Kentucky schools must stop using Aikido on students

The state's education commissioner has ordered Kentucky public school superintendents to immediately stop using a form of Aikido training to restrain students.

The letter, sent Tuesday, came in response to concerns that staff at Jefferson County Public Schools and at some other school districts had been using a method called Aikido Control Training to physically restrain students.

It also follows concerns recently raised by members of a state oversight panel on child abuse that the method can result in injuries including broken bones.

Kentucky Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt said he understands that only five school districts have had staff members trained in the Aikido method, but said the cease-and-desist letter was sent to all school districts as a precaution.

Read more: http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/education/2016/08/04/ky-schools-must-stop-using-aikido-students/88180044/