The art that is aikido!

A life enhancing activity for adults, teenagers and younger children.

So you want to try something new, a martial art perhaps? But there are so many to choose from and aren’t they all about fighting and aggression?

The Japanese martial art of Aikido is very different from most martial arts about today. It is non-competitive, with no fighting, and it will equip and prepare you to face the challenges that confront all of us in modern life. Aikido encourages its participants to work together to learn something fun and effective as well as keeping fit and safe whilst maintaining the well-being of others.

Aikido’s positive philosophy, precise body movements and practical application make it ideal for those who are looking for something that yields greater personal satisfaction than can ever be achieved in a gym or sports centre. Aikido is great fun to learn and is taught in a friendly training environment. It will get you fit and do a lot more besides.

“The sense of achievement that our students get as they progress is quite amazing,” said Rich Watts the sensei (instructor) who runs the Shudokan Aikido Oxford dojo. “We always welcome new students and ensure that they have a mentor to help them get the most out of their training.” He adds “We also have a strong social element to the club that people can get involved in”.

Aikido is an excellent learning tool for children as well, especially teenagers. Shudokan Aikido Oxford prides itself on equipping young students with the confidence and pro-social skills to develop into productive, respectful and engaging young people. They offer children’s classes for three age groups: 4 to 7, 8 to 11 and 11 to 16. There are always spaces available for new students.

“I’d tried quite a few different martial arts clubs in Oxford, and picked this one because of the great training atmosphere and wonderful attitude of the sensei. I find Aikido itself much more fun than other martial arts, more practical and you don’t have to be massive to make it work,”  said Eve, a student at Shudokan Aikido Oxford.

Details for both adult classes and children’s classes can be found on their website http://www.shudokan-oxford.co.uk or by phoning Sensei Rich on 07773 982719.