Aikido

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art, developed by Morehei Ueshiba (O Sensei) during the 20th century. It is primarily a defensive art, and translates as 'The Way of Spiritual Harmony'. The art combines a way of mental and spiritual development with a physical and practical self-defence system. As a way of harmony, Aikido recognises that there is an alternative to meeting force with force and to practice Aikido is to explore the concept of blending, redirecting and transforming an attack.

Ki Aikido

Like many martial arts, there are various styles or schools of Aikido which represent different perspectives and aims. To some extent these have developed from teachings given at different stages during the life of the founder. The Keitenshin Kai practice aligns most closely to a Ki School of Aikido, although we are always interested to explore and incorporate perspectives from other styles.

Ki Aikido was developed as a distinct school by Koichi Tohei Sensei. A principal student of O Sensei, Tohei Sensei left the original Aikido organisation after the founder's death and established a new organisation, teaching a style of Aikido specifically emphasising ki development within the art. Exercises to develop the ‘ki principles’ of relaxation, centredness, grounding, lightness and extension are practised alongside Aikido techniques and the practice is regarded as a self-defence for everyday life, both on and off the mat.

The Keitenshin Kai

We practice a Ki based style of Aikido relevant to modern daily life.

Keitenshin Kai translates as:

Keiten - Universal Respect
Tenshin - True and Natural Self
Shin - Mind, body and Spirit Centredness
Kai - Association

At the Keitenshin Kai our Aikido practice seeks to develop these qualities along with compassion, kindness, calmness, positivity, awareness, thoughtfulness, perspective, focus, confidence, courage, discipline, sensitivity, trust, control, relaxation, good posture, balance, agility, flexibility and strength, to name but a few! The emphasis is on learning to develop both mind and body in balance. Essentially we regard our practice as a holistic self-defence - giving us the tools to live well and resolve conflict whatever form that takes, from verbal abuse to physical attack.

Classes cover ki exercises, defence from holds and strikes, throws and locks, how to fall safely, meditation, breathing and, for higher grades, weapon work with tanto (knife), bokken (sword) and jo (staff). Keitenshin Kai Aikido is non-competitive. Although we have no competitions we do have a well defined grading system with a coloured belt structure. The grading syllabus is designed to take students through the foundation exercises and techniques in a way that builds on previous experiences and helps students to see their own progress and achievement.

The Keitenshin Kai is a member of the British Aikido Board (BAB) - the governing body for Aikido in the UK and recognised by Sport England. We are a small, friendly association dedicated to safe, enjoyable and relevant practice of Aikido. Our Principal Coaches are long term members of the BAB and are both Senior Coaches and Coach Tutors so that we enjoy a high standard of teaching practice. All instructors are qualified coaches in Aikido and have current first aid training.

The Mason Street Dojo

The Mason Street Dojo was opened in December 1999. The dojo is above Dojo EcoShop in an old silk hat factory on the edge of the Northern Quarter, a few minutes walk from Manchester City Centre. The dojo is owned by the Principal Coaches of the Keitenshin Kai - Jonathan Davies and Sarah Williams, and is a dedicated Aikido dojo. There is a permanent 32 tatami (mat) practice space, school bokken/jo and a small library. As the home of the Keitenshin Kai the dojo is a space for regular classes, special courses, one to one lessons or simply for members to come and use the mat for personal practice. Having our own dojo gives everyone the opportunity to practice, even if they can’t make regular classes.