Clive MacDonald, centre, with his instructors after being awarded 5th Aikido and holding his framed certificate and letter of endorsement
If you are looking at this website and reading this the chances are that you are showing an interest in the art of Aikido and perhaps would like to share that experience by coming along to our Dojo,(training hall) and having a look at what we as a club have to offer, or maybe you have practiced Aikido before and want to renew your acquaintance with the Art. In any case we can, and will offer you a chance to understand and enjoy this invigorating art to its full potential.
Aikido’s founder Morehei Ueshiba formulated Aikido mostly from the Samurai Japanese art of Aiki Jujutsu as taught to him by a great master over many years. Modern Aikido is a mixture of that art and various other Japanese Martial Arts practiced by the Founder during his life and paired with a philosophy of peaceful resolution of conflict that is unique in Martial Arts. The Art itself has lots of fluid movements that will let you understand the taking of balance and how easy it is to overcome strength without the use of force by only using technique. It is not an easy art to learn and the road to understanding its techniques are only rewarded with diligent practice. The upside is that once an understanding is reached the road becomes easier to navigate.
Aikido techniques are also used in various self defence classes but I would not be true to myself if I said that I agreed with this as they tend to lose their true meaning as aikido techniques when they are used in this way. Aikido is an art that, to the uninitiated tends to be subjected to a certain amount of incredulity (especially on this medium) this negative thought process is very hurtful to the people who love the art and who, by regular practice understand its true potential as a Martial Art.
Come along and enjoy the experience of a truly amazing martial art with instructors who only want you to progress in that art.
Aikido has changed its direction since the founder died but we at the B.A.B.K. believe that since the art is for the betterment of mankind and not for any destructive purposes we tend to emphasis the spirit of involvement with all things and hold lots of social events that are planned and often suggested by the membership.
This simple philosophy also shows in our affiliations. We are also a democratic organisation and not driven by any egotistical personalities. We belong to the U.K’s oldest Martial Art Society The Bushido Za Zen and you will have an opportunity to study not only Aikido but all of its allied arts, such as Kendo, Judo, Jujutsu, Iaido. and many more.
Senior Instructor.
Clive MacDonald 5th Dan.
June 2011.
