The club is currently run as a community club with instructors and officials giving their services on a voluntary basis. Members fees are used to pay for hall rental, insurances, association fees and equipment renewal. The purpose of the club is to promote the teaching of Aikido and Self Defense, with additional benefits to members' health and fitness, self confidence and self discipline. The club is open to all and aims to be inclusive. Members safety is paramount, our instructors are trained, the activities set are appropriate to individual members abilities and the health and safety of our venues is reviewed regularly. The President of our club is Hanshi Phil Bradley (9th Dan Atemi Jutsu, 9th Dan Buki Kogeki Yodo Jutsu, 6th Dan Karate, 6th Dan Aikido, 6th Dan Judo), who has a distinguished record as a martial artist and who provides us with guidance and support.
Aikido was developed in Japan during the 20th century. Based on traditional samurai techniques it is a defensive art, using blending and the attackers own strength to overcome them. Aikido uses movement, throws, locks and holds to control an opponent. Aikido relies on technique and timing and not on size or strength and is suitable for all ages and men and women can train together. There is emphasis on learning how to fall safely and Aikido provides a good cardiovascular workout building strength, flexibility and co-ordination. The philosophy of Aikido is to inflict minimum harm on an opponent and to resolve conflict peacefully. Practitioners work together co-operatively to develop their technique and take turns to to be either the attacker or the defender.
We also study a practical self defense system (Atemi Jutsu). Combining techniques from several martial arts (karate, judo, jujitsu and aikido), Atemi Jutsu trains how to maximise survival chances in street attacks, rape, muggings, weapon attacks and other reality based situations. Students are taught blocks, strikes, throws and controls. Strikes are targeted to vital parts of an attackers body and do not require strength.Students are also taught tactical awareness and how to deal with multiple attackers.
We also study a practical self defense system (Atemi Jutsu). Combining techniques from several martial arts (karate, judo, jujitsu and aikido), Atemi Jutsu trains how to maximise survival chances in street attacks, rape, muggings, weapon attacks and other reality based situations. Students are taught blocks, strikes, throws and controls. Strikes are targeted to vital parts of an attackers body and do not require strength.Students are also taught tactical awareness and how to deal with multiple attackers.
