Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed in the 1930's by Morihei Ueshiba (more popularly known as 'O Sensei) from the ancient arts of Daito-ryu (ryu means school), aiki-jutsu and various other forms of ju-jutsu.

O Sensei was born in Tanabe, Japan, in 1883 and began his study of martial arts in 1901, joining the Daito-ryu in 1903 under Master Sokaku Tekeda.
In 1927 he formulated what we now know as Aikido, opening the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo.

Aikido is a fusion of empty hand fighting arts and the weapon arts of spear, staff and swordship. It differs from other martial arts in that it is related directly to defence against an unprovoked attack and emphasises defeating the attacker by blending or harmonising with them.

The practice of Aikido generally involves two partners, known as uke (the attacker) and nage (the defender), working together. Aikido is non-competitive, so at no time are both attacking each other simultaneously.

Both are challenging each other's practice and must harmonise with each other. It is this development of harmony, which often spills over into other areas of an aikidoka's life with beneficial effect.

The foundation of Aikido practice is ukemi, the receiving of the technique, often a fall or submission. Ukemi practice means that these things do not become negative - a 'giving up' - but a positive response.

Here at Ren Shin Kan Dojo, we practice Aikido in this traditional way, just as O sensei wanted it to be!

At Ren Shin Kan Dojo, You will be taught by qualified instructors in our relaxed setting, in classes to suit all ages, feel free to drop in and visit us.