Original scientific paper
Aikido for Children: The Meaning of Creative Teaching of Coordination between Mind and Body
Nenad Vertovšek
orcid.org/0000-0001-8543-6580
; Department of Croatian and Slavic Studies, University of Zadar, Croatia
Vesna Vertovšek
; Aikido club, Zadar, Croatia
Abstract
The importance and wisdom of Eastern systems and methods are usually ignored in contemporary attempts of solving the problems of modern education. If our approach is based on the need for the universal understanding of the development of children and youth, who are nowadays faced with the challenging demands in school, family, and the society as a whole, principles and methods used in teaching martial arts can significantly and efficiently help through interrelated training of physical and mental capabilities. The Japanese martial art Aikido is more than a martial art or a sport, it is a pacifist skill which develops positive win-win philosophy without the defeated side and enables the better understanding of one’s own conscience through physical and mental discipline. Aikido develops clear and critical thinking in children and youth, as well as their ability of problem-solving, it enforces the introspection, communication skills, and team work within the community, and therefore presents the skill for the 21st century.
Keywords
Aikido; children; martial arts; creativity; coordination of mind and body; sensei
Hrčak ID:
103683
URI
Publication date:
10.4.2013.
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