Aikido is a Japanese martial art or "Budo". Aikido utilizes the aggression or force an attack – it doesn’t meet strength with strength, it meets conflict with harmonisation and resolution. At the Kenshikikan, we train Taijutsu (Body Techniques) and Bukiwaza (weapons techniques) with a view to improving the self.
Aikido is defensive in nature, designed to neutralise and diffuse aggression rather than cause severe damage (or worse) to an opponent.
Through training, an Aikido student learns to develop their body through efficient use of physical movements and evasions. Aikido also assists in increasing flexibility and is great aerobic exercise.
The Aikido student should aim to perform techniques without the trappings of physical strength.. This means that Aikido can be practiced by anyone regardless of size, strength or physical stature.
Kenshikikan can be translated as a “A place of Insight” or “A place to find knowledge" – It is this pursuit of knowledge (of the Art and of the Self) that drives us to train in the Art of Aikido.
Aikido should not just be viewed as a set of martial arts techniques, but a way to connect, harmonize and blend with whatever comes our way.
How YOU wish to train is entirely up to you! Aikido can be practiced in a very soft, relaxed and co-operative manner with emphasis placed on blending, relaxation and aerobic exercise.
Alternatively, you may wish to train in a more "martial" manner. This training can be rigorous and may seem daunting at first but given time, patience and effort, you will soon come to grips with it.
Regardless of how you wish to approach your practice, training at Kenshikikan starts and ends with RESPECT – for our training partners, our dojo and our Art.
The dojo is not a place for needless contests of strength or the measuring of egos, rather its a place for the sincere development of the Self both physically and mentally.
If you are unsure of what Aikido "looks" like, please look at the video below and take a few minutes to observe some of the great practitioners of our Art in action.
If you have any questions, please visit our "contact us" page and drop us a line.