Empowering Children through AIKIDO

Siblings to a child with a disability sometimes feel like they are on the back burner. They diligently watch mom or dad take their sibling to and from therapy, specialists, and special groups. If you are trying a special diet, most likely they too will need to adjust to new foods, and forgo some of their favorites. Frustrations may add up as the sibling doesn’t ‘act’ like other children. I have found that in the autistic family construct that it is critical to the well-being of the non-disabled children to get appropriate extra attention and consideration.

So, last year we enrolled our non-disabled daughter in Aikido, a traditional Japanese martial art founded by O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. We have found this experience to contribute towards her sense of self and confidence while appropriately gaining some attention from the parent that attends the dojo with her. She has been able create friendships among peers within a non-competitive environment.

Aikido fosters inner strength while teaching how to respond to an attacker by using the attackers force against them. Aikido teaches balance, harmony, strength and integrity; all attributes a sibling to a child with a disability needs.

Our daughter just passed her 13^th kyu, yellow belt promotion. She was so proud of herself and carried herself with poise and confidence. This is an experience that has helped center her energy and nurture her being— A perfect vehicle to empower a person who is faced with the challenges that come with a sibling with a disability.

We are fortunate to have an Aikido class for children near our home, Hilliard Martial Arts Center. If you are not so fortunate there are plenty of options available to nurture your child— you just make need to be innovative and resourceful to find them. I suggest starting with a simple “date” with the child to the park or zoo. Maybe a special lunch for two, a walk around the block, a bike ride, art class or a mom & me yoga class. Your local parks and recreation facilities may have options available for parents and children.