AIKIDO CLASSES 

Aikido at The Budokwai 

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a dynamic Japanese martial art developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969).  Aikido is translated as "the way of unifying with life energy."

Its curriculum comprises various techniques, primarily throws, joint locks and pins. These are studied empty handed against strikes or grabs but also against attacks with wooden weapons: bokken (sword), tanto (knife) and jo (short staff).

Aikido training is mental and physical. It boosts, through the study of breathing exercises, the ability to relax the mind and the body even under the stress of unexpected demanding situations. Aikido helps people realize their full potential as individuals. According to the founder's philosophy, the primary goal in the practice of Aikido is to overcome oneself instead of cultivating violence or aggressiveness.

Aikido principles include atemi (hitting), irimi (entering), kokyu-ryoku (breathing power), sankaku-ho (triangular principle) and tenkan (turning) movements that redirect the opponent's attack momentum.

Class Structure

The classes start with breathing exercises to study the connection between the breathing and the use of the energy in the body and in general the coordination between the body and the mind. A warmup follows with various stretching and conditioning exercises to strengthen the body core. Several types of rolls are studied as part of the art of safely receiving techniques (ukemi).

Then begins the study of the curriculum of Aikido empty handed and armed techniques. Students at the end of the class feel energised and relaxed.

Schedule 

Classes at The Budokwai on Mondays at 20.00-20.30 with Sensei Rinaldo Rustico. You are welcome to come along to the club to watch a class before you join. Please see here for more information. 

To become a member of the Budokwai
Aikido section, simply fill out a membership
form and pay the appropriate fee.