All The Benefits of Aikido Now On Your Doorstep.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba in the early part of the 20th century. A sophisticated and dynamic martial art, it is both elegant and effective, combining practical self-defence techniques with ethical motives.
Aikido “the Art of Peace ” offers a host of important benefits to exponents.
• Promotes physical, psychological and spiritual well-being.
• Increases focus, fitness and flexibility.
• Improves balance, movement and co-ordination.
• Enhances self-confidence and the ability to live in harmony with yourself and all around you.
Classes are also a great social outlet in a warm and welcoming environment, and beginners of all ages can learn at their own pace.
What is Aikido?
Aikido means “the way of harmony with the spirit” or more commonly known as the art of peace. The founder was an expert Martial artist, a Japanese soldier, farmer and philosopher. He studied many forms of classical Japanese martial arts and derived Aikido techniques mainly from Ju Jitsu, sword and spear. It is a sophisticated and dynamic martial art, both elegant and effective, combining practical self-defence techniques with ethical motives.
Morihei Ueshiba, the founder taught Aikido as a means of handling aggression and an opportunity to promote peace through techniques of harmony not those of contention. It’s purpose is to promote life and understanding, not to defeat others. In a situation of conflict Aikido gives us the opportunity to evolve and the possibility to change the intention behind the conflict.
“The Art of Peace begins with you. Work on yourself and your appointed task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here for no other purpose than to realise your inner divinity and manifest your inner enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter.” Morihei Ueshiba
Henshin Dojo
Henshin (meaning transformation) Aikido Dojo was founded in March 2000. The dojo director is Ray Butcher 5th Dan Aikikai black belt.
Our classes are taught in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere by highly qualified and experienced black belts. Classes are open to women and men and we offer junior classes from 7 to 15 years old.
You’ll find our timetable here!
Techniques are generally performed and practiced in pairs. A typical class includes warm up and stretching exercises which increase fitness and flexibility, Ukemi (break falls & rolling) practice and movement drills that condition the body to receive the techniques. The physical curriculum includes techniques against a wide variety of empty handed attacks from various different angles; it also includes the study of Bokken (wooden sword), Jo (short staff) and defence against attacks from Tanto (knife).
Our aim is to promote physical, psychological and spiritual well-being, enhance self-confidence and the ability to live in harmony with yourself and all around you.
We are part of the Evolutionary Aikido Community, under the guidance of Patrick Cassidy Sensei 7th Dan Aikikai of Aikido Montreux, Switzerland. All Dan grade certifications come from Aikikai Aikido World Headquarters Tokyo, Japan.
