Aikido FAQ

What is Aikido?
Aikido means the “Way to union with Ki” or the “Way to harmony of the spirit.” It was developed as an art of self-defense and spiritual training.

The word Ai-Ki-Do comes from three characters. Ai means to fit, harmonize, or agree with. Ki means mind, spirit, or energy. Do means road, path, or way of life.

By this original meaning, Aikido is neither self-defense nor sport; though some schools practise and teach it as such. Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido meaning “Aikido with Mind and Body Coordinated,” was developed by Master Koichi Tohei, to distinguish from these other forms.

It is the art of learning how to maintain mind and body unity in movement; correcting the self and learning to lead others according to the universal principles of Ki.


What is Ki?
The word Ki comes from the original Chinese concept of Chi or Qi, introduced to the West through acupuncture and the Chinese martial art of Tai Chi Ch’uan.

Ki is a universal energy, capable of infinite expansion and contraction, which can be directed, but not contained by the mind.


What does a typical lesson involve?
10 minutes warm-up and stretching exercises, 20 minutes Ki exercise, 70 – 90 minutes Aikido practise.


I’m unfit/old/weak can I still train?
Unlike some martial arts, Aikido required no particular advantage in size, strength, or speed in order to perform well. Because it seems to make use of the opponent’s force, and appears to be strictly defensive, it has a certain moral appeal. It is usually practiced with a single unarmed opponent, but can be applied against multiple attackers, or someone bearing a weapon.


You train with weapons?
Yes, but don’t worry all bladed weapons are replaced for wooden training replicas.


Sounds good how, much does it cost?
Lesson’s cost £3 for adults, and £2.25 for children.