Aikido: The Way of Harmony

AIKIDO meaning Way (do) of Harmony (ai) with Spirit (ki) is a powerful and dynamic martial art that focuses on the redirection and control of an opponent’s momentum. Aikido is a modern martial art but its Japanese origins go back many centuries, having evolved from the combat techniques of Samurai Warriors.

In Aikido, cooperation and harmony are more important than aggression, and timing and control more important than strength. Aikido is a martial art and a very effective method of self defence but it is essentially non-competitive and non-violent, encouraging harmony and avoidance of confrontation.

Techniques in Aikido are characterised by circular and spherical movements which are used to redirect an opponent’s force. In Aikido an opponent's attack is neutralised and controlled without physical strength using locks and throws.

About Go Ryu Kai

Goryukai Aikido is headed by Malcolm Crawford Sensei 6th Dan Yoshinkan and has a direct link to the Honbu Dojo Japan, Yoshinkan headquarters.

The Yoshinkan 'House for Cultivating the Spirit' was founded after World War Two. This style of aikido is occasionally called the hard style because the training methods are a product of the gruelling period Soke Shioda spent as a student of Ueshiba. Yoshinkan Aikido has some 150 basic techniques which are practiced repeatedly these enable the student to master the remaining ones, which total some 3000 overall.

The Yoshinkan style of Aikido emphasises the self-defence aspect of the art. It is more practical and gruelling than the other styles of Aikido and to an outsider may appear part of a violent Japanese tradition.

Yoshinkan Aikido is not a sport. Aikido is the development and strengthening of the body and mind, and the practical side of Aikido must never be forgotten. However, Aikido is for all, irrespective of age, sex, race or culture.

Goryukai has dojos based across the UK. In the South of England in Chichester, Crawley and in the North of England in Stafford. Click here to find out more.

To see the new demonstration video for 2008, click here or goto the gallery section.

GoRyuKan News

GoRyuKan Heath Dojo

The Heath Dojo of Goryukai Aikido has now been training for 2.5 years and new students are always welcome. The doors were opened on the 20th of June 2005 and now the club is growing month on month in West Sussex.

The students here are of various levels and at present there are white belts looking for other beginners to join so they can discuss how hard the Japanese language is to understand..... ?! But seriously, anyone looking to find out more about Heath Dojo and the Yoshinkan style of Aikido training, please do come and see it in the flesh! Our doors are always open to spectators and potential members.

Page last updated: 2008-03-07 17:43:12