Aikido Training

Mind.Body.Spirit

Aikido is a powerful and dynamic martial art system developed in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba. He dedicated his life to the martial arts eventually formulating his own and called it Aikido. At it’s highest level Aikido is often called “moving Zen” This means the embodiment of the art as it becomes a natural reflex. Like other activities, sport or dance, the training becomes a part of you.

The focus of the Dojo (training hall) is practical. Repetition and hard work are required to master the fundamentals of training. While the spirit of the training is martial, the students practice in a non-competitive atmosphere where the conditions of mutual learning is encouraged. Everyone gets a chance to learn.

The benefits of training include strength, flexibility, new skills and improved muscle tone.  In the Japanese martial arts, the mental training is not separated from the physical. They are treated as one and the same. The student of Aikido learns to identify and gain control of the ways in which he or she reacts to opposition and adversity, and so learns to remain centred and in control under these conditions.

The use of the bokken (wooden sword) and jo (120cm wooden staff) is a big part of training in Aikido of London. Whilst not compulsory it plays an incredible part of the overall Aikido as it sharpens movements, focuses the mind and develops a much higher level of sensitivty and contact. Qualities that Aikido benefits from.

Beginners are encouraged to join in after a few months as they get familiar with basic training. The students need to obtain the correct equipment before they can start. Starting weapons training and the associated equipment can be discussed with the teacher.

Iaidō (居合道),  iai (居合) is a traditional Japanese martial art of the sword. Iaido trains the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard (saya in Japanese), to strike or cut with a dynamic and elegant action.