Does your child have SEND, disability, learning or support needs?
Are you trying to find something to enjoy as a family which is inclusive and supportive of your child’s needs?
Have you thought about trying Tomiki Aikido?
It’s an effective non-aggressive competitive martial art. No kicking or punching is taught, as it is a sister martial art to both Judo and Ju-jitsu.
Akeru Aikido is a club founded by a parent carer and is volunteer led.
The club has spaces for new families to join.
The club runs twice a month.
The ethos of the club is to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive space free from judgement and peer pressure. It is a place for children to be themselves and make new friends.
The club recently received a small grant to purchase additional mats and there is a now a bigger training space to offer families.
The volunteer female coach is also a mum and has a child in specialist provision. She also has experience with coaching children who are non-speaking.
The sessions are low demand and child-led, and the coaching methods used are neuro-affirming.
The coach is able to use BSL if needed.
The club has photo cards to aid with communication and understanding. AAC devices and PEC can also be brought along and used by families.
The children may join in with as much or as little of the session as they wish.
Minimum age to attend is 4 years old.
Siblings over 4 years old are welcome.
There are short breaks offered throughout the session and every effort is made to include input for proprioception and vestibular during these break times.
All sensory aids such as headphones, Chew Buddies, and fidgets can be brought and used throughout the session. Comfort items such as a blanket or soft toy can also be brought if this helps a child feel secure.
Families can take a break during the session or leave early if needed.
The sessions are kept affordable for families and the session cost is priced per family.
This taster session is £2 for a family of four to try the session.
The usual fee for the session is £3 a family and is used to pay the rent of the venue.
If you have more than 2 children please message the club to discuss further.
If you do wish to continue after the taster session please note an additional insurance payment of £5 a person for the year is required.
No uniform is needed. You just need to wear something comfortable.
There is no criteria to join the club. No need to be on a diagnostic pathway, no need to have a diagnosis, no need have an EHCP to attend- basically if you child has a support need, you’re more than welcome to come along and see if this is for your family.
Likewise even though this club is for SEND families, any families with neurotypical children are welcome to come along.
Families are welcome to come and observe a session first before coming to try a session.
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible and has a disabled toilet.
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