Dodge ball
Make two teams and divide the tatami into two with a marker. You drop a soft ball in the middle and whoever picks the ball first may throw it towards the other team. Trying to hit their body. When they succeed they can wait on the side till someone from their team catches the ball […]
Go Ai-ki-do
This is a variation for those who have a tatami without ‘tatami lines’ / rows. All you need is an obi or two markers (like flipflops). You make 3 area’s in the dojo. First is called ‘Ai’, second ‘Ki’ and thirth ‘Do’. When you tell the group to go to ‘Do’ they have to run […]
Senpai say’s
Everyone lines up on the mat. Senpai stands in front of the group and starts with calling out what he wants to see. By saying “Senpai says Shomen.” Everyone should do as asked: shomen. Whoever is last can sit down and wait till the game is over. And whenever Senpai say’s “Shomen” (without Senpai says) […]
Tatami Track
In this parkour we use a tatami (lightweight or regular depending on the kids) to follow a parkour where they will have to work on their balance but more importantly work together. Learning: By working together the pawn will stay on the tatami. Tip: When the pawn falls down, let them do that part again. […]
Siamees ukemi
Doing the front roll hand in hand with a friend in line. Make sure everyone goes at the same pace. Also it’s possible to do a backroll. (Just remind them not to hit heads and let go of the hands when they feel pulled by their partner.) Learning: Straight ukemi works best Tip: No partner […]
The Wave (difficult)
Learning: Doing an Aikido technique with little information, makes sure you take a very good look what happens in a little amount of time. Everyone in the group closes their eyes and sensei picks a couple who will perform <technique>. When a couple is selected, they start (slowly) performing the technique which everyone else follows […]