What is Aikido?

The avoidance of violence is at the heart of aikido.

AIKIDO is a Japanese martial art based on locks, throws and holds.

IT IS PURELY DEFENSIVE and uses the attacker’s force and power against him/her.  This means that people of all shapes and sizes, young or old, weak or strong, have the ability to practice Aikido. It also means that it is an ‘ethical’ martial art because it is not used to attack someone else – it is only used for self-defence.

AIKIDO IS USED BY THE POLICE and special forces world-wide as a method of restraining people and dealing with violence or threats. It is tried and tested – and it works! However, aikido is taught with the concepts of ‘peace and harmony’ at its centre – reflecting the philosophy of its founder and creator Morihei Ueshiba

AIKIDO INCORPORATES THE USE OF WEAPONS such as the wooden staff (jo), wooden sword (bokken) and wooden knife (tanto).

GRADINGS may be taken every three months or so if you practice on a regular basis.

AIKIDO IS NOT USUALLY CONSIDERED A ‘SPORT’, and so Tenchi Ryu Aikido does not involve any competitions or tournaments for adults.

ALL OUR INSTRUCTORS ARE FULLY QUALIFIED through our Sport England National Governing Body (The British Aikido Board). All instructors hold full insurance cover and have appropriate first aid training. Those working with children are CRB checked.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY AIKIDO then just come along to any training session and try.  You’ll need to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothes (track suit bottoms and a T-shirt are usually fine). You are most welcome to come and watch a session before you take part.

Aikido is a non competitive Japanese martial art developed in the early 20th century by a Japanese martial arts expert Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to as O Sensei or 'Great Teacher')

Aikido is based on a variety of throws, locks and other immobilisation techniques, using an attacker's strength, momentum and aggression against them.

Aikido relies on skill rather than strength and so can be practiced by people of all ages and physical abilities

Aikido for Juniors

Our Junior members learn how to cooperate and resolve conflict in a positive way. They make friends and learn to work with each other whilst having fun. They learn the basic movements of self defence, but more importantly they learn self-confidence, self respect and respect for others.