Something like reverse psychology, here a funny example

I liked Graham Christian's suggestion. He kept telling his son he wasn't ready for aikido yet. So when he finally started he really wanted to!

I personally don't know him either, just heard about him, anyway here you have a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO5np9oTi9Q

Thanks Carina. The nephew of your teacher is an example maybe - perhaps he won't return to aikido. I don't know Leonardo Sakanashi.

I agree with you, judo,karate, even taekwondo are more interesting for children. I just was telling about teaching akido to children. Niall don't you know any child who is still doing aikido: 2nd and 3rd Doshu, Waka Sensei and Leonardo Sakanashi 24 old in 2007 getting his 4th Dan, son of Sakanashi Masafumi Sensei, sent to Argentina .. Ok that was a joke, now: the nephew of my teacher began with his uncle at 9, became his black belt at 17 and left because of girl friends, music,and so on

Thanks, Carina. Following on from the second paragraph I actually think judo is probably best for children for self-defence, then karate and then aikido. Of course any of them have to be fun! There is a deeper problem for me. I know of really good judoka and karateka who started as children and kept training as adults. But I can't think of any good aikidoka who started as children.

Nice Niall, I think for you it was a great moment when the mother said thank to you, the feeling it has been worthwhile I talked with the police self defence teacher who teaches also aikido to children, he told me what he does to interest them, he gives half colour belts(like in karate) and also prices for doing a technique good but every time taking care that all of them wins one time this price. I think aikido for children must be aikido playing.

Hi Billy and Susan - glad it was helpful.

Thank you so much, Daisy Luu! It took a couple of times (and some advice from Jun!) to get it working OK. I'd be glad to give you advice any time.

Dear Niall; Both Susan and I will benefit from this entry. In particular Susan as she wants to teach a childrens class in due course. Best, Billy

I love the inclusion of graphics with all your entries. It's nice to have a visual, and aikiweb doesn't make this very intuitive.

Thanks, Chris.

Nice one Niall,