We started training Aikido with Sensei Yanitsa because my daughter thought that a classmate of hers was training at the same dojo and that made her curious. It was very interesting and fun for her to try. For several years I tried to enrol her in a martial art, but she categorically refused. However, when we discovered the Tendokan Aikido Dojo and the opportunity to train together as a family, she showed great interest, even after she found out that her classmate was not there anymore. Training in martial arts was, for me - a childhood dream come true, this time with the added bonus of training together with my daughter. The classes have givin us the opportunity not only to train, but also to spend more time together.
We have been with Sensei Yanitsa for over two years now and we could not be happier with our choice. She is not only a wonderful teacher, but also a wonderful person who approaches every child and parent with patience and understanding. During this time, my child learned not only techniques, but also important life lessons such as: how to overcome difficulties, how to be more confident and how to cope with situations that seem unfamiliar or difficult. Of course, it is not without its challenges, there have been moments of uncertainty, tears and timidity, especially in the beginning.
Aikido brought us closer together as a family. We spend a lot of time together
in and out of training, and we often explain the difficult and the unknown through the Aikido techniques and principles we have learned from Sensei Yanitsa. I recommend it to every parent who wants to see how their child grows. It helps them to become stronger and more confident, while at the same time building a special and meaningful relationship with their parent.
I especially strongly recommend the Kenshusei practice. This is a period when the children practice Aikido and weapons from morning to night, read books,
practice calligraphy, origami, ikebana and engage in very interesting activities - they even sleep in the Dojo. At the end of each Kenshusei I can see how my child has literally grown! She’s happier, more responsible and stronger both physically and emotionally.
Sensei Yanitsa's approach to education is not only professional, but also has great attention to the individual needs of each child. She manages to create an atmosphere of respect, trust and joy in the Dojo, which is something that we, as parents, value very much. Aikido with Sensei Yanitsa not only improved my daughter's physical state but also helped her develop important social skills such as cooperation, patience, and self-discipline.
Another example is one of the physical competitions at school, where my daughter was challenged with lasting 30 seconds in a plank pose. My child was the only one who managed to last more than 15-20 seconds, even standing longer than the required to win time. This was impressive and shows how strong her will and self-discipline is that she develops thanks to our Aikido practice with Yanitsa Sensei at Tendokan dojo.