Since we’re all stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m posting some Aikido coloring pages here as I come up with them.
Coloring is a fun, soothing, creative way to learn and relax. Here are a variety of Aikido coloring pages for everyone — from little aiki kiddos to seasoned senseis — to enjoy.
These are PDF files you can download and print. They are free for your personal use (that is, you may not claim these pages as your own work, or sell them). Dojos are invited to share this page with members – kids and adults alike. You are welcome to download the files and email them to your members as long as you leave the source and copyright information in the PDFs.
If you’d like, post your finished creations on social media. Bonus points if you link to this page so your friends can download Aikido coloring pages of their own. Thanks for sharing!
Coloring page: The meaning of “Ai-Ki-Do”
People interpret “Aikido” in many ways: “the art of peace,” “the martial art of harmony,” “unifying with energy,” “blending with the spirit of the universe.” Aikido is three words: ai, ki, and do. This coloring page offers a couple of widely accepted meanings for each.
This one is pretty big, open, and forgiving. Great for kids, markers, and free-form creativity. Draw whole worlds inside the letters, or get after it with some bold crayons.
Want to look at the meaning of Aikido a little more deeply? Or do you have a child in Aikido, and you’d like a better background in the meaning of the practice? (Hint: No, it’s not “karate class.”) Check out the first essay in my series From Aikido to Zanshin – 26 Essays on the Martial Art of Peace: Aikido – Practicing Harmony – A Good Idea for Bad Times.
Coloring page: Counting from one to ten in Japanese
There are many ways to count in Japanese. Sometimes the words are different, even depending on the shape of items you’re counting. These are the words we use in class when we count repetitions of exercises.
Friendly, spacious, rounded letters and numbers. Counting to ten is a good challenge for little ones – and even a struggle for new adult students.
Ready to take your counting to the next level? In our exams, when we demonstrate the 31 Jo Kata — a long exercise with the wooden staff — we count each of the steps out loud. That’s pretty challenging! Everyone is watching, you’re trying to remember how it goes, plus you’re counting! Here’s just the thing you need: How To Learn to Count Out Loud to 31 in Japanese, Under Pressure, and with Distractions.
Coloring page: Ikkyo-Rokkyo
Ikkyo, nikyo, sankyo, yonkyo, gokyo, and rokkyo (teachings one through six, essentially) are a progression of fundamental techniques, each ending in a pin.
This one is a little more sophisticated. Best for colored pencils or fine-tip markers. Stay within the lines, or go wild, your choice.
Curious about what some of these techniques and pins look like? You can see videos of my exams, right from the beginning (6th kyu). I’m not saying I’m a stellar example of correct technique, but they’ll give you an idea. You can find them here: My Aikido Exams, with Videos.
Coloring page: Technique names
There are so many techniques in Aikido! Here are two fun ways to learn the names of a few common ones. Each version of this Aikido coloring page has the same techniques, just a different look.
The “funky” version has angular, fun letters. A little more challenging to read, and to color. The “rounded” version lets you be a little more free.
Eager to learn some more Aikido terminology? Check out 6th Kyu Words, an introduction to words you’ll hear early in your training, and on your 6th kyu test (usually the first rank test an Aikido student takes).
Coloring page: 20 Jo Suburi
Morihiro Saito Sensei distilled O Sensei’s jo (wooden staff) teachings into 20 exercises, or suburi, grouped by type. Learn their names and discover the groupings as you color.
This is one for the patient, meditative folks. Lots of tiny letters here. You’ll do best with fine-point markers or colored pencils. Or be creative with a watercolor wash over each set of suburi. Play!
Want to learn more about the words you hear when talking about weapons practices? Weapons Words — The Big Picture gives you a good introduction to the basics, so you can make better sense of what you hear at the dojo.
That’s it for now! I may add more someday, so check back. Thanks!
