“Opponents confront us continually, but actually there is no opponent there. Enter deeply into an attack and neutralize it as you draw that misdirected force into your own sphere.”
O Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido
Setsudo Ki Aikido takes the form of a Japanese martial art but in reality it is a study of mind/body coordination and ki (life energy).
Attacks are controlled by directing the attacker’s energy in order to pin, throw, disarm or immobilise. This means that physical strength is not of primary importance in Aikido training, and consequently it can be learned by anyone willing, regardless of size, age, or gender.
The study of Aikido fosters self-awareness, as well as awareness of others. It increases confidence, relaxation and resilience, and begins and ends with respect.
The universal principles that we learn through our Aikido practice can be applied to every aspect of our daily living. With mind and body unified, we are better able to look within ourselves, interact sincerely with others, and make more efficient use of ourselves in all of our endeavours.
The Independent Association of Ki Clubs is a small Aikido School with Dojos in Devon and Cornwall. It was founded in 2005 by Sensei John Stoner. In Spring 2011, when Sensei John became too ill to teach, his old friend and full-time assistant, Sensei Stuart Stripling, took up the challenge and now leads the School. Sensei John and Sensei Stuart both studied and taught under Sensei Kenneth Williams of the Ki Federation of Great Britain.
Original calligraphy by Ayumi Coulton
