First flips and flights in the air
For some, sport primarily means movement, while for others – it is an opportunity to try innovations that once seemed almost impossible. This is exactly the experience offered to children by “RAI Academy” and the acrobatics school “Krokodiliukas” located in “Ogmios miestas”. Here, physical preparation perfectly combines with the development of a stronger character and greater self-confidence.
Ilona Radavičiūtė, head of “RAI Academy”, says that this season the academy will continue to develop both beginners and advanced children from six years old. In September, they will have free introductory “Polesport” training sessions, and one of the biggest news of the season will be aerial acrobatics classes.
“The driving force of our academy is working in small groups and paying attention to each child. We develop not only strength, flexibility, and coordination but also discipline, responsibility, and the ability to work in a team,” says I. Radavičiūtė.
Meanwhile, Marina Ososova, founder and director of the acrobatics school “Krokodiliukas”, emphasizes that their goal is to allow every child to discover the joy of movement, regardless of the little ones’ level of preparation.
“For more than 15 years, we have been creating a unique environment for improvement. Here, every child feels welcomed, noticed, and can grow without pressure. Our school develops not only stronger and more flexible children. Friendships, self-confidence, and love for sport also grow with us,” she notes.
In the new season, “Krokodiliukas” will invite children from four years old, family groups, and youth to classes. Besides regular training, they will have performances, camps, and community events.
Will develop body strength and awareness
Parents looking for activities that help children become braver, more confident, and learn discipline often choose martial arts. In “Ogmios miestas”, the karate school “Baltas vilkas” and the Aikido Aikikai association club “Sūkurys” open their doors for this purpose.
Magdalena Kasparė, director of the karate school “Baltas vilkas”, states that the new season will start with children learning kyokushin karate techniques and preparing for belt exams, competitions, sports camps, and community events.
“We believe that through sport, little ones learn responsibility, respect, teamwork, self-control, and courage. Our most important mission is to allow every child to become a better version of themselves,” notes M. Kasparė.
A different martial arts philosophy is offered by the Aikido Aikikai association club “Sūkurys”, which has been operating for more than three decades. According to its leader and head coach Vytautas Ribikauskas, children here first learn not to fight but to control themselves.
“Aikido has no strikes, no competitions. The child does not learn to attack – they learn to control themselves and redirect another’s force. Therefore, children who dislike competition or are shyer feel great here,” emphasizes the coach.
Read more Vaidotas Žala sees three contenders for victory in the «Rokiškis Grand Rally» competition
This season, the club introduces a novelty – joint parent and child training sessions where families will exercise in the same hall at the same time. The little ones will also learn safe falling techniques, coordination, balance, and participate in seminars and summer camps.
Goal – to find peace and friends
Sport does not necessarily mean only speed or competitions. Sometimes it becomes a way to better understand oneself, learn to concentrate, strengthen emotional health, and find like-minded people. Such directions are offered by the yoga studio “Laukinė vyšnia” and the Badminton center located in “Ogmios miestas”.
Maksimilianas Savickas, founder and teacher of the yoga studio “Laukinė vyšnia”, shares that in children and teenagers’ classes, movement is combined with games, breathing practices, and emotional awareness.
“Everyone is accepted as they are, without pressure to compete or be better than others. After classes, children take away a more mobile body and the ability to calm down, concentrate, and better understand themselves,” says M. Savickas.
This season, the studio opens new groups. Meanwhile, the experience gained during summer – through eight children’s camps attended by more than 170 children – will be transferred to daily classes.
In turn, Karolis Šemeta, head of the Badminton center, is convinced that this sport gives children much more than just athletic skills. “Badminton is designed to develop coordination, endurance, teamwork skills, and social abilities. But equally important is that children spend as much time as possible moving, socializing with peers, and as little as possible in front of screens,” emphasizes K. Šemeta.
According to him, in badminton training, little ones learn the subtleties of this dynamic sport and develop strategic thinking, concentration, and self-confidence. The club leader says the most important thing is that children find a sport they want to continue for more than one season, and an active lifestyle becomes a natural part of their daily life.
Therefore, whether the little ones prefer acrobatics, martial arts, yoga, or badminton, all these clubs aim for a common goal – to develop stronger, more curious, more self-confident, and more active personalities. For this reason, the new school year can be a great time to discover an activity that will inspire for more than one season.
Starting from September, “Ogmios miestas” invites you to spread your wings in clubs at Verkių g. 29, Vilnius. To learn more about the activities and register for them, we invite you here.
Read more Meteorologists have good news: drier and warmer weather is expected
