Native Source offers scholarships for Native American children living in and around Tucson to take Aikido classes with our partners at Aikido at the Center.
The scholarship covers all costs associated with classes, clothing, and testing fees, and continues as long as the student is attending classes and meeting the requirements set out by the program, the instructors, and of course, most importantly, the parents or legal guardians of the student.
The "Native Source Aikido Scholarship" has been up and running since 2008, and was designed by Judith Robinson (the Sensei at Aikido at the Center and someone that has been active with the Native American tribes here in Arizona for many years) in partnership with and funded by Native Source:
“The ultimate goal of Aikido training is to master a calm and confident approach to conflict--a courageous and compassionate spirit that wholeheartedly confronts the challenges and difficulties of life… and the hope of this program is that some of our scholarship students will train to the level of ‘sensei’ themselves and then can take these skills, and the confidence and discipline that comes with the study of Aikido, back with them to the Res.”
Judith Robinson, Sensei, Aikido at the Center.
Although training at Aikido at the Center is, of course, based on the "Aikido" approach to ethics, respect, honor and the Japanese code and culture it evolved within, part of this scholarship program's mission is to engender a deeper understanding and appreciation for the participants own Native American traditions, ethics, codes, and culture.
Therefore, this scholarship program also incorporates Native American ‘talking circles’ and other Native American traditions, ceremonies, story-telling, art and crafts, and cultural events into the curriculum of a traditional Aikido Dojo.
Scholarship applications are available through:
Aikido at the Center
3100 N Stone Ave Suite 222
Tucson, AZ 85705-5924
Phone: (520) 887-3986
aatcdojo@yahoo.com
www.aikidoatthecenter.org
Why Aikido?
Here are some reasons from Aikido at the Center's webpage on why kids in general benefit from the study of this particular martial art:
1. Aikido is a non-aggressive martial art. You can't really start a fight with Aikido--you can only finish one, or more importantly, avoid one altogether. Aikido doesn't encourage kids to go around punching and kicking. Aikido technique starts when someone else "breaks the rules," i.e. "attacks."
2. Aikido teaches kids to be calm. Of course, kids shouldn't be calm all the time, but Aikido gives them the choice. If they need to sit still at school, concentrate on homework or focus during sports, Aikido shows them how to do that. The techniques and testing we do teach them correct calmness. This is entirely different from keeping their emotions bottled up. Aikido calmness feels good.
3. Aikido teaches kids practical self-defense. A long-time children's class member related a story of how an older boy was making trouble with her on the bus. Twice she used Aikido to take away his balance and safely pin him. She avoided the trouble she would have gotten herself into if the only defense she knew was punching or kicking.
4. Aikido gives kids a positive world view. It teaches that in order to create something worthwhile, you must work in harmony with your environment. It teaches that if you make trouble, you will lose. But if you mind is correct, calm, and positive, you can make something good out of whatever the universe hands you.
5. Aikido teaches a lighter approach to life. A plodding, serious approach to life doesn't feel good, and it doesn't yield the best possible results. Aikido works best when you relax and feel light. By learning this in practice, our children can't help but apply this to their lives.
6. Aikido helps kids at school. By training in Aikido, kids develop calm, clear minds. As a result, they absorb knowledge easier and think with greater clarity.
7. Anyone can be good at Aikido. Aikido does not require athletic talent. The key to making progress in Aikido is simply persevering and having a positive attitude. What better lesson can we teach our kids?
8. Aikido works for little people. Since Aikido does not rely on size, speed, weight, or reach, it is actually applicable by children on adults. In fact, it can be quite surprising how much power our children can muster when throwing adults!
Aikido at the Center is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.
