Aikido!

Thanks to Aikido of Champlain Valley, the King Street Center Afterschoolers were able to take part in an Aikido workshop yesterday with instructor Jamie Nicks, and it was SO. MUCH. FUN.

One of the major focuses of workshop was introducing youth to the idea of Aikido as a martial art that emphasizes peaceful conflict resolution. Here's Gonzalaiz learning about showing respect to your opponent:

The next skill that the workshop focused on was deflecting an opponent's attack. In this move, the opponent tries to push you, and you stop him or her not by blocking but rather by taking a step backwards:

It takes practice, though! Here, Ali and Haris get the move backwards:

Now they've got it!
And, here's Ahmed practicing:Thanks so much to all the instructors and students who ran the workshop! The King Street Kids had a great time!