Third Grade Dojo!

The Third Grade has been studying the country of Japan. We have been immersing ourselves in Japanese culture, history, literature, language, and even MARTIAL ARTS! As part of our study, and Physical Education curriculum, we were fortunate enough to have an Aikido black belt teach us the basics of this form of Japanese self-defence. 

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as “the Way of unifying with life energy” or as “the Way of harmonious spirit.” Ueshiba’s goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. This requires very little physical energy, as the aikid?ka (aikido practitioner) “leads” the attacker’s momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks. Aikido can be categorized under the general umbrella of grappling arts.

 John Duke, an Aikido instructor on Big Pine Key, volunteered his time to teach us the basics of this form of self-defence. We had a BLAST and would love to have him back. Thanks John (Sensei)!

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Camila Byczek is the third grade teacher.

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