Over/Under 18s in classes

Hi Steve - I'm sure Barbara does read the forum pages -- if only to keep an eye on the replies I post. I would imagine Barbara would contribute pretty quickly if something needed correcting!!

Hi - you'll be pleased to hear that this does happen to some degree. I'm not quite sure how things will work moving forward (we are in a transitional stage at the moment whilst our new Independent Safeguarding Officer audits our policies and procedures) - but historically CPOs have met face to face at least once a year and have a well established email network. In many instances CPOs are also instructors and/or Heads of Assn so we have had (in my opinion) a very good breadth of representation at these meetings.

just to be devils advocate, sometimes adults need protection. some years ago I had my wrist broken by a frustrated 16yr old.

Hi Jamie, Sue, Awase

Some really important and interesting points raised where I feel there isn't 'one' magic answer to all our questions and concerns.

I must admit I do see two separate areas for concern. Both include children's safety and welfare. Main issue is from the predatory adult looking to start an "inappropriate" relationship with a minor. The other is safe Aikido training.

I do have some juniors on the mat with my adult class. I allow this from the age of 11 (Secondary school age where SD is now a serious and very really issue) IF they have shown the mental maturity and physical ability. However I never allow any pain compliance techniques to be applied to them either by an adult or another junior. I do allow though them to learn these techniques as I feel they are integral to Aikido. They are also a vital aspect of a practical Self Defense System. They apply them to an (appropriate) adult student in the class.

My daughter from the age of 10 could not physically practice at her level on the junior class. She had to consistently hold back her techniques which was detrimental to her development. While an adult also practicing at full power was also not possible my senior students were able to to train with her at  a level good for her. A lot of the children come to my classes for self defence, most attackers will be bigger and stronger so I personally feel they need to have the opportunity to train with ukes who are bigger and stronger. This allows for the chance to apply their techniques with greater power and to find what works for them and what doesn't. I now teach a range and techniques for use against larger opponents actually taught to me by my daughter (she's still only 15!!) that she has developed and adapted to suit her against these ukes.  This would not have been possible if she had stayed in a junior only class.

It is ultimately down to the instructor whether they allow juniors on to an over 18 mat. With proper safeguards, vigilance, and awareness this can work well.

My thoughts anyway.

Hope to see you soon J. Class as usual Sat :-)

Regards
Andy
ps Hope your shirt was ok Sue!! I had to gues the size :-)

Hi - I am no legal expert - so can't really say why a claim was pursued and was successful. But often insurance is there to cover things that simply are accidents(anything done with malicious intent cannot by definition be accidental?). I accept that circumstances may be different for children (i.e, no loss was suffered or incurred). However presumably the 'pain and suffering' aspect was invoked just as for an adult. I guess in a court of law (civil as well as criminal)  the excuse of " sorry I didn't mean to do it - it was an accident" is not an acceptable defence!