The benefits of aikido for children can be summarized as discipline, focus, self-confidence, and balance.

First and foremost, because Aikido is a martial art, it involves discipline. This discipline helps children develop specific skills; it enhances their ability to manage time by practicing in a specific environment at a specific time, increases their sense of responsibility, and improves their ability to focus by listening to instructions for a set period. They also learn through social interaction by practicing techniques with their peers.

The techniques also help improve children’s physical abilities. Aikido techniques are based on natural movements. No aikido technique involves movements that the body cannot perform or that go against its natural structure. Children are therefore at an advantage when learning aikido techniques. Since they are just beginning to use their bodies, they tend to use natural body movements rather than movements that restrict them. Since the techniques they learn encourage them to keep their center of gravity constantly centered, their balance improves, and the risk of falling or getting injured during play decreases.

Every aikido class requires students to jump, roll, and perform various movements. This is, in fact, a playful environment for children. Since children learn best through play, they have an advantage when learning aikido.

Unlike other martial arts, aikido does not involve competition (generally, there is no competition in aikido styles, particularly within the Aikikai). This allows children to compete with themselves rather than with their peers. As a result, children learning aikido get to know themselves more comfortably and do not judge themselves based on their friends’ successes or failures. Since every child learning aikido will focus on the technique they are performing, they will strive to make their own technique good rather than worrying about their friend’s. This fosters a positive environment where every child can grow while getting to know themselves.