Last autumn my granddaughter Aimée, who has just turned six, started going to Aikido. I often take her to her weekly class and am amazed how much progress she has made. One of the things that has impressed me about Aikido (and I guess all the other martial arts) is the discipline and respect that is taught. Once the class starts a room of noisy children become quiet. Aikido does not use actual body force so even the smallest child can learn to defend his or her self.
I thought this brief description might be of interest:
Aikido 合気道, is a Japanese martial art. Aikido is often translated as "the way of harmonious spirit." The goal behind Aikido was to create an art practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.
Aikido is a relatively modern, non-competitive martial art for the development of mind, body and spirit. It was developed by Morihei Ueshiba around 1930 based on his detailed knowledge of several traditional martial arts, most notably Daito Ryu Jujutsu. Aikido is often characterised by its fluid and dynamic movement
Aikido is primarily a grappling art in which attacks are neutralised with various types of throws or joint locks. Aikido techniques are intended to be implemented after first blending with the motion of the attacker, so that the defender may redirect the attacker's momentum without directly opposing it, thus using minimum effort.
The techniques have concern for the well-being of the attacker.
Here is Aimée ready to start her Aikido lessons:
And now she has 'earned' her yellow belt. 
Oh! don't ask about the hairstyle! - She said it was "cool" 
Oh good for her! That is brilliant. I hope she keeps it up and I think she will, I know a woman who is now in her 70's who does akido although not quite as much now, she looks about 50 something, and is always in fantastic health, even though she got polio when she was younger. She also went to Japan to study it as well. 
2008-02-11 @ 10:38