Aiki Do - Aiki Jujutsu Clubs
in Peterborough UK
Aikijujutsu: This is a Japanese martial art that dates back to the times of the Samurai. Aikido is said to have originated from this style.
PETERBOROUGH AIKIDO CLUB
Going to Stanground to take part in an aikido class was no exception. As I sat and watched
the opening weapons class I could see bodies thumping to the ground with some really bone-jarring thuds.
All of a sudden my mind started wandering towards life insurance policies and how long it took broken bones to set.
But when I was greeted in the break between sessions by class members Adrian Bush and James Bylett, known as the right hander, and the sensei
“teacher” Kevin Newell, I was assured they would go easy on me – as they would with any beginner in the class.
Aikido is a purely defensive Japanese martial art. It relies on redirecting an attacker’s force to either throw or immobilise them.
Because it relies on technique rather than physical strength, it is a great self-defence for men and women of any size and shape.
I joined the class on the mat as they performed the basic bowing ritual, warmed up and practised ukemi – the receiving technique.
This is basically learning how to roll safely without injuring yourself when you are receiving a move – essential to learn when you are
practising.
As it was my first session I wasn’t expected to throw myself off my feet and roll my whole body. Instead, I did a bit of an ungainly roll from
my knees with the help of the sensei.
My self-consciousness levels went off the meter as I practised in front of everyone in the class, but they were all extremely supportive, even
applauding when I got it halfway right.
It was amazing to see what some of the long-time students were able to do – they were the sort of dives and rolls many Premiership strikers
would be proud of.
From there, the sensei showed the class some different moves which we would practise in partnership. I was told the best way to learn a move
was to be partnered with a higher grade student, so I was soon working with some of the best aikido practitioners in the city.
Adrian, who had greeted me on arrival, took me through ikkyo, the first technique, which allows you to deflect a blow to the head and send
your opponent to the floor.
With a few simple moves and twists I was soon able to force Adrian to the floor, and he was able to do the same to me by using the weight of
my attack and the movement of my body against me. As the sensei demonstrated, I could be pinned to the ground with one finger once I was placed
in the right position.
The same sort of thing was true of the other moves I practised with James, Andy Morgan and Francis Rowland and the sensei.
I was shown how you could send an opponent to the ground simply by shifting your weight, how a twist of the wrist and elbow could put someone
completely at your mercy, even how squeezing the right parts of the neck could knock you out cold!
It was all about getting your opponent off balance, and using their weight and force and some basic physics to allow you to make your
moves.
The hour-and-a-half session seemed to fly by, and before long we were warming down and relaxing our muscles at the end of the session.
The group was small but extremely friendly, and I could see how through the different classes and workshops on offer, as well as a partnership
with a Cambridge aikido group, that you could easily become immersed in learning the craft.
Kevin pointed out that aikido is one of the few martial arts that is still an art rather than a sport – because as it is almost completely
defensive there is no way you could compete with anyone.
Why do it:Not only is aikido a great form of self-defence, it is also a great way to
keep fit. Because it all relies on your attacker’s force and weight it is suitable for all ages, shapes, sizes and both genders. Where to go: The
Peterborough Aikido group meets in the back room at the Polish Ex-servicemen’s Club in Church Street, Stanground, every Monday and Wednesday.
Junior classes, for six to 18-year-olds, are on Mondays from 6.45pm to 8pm, with an adult class afterwards until 9.30pm. Wednesday classes are
for adults only and run from 6.45pm until 9.30pm. Workshops and trips are also organised by the club during the year. You will need: Mats and
weapons are supplied by the club, and you can initially take part as I did in a T-shirt and tracksuit. It will cost: Individual sessions cost £6,
or £3 for children, with the first two sessions free. Or you can pay £30 a month, which covers two sessions a week, or £12 a month for
children.
The cost of the practice uniform, the keikogi, starts at about £17. Weapons cost about £10 each if you want to buy your own. More info: Phone:
07903 213903 Email: sensei@peterboroughaikido.org.uk Website: www.peterboroughaikido.org.uk
Call Sensei Kevin Newell on 01775 840882 or 07903 213193, e-mail him at kevinbudo@aol.com or check out the
excellent website created by Francis on www.peterboroughaikido.co.uk All details correct at
2006
If you want your club Information and link added
then please contact the website owner on 'CONTACT' page
Peterborough Martial Arts HOME
Get a FREE Pressure Point DVD to download!
See the ULTIMATE PRESSURE POINTS Site
The term, "martial arts," covers numerous fighting techniques and systems.
How to Lose Stubborn Belly Fat Get Flat Sexy Six Pack Abs the Right Way. Here's the REAL Truth About Losing Stubborn Belly
Fat and Getting a Flat Stomach...
 World Famous Turbulence Training Workout. Turbulence Training is a revolutionary system written by Craig Ballantyne, a
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and fitness author, that helps you lose fat and gain muscle at the same time using only three
45 minute workouts per week. . The system is based on power sports training and high intensity interval training and does not include standard
aerobic exercise. You will lose fat, gain muscle and get stronger. Nutritional guidelines are also included. Try it at no risk for a full 8
weeks, backed by a 100% money back guarantee. Turbulence Training
| 
