An effective method of self-defence, Aikido is also a great way to stay fit, build self confidence and awareness.

The great attraction of Aikido is that the techniques practised, require very little strength to make them effective and therefore can be practised by anyone whatever your size and build.

Training in Aikido normally involves two or more students working together. One will act as defender and the other as attacker. As force is never opposed by force you learn to defend yourself by blending with an attackers power, dispersing their energy, and finally, throwing or controlling them.

Although Aikido is a relatively recent innovation within the world of martial arts, its Japanese origins go back many centuries. Aikido was created in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba or O’Sensei (Great Teacher) and is practised by students throughout the world.

Yoshinkan Aikido was developed by Gozo Shioda one of O’Sensei’s foremost students. It has a reputation as a strong and practical style and, as a consequence, is taught to many branches of the Tokyo police. The Yoshinkan is an international Aikido Federation with member dojo throughout the world.