Aikido

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to by the title 'O-Sensei' or 'Great Teacher').

On a purely physical level Aikido is an art involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from Jujitsu and some throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu.

Aikido focuses on using the opponents own energy to gain control or throw them, and therefore places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement.

What style?

The Shobu Aikido Clubs practise traditional "Honbu Style" Aikido and place great emphasis on developing a strong base.

To achieve this, basic Aikido principles are incorporated into a class and techniques are used as tools for their implementation.

Through the guidance of Shobu Aikido U.K., Lakes Aikido follows the principles as taught by Pierre Chassang Sensei - student of Nobuyoshi Tamura Shihan - Uchi Deshi (live-in student) of Osensei.

What can Aikido offer you?

Practising Aikido can help improve your:

  1. Co-ordination – the aim of Aikido is to make the body move in harmony (as one unit) thereby generating great power in techniques by seemingly graceful movement;
  2. Fitness levels – the more you practise the more your fitness level will improve;
  3. Focus - in daily life;
  4. Strength – as people are partnered and have to perform the role of aggressor, or by receiving the attack;
  5. Suppleness – Aikido is excellent for improving the body’s suppleness through gentle movement incorporated into the general techniques and exercises that are practised;
  6. Concentration – as your fitness improves so will your mental ability;
  7. Alertness - on and off the training area;
  8. Self confidence - around others;
  9. Posture – in order to effectively apply a technique you must have good posture;
  10. Relaxation – once a good posture has been attained the skeleton naturally allows the body to use its necessary muscles and organs to their maximum potential without causing excessive strain. As your posture improves during training the you will find that this also occurs during daily life, thus improving your health tremendously.