The reason why I founded Nagaizumi Aikido is that I wanted to teach children the spirit and basic courtesies that reside in the martial arts.
I would like to bring my children up in a manner in accordnace with the teachings of aikido.Founded in June of 1997 with six local schoolchildren, the Nagaizumi Dojo has increased in size to eighteen members (including six school girls).
The instructors at the Dojo consist of eight volunteers.
Characteristics of Nagaizumi Dojo;
- In addition to the training itself, the lesson includes teachings on the Dojo's rules, greetings, and code of behavior.
- A woman instructor teaches beginners for the first six months.
- Lessons aim at producing vigor and the right frame of mind in studensts.
- When normal lessons finish, more advanced training continues for older children, adults.
- There many planned recreational activities throughout the year, in which members can participate freely. For example, there is an annual barbeque, training camp, level examinations, a year-end party, and traditional rice cake making parties.
- The spirit of the Dojo is good and few students are ever absent and fewer have quit the club entirely.
- For Sixth Graders, there is Enbukai, which consists of both a certificate of merit and a token of achievement.
- The certificate of merit and token of achievement are conferred on students after one year of training.
- There are a few foreign members in the Dojo and several of the instructors are proficient in English.
- Positive group interaction between instructors, members and parents produces a lively and friendly atmosphere.