arts: the development of a strong mind, body and spirit.

I've been in the martial arts education field since 1997, and I can speak with some authority when I say that your child's biggest challenge likely doesn't come from physical threats at school or in the neighborhood (although our martial arts classes will give your child the confidence and skills to cope with that).
The challenge comes, instead, from battling the forces within. Often your child's greatest enemy is his or her own lack of confidence and self-esteem.

I've watched more than one student start out painfully shy and insecure, eyes glued to the floor, afraid to make a move. As they're guided and nurtured over the days and weeks and months, as they start to achieve real progress and feel their own strength, they're like butterflies emerging from cocoons. In fact, one of our most popular young instructors were themselves once hopelessly shy students in our children's program!
Take a look at this list of just some of the important lessons that await you and your child with our program:

• The difference between discipline and self-discipline, and the secret to getting your child to WANT to do what you want her to do
• One key action that every child must know to protect against predators and strangers
• Our proven steps for shy and timid children to turn into brave and confident go-getters
• Why it never works to tell your child to ignore bullies—and the strategies that do work most often
• The Essential Principles for becoming a successful leader in school and in life
• The hidden reason that 1/3 of children struggle to get good grades in school, and a simple strategy that will help your child overcome those struggles
• The behavioral habits that nearly all top athletes share, and how they can become your child's habits
• The common strategic errors that even many martial artists make in a real self-defense situation—putting their lives or the lives of loved ones at serious risk
• The Aikido path to cultivation of greater wisdom and compassion that has been practiced by Zen masters for centuries
• How to turn a disrespectful child into an angel—well, at least into a respectful child—in 60 days or less

 Optimal Class Structure

Children as young as two love Aikido.

Our children's classes are divided by age groups to ensure that each child progresses at an optimum pace: Aikido Tots for 2-5 year olds; Family class for 5 year olds and their parents; and Aikido Kids for 7-13 year olds.

What's included when your child joins our classes?

Your child will enjoy a number of benefits and special services that go far beyond just the great classes we teach.

Weekly and Monthly Interactive Take-Home Lessons

Your child will receive Character Building Take-Home lessons that encourage active parental involvement in your child's development. Lesson topics include:

A Carefully Developed Curriculum
Your child will follow a carefully thought out curriculum that leads all the way to the Junior Black Belt level. We'd be delighted to show you exactly how we will help your child develop the mental, physical and emotional skills needed to advance all the way from novice White Belt up to advanced Black Belt!

Boys and girls who earn their Junior Black Belt, stand head and shoulders above their peers when it comes to confidence, self-esteem, success skills, leadership skills and a positive view of themselves and the world around them.

Think how important that confidence and positive self-image are for kids to be able to Say No to the negative peer pressures they face every day, and Yes to the positive challenges that lead to success in life. Martial arts really can change your child's life forever!

Students in our Children's Program enjoy all of the following:

• Exciting and fun classes with our skilled professional instructors
• Private tutoring classes available to give your child the extra attention he or she might need
• FREE monthly newsletter
• FREE testing for colored belt promotions
• Pro shop for any martial arts supplies and gifts you might need
• Special social activities including Parents' night out parties, movie nights and buddy days
• Discount on fun martial arts birthday parties

As students progress we offer advanced Black Belt and Leadership Clubs where students enjoy additional intensive training in Aikido, Demo Team, Leadership Skills, Success Principles and Strategies, and much more.

How we compare to other schools:

• Size: The Aikido Network is a small to medium sized martial arts schools so we can really focus on our students.
• Amenities: The Aikido Network uses only Japanese tatami mats for the training areas for premium quality and safety.
• Experience: The Aikido Network is in the top 2-5% in terms of the collective number of years of experience of the instructors.
• Enrollment: The Aikido Network is in the top 5% in terms of number of active students.
• Longevity: We just celebrated our twelfth-year anniversary, even though fewer than 5% of martial arts schools even make it past five-years.
• Stability: The Aikido Network is in the top 5% in terms of gross revenues, which helps ensure that we will be here for many, many more years to come. This also allows us to help more people in our community in need, through donations, and our volunteer and scholarship programs.
• Affordability: Even though we are in the top 5% of schools in each of the above important categories, our average per-student tuition falls somewhere in the 40th-60th percentile.
• Popularity: Our average annual retention rate is more than double (and closer to triple) the standard for martial arts schools, meaning our students are two to three times more satisfied training here than students at most schools.
• True Value: The Aikido Network is among the less than 2% that offer the life-changing benefits of authentic Aikido training.

Click here to apply for one of our children’s Aikido programs

When your child enrolls in our program, he or she will be training as part of a highly-motivated and dedicated group of children.
We don't accept students who aren't dedicated, motivated and enthused about martial arts training.

Aikido Network is a full-time Martial arts, family-owned business for us. We could easily take in much more revenue if we accepted any student who walked in off the street. Most martial arts schools do just that: They'll take anyone's money. We carefully screen every application, and do our best to weed out the non-serious students and families. Why? Because your child can't reach his or her full potential without the support and example of other highly dedicated students.
I understand that The Aikido Network can't be the right school for everyone.

It's possible that we are not the kind of martial arts school that some parents are seeking for their child. We're not a babysitting service, nor do we give away Black Belts to anyone who pays tuition. Your child will have to work hard at real martial arts training in our classes, and must develop the physical, mental and emotional qualities that a skilled martial artist is known for to be promoted to Junior Black Belt level.

We are a top quality, full-time school offering authentic martial arts at a great value. We are competitively priced with other quality full-time martial arts schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

I've been teaching martial arts for a long time, and I hear many of the same questions from parents. Here are the some of the most common:

Can martial arts turn my child into a bully?
No. Martial arts training will do just the opposite. Children are taught respect, tolerance, harmony and compassion. The use of physical force is always reserved as a last resort, and only for self-defense.

My child has special needs. Can your program help?
We have students with ADHD, mild autism, and other challenges. Aikido is one of the best activities for children with challenges.

My child has tried other activities like music and sports teams, but always quits after a short period. What happens if my child wants to quit martial arts?
We understand the psychology of children, and we use scientifically proven methods to motivate children that many educators and coaches are not aware of.

Usually children want to quit an activity because of one of four reasons:
1. They find it is too hard early on and they become discouraged and intimidated.
2. They find it is too easy and lacks challenges, leading to boredom.
3. Something negative happens with a classmate or the instructor and the student prefers to avoid the class rather than resolve the issue.
4. They fail to get encouragement and participation from both the instructor and the parent.

With our program, kids get tons of encouragement and feedback, and they really have a blast in the classes. In fact, while the average retention rate for sports teams and other activities is under 10%, almost 80% of our students choose to renew!

Is your school's emphasis on competition and winning trophies, or is it on the development of my child?
Your child's development always comes first. Aikido is a non-competitive, non-aggressive and non-violent martial art. Aikido teaches a "win/win" approach to conflict resolution. Instead of doing Aikido to or against an opponent, Aikido is done with a partner. There are no tournaments, so your child receives all the positive benefits of martial arts training without the added pressures and costs of competition. In Aikido, no child ever feels like a "loser." And unlike with most sports teams, there are no bench warmers sitting on the sidelines. Every student participates fully in every class.

How to apply NOW for membership in our Children's Aikido Program

To apply for your Tour and Class, simply fill out the Application Form below. We generally respond to on-line applications within 48 hours to inform you whether your pre-screening application has been accepted, and to confirm your reservation for your Free Introductory Tour and Class. Confirmation of your tour date, time, driving directions, etc. will be provided when we notify you of your application's preliminary approval.

Receive a great gift if you invite a friend or family member.

Training with a sincere and dedicated friend or family member can be supportive and extra-motivating for many children. If your child has a friend or family member whom you think might benefit as much as your child from our classes, have them also go online and fill out the application form. If both children are accepted then both families will receive a fantastic gift when you enroll—plus it can be great for car pooling!

I sincerely hope you've enjoyed reading about The Aikido Network and learning about the many benefits of our Children's Martial Arts Program. I look forward to meeting you and your child!

Sincerely,

Derek Bindner

Director and Head Instructor
Aikido Network

P.S. Don't forget to inquire about our family discounts for two or more children in the program, or for our great classes for parents and teens in martial arts, meditation and more!

P.P.S. We often run special tour discounts—be sure to ask the instructor if one is currently running while at your tour!

P.P.P.S. I know there are many reasons to put off applying for your child, but please go ahead and apply now.  Without the confidence, self-discipline and positive attitude that a program like ours offers, your child potentially faces too many scary and unpleasant obstacles:  Poor health and fitness, susceptibility to negative peer pressure, a worsening of focus and concentration leading to poor performance in school, and lack of self-defense skills that could be vital to save your child's life some day.