We teach the Japanese martial art of aikido. Head coach is Peter Downs, 7th Dan, 40 years experience Size and strength are therefore irrelevant.
Aikido is based on traditional Japanese martial arts founded by Morehei Ueshiba in the mid 20th Century. Ueshiba was recognised as the greatest living martial artist in Japan during his lifetime. Aikido blends with rather than clashes with the energy of the attacker and is most effective when applied without strength but with full co-ordination of the mind and body. It is most similar to jujitsu b
31/07/2026
Congratulations for recent promotions:
Jamie 1st kyu
Mark 1st kyu
Terry 2nd kyu
Sergey 5th kyu
Bailey 5th kyu
Claire 6th kyu
Patricio 6th kyu
Erdem 6th kyu
Mihai 6th kyu
Richard 6th kyu
They seem relaxed about it!
new blog post on our website: "The Challenge of Relaxation in Aikido Mastery". Discusses the difficulties in overcoming tension and muscular effort and provides some tips on how to develop relaxed technique.
30/01/2026
Congratulations to Jamie 2nd kyu (absent for this pic), Rich (7th kyu), Sergey (6th kyu), Terry and Mark (3rd kyu). Gambatte mina sama!
30/01/2026
Great post Christmas dinner at the Keram South Indian restaurant in Norwich on 17th Jan. Lovely to see so many folks including much loved previous members.
Not aikido maybe but a great evening of Japanese culture at the Grand Sumo competition at the Royal Albert Hall
Two new blog posts on our website: "The dilemma at the heart of aikido" , and "Principles of effective self defence". Check them out. Feedback welcomed.
16/01/2025
12th December promotions. Congratulations to:
Bailey Painter, 7th Kyu
Sergey Skorobogatov, 7th Kyu
Terry Cox, 4th Kyu
Mark Ford, 4th Kyu
Jamie Gledhill, 3rd Kyu
Vladimir Pristoupa, 2nd Dan
Andy Jenkins, 3rd Dan
Certificates on the way guys. Thank you as ever for your support and diligence, especially the folk from London.
Sorry I couldn’t indulge myself on the mat and wore “civvies”.
Two new blog posts on our website. "Is it time to revisit the traditional aikido training methods" and "Why using strength against an opponent is inefficient"
11/03/2024
Proof that aikido has the power to transform lives regardless of age or gender.
A new start after 60: I fought off four attackers – and earned my aikido black belt Morag Warrack, 68, was so shy it took her a year to pluck up the courage to take her first aikido lesson. Now she’s giving them
08/03/2024
Excellent turnout for Tom and Dylan's 1st Dan grading. Many thanks to you all for your support. I hope it wasn't too confusing for the more recent members!!
Congratulations for well deserved promotions not only to Tom and Dylan but also to Jamie and Terry
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |