Spotlight on…..Akeru Aikido Club
Did you know that there’s a local martial arts club dedicated to children and their families with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?
Akeru Aikido Club is a volunteer-led group taking place twice a month in Ashton. It is for SEND children aged 4-18 years old and their families, with the group also welcoming siblings aged four or over to join sessions.
Parents and carers are required to stay for the duration to support their child’s needs. For children aged between 16-18, the coach will consider allowing them to attend independently from a parent or carer, however this must be discussed with the coach on a case-by-case basis first.
The Aikido sessions are low demand and child-led, with every effort made to adapt the style of coaching to the learning and support needs of the child.
Children can benefit from developing their motor skills and coordination whilst at the same time having fun and building physical fitness, as well as developing self-defence skills. They can also learn how to advocate for their own support needs in a polite but assertive manner.
The costs are met by contributions from families, and the coach does not take a profit from the club. The club also offers free of charge gradings on a continual assessment basis rather than a formal examination to build confidence in Aikido skill.
In addition, the club is also working towards offering a three-level leadership award scheme to help develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership. The end goal is to offer the opportunity to become an accredited Aikido coach once the lower age and grade limit have been reached in the future.
Feedback includes:
“My daughter really enjoys SEND Aikido with Alex. Often, she struggles to leave the house, but she is so enthusiastic about going to the sessions. I have seen an improvement but my daughter’s confidence since she started attending the club. It is giving my daughter a social aspect to her life. That is with kids who are like her (ASC) meaning she feels more understood. She is autistic and has ADHD and finds the regulation breaks along with being able to take time out individually, very useful. It gives her chance to calm or get a bit of quiet time when needed.”
- Day: Second Thursday of the month (Starting Thursday 10th April)
- Time: 5.30pm-6:30pm
- Location: Active Tameside Oxford Park (Indoor badminton courts)
- Day: Fourth Saturday of the month
- Time: 5pm-6:30pm
- Location: Kamiza Dojo, 95 Tuner Lane, Ashton Under Lyne, OL6 8SS
There are regular breaks and there is no obligation for families to stay for the whole session.
Families should contact the club first to discuss their child’s support needs with the coach so that they can be fully supported. Please contact Alexandra on 07539 788190 or email alexandra.webster86@gmail.com
You can also view the club’s Facebook page.
