Welcome to the Aikido Club! We’re a close bunch made up of a wide spectrum of different skill levels! Despite its lethal nature (it’s true), Aikido is indeed a non competitive sport, and we practice it as such. Our club provides the opportunity for you to train with seasoned practitioners and senseis who can offer support in building a strong foundation in Aikido.
What makes us different from other martial arts:
On a purely physical level Aikido incorporates throws and joint locks derived from jiu-jitsu as well as sword art weapons work, including bokken (sword), tanto (knife), and jo (staff). It focuses on using the opponent's energy against them in order to gain control and we value spatial awareness and discipline in the face of aggression as a mode for self-defense and peace of mind. Aikido very much focuses on motion and the dynamics of movement. There is no sparring against resistant opponents, or in competition.
How we train:
Under the care of GoShinkai (our principal dojo), UCL Aikido Club has produced many Dan and Kyu grades, which are held regularly at the Club. Founded in 1977, the UCL Aikido Club is the one with the longest history amongst UCL martial arts clubs. We offer the traditional non-competitive Aikikai style training; beginners are welcome as we offer training from basics to black belt level. We take part in national seminars and camps, and we are affiliated to the Aikikai Foundation. We take pride in being inclusive and forming strong friendships throughout years of training and we always like meeting new people. We organise social events ranging from Christmas Dinners to pub crawls.
Training times (starting on 4th October):
Wednesday: advanced: 19:00 - 20:00, beginners and mixed: 20:00 - 22:00, in the Multipurpose Room
Saturday: 13:00 - 15:00, in the Multipurpose Room
Location: 15 Gordon Street, Bloomsbury Fitness
*No gym entrance or per-session training fee for members, and those trialing membership.
*All levels are welcome, from beginners to experts.
Please email [email protected] for any questions!
Types of memberships:
We now offer 3 tiers of memberships depending on your level of involvement! They can be purchased at any time in the year.
- Social membership: This membership gives you access to: all club socials and online group chat platforms (facebook, whatsapp, instagram). If you prefer the social side of things this is the membership for you! Price: £10
- Beginner membership: This membership gives you access to: mixed and beginner taster training sessions, the mailing list (newsletters) as well as all the perks of social membership. Aikido insurance provided by GoShinkai is included in this as it is mandatory to practice. If you're new to aikido and want to join us for the year, please purchase this one! Price: £35
- Advanced membership: Returning or have previous experience of aikido? You've come to the right place. This membership is similar to the beginner membership with the addition of access to the advanced level classes.
Looking forward to seeing you on the mat!
How to contact us:
Email: su[email protected]
Instagram: @uclaikido
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uclaikido/
Mailing list link: https://forms.gle/xoi6KhrQeKzBxcML8
Senseis: Barbara Sotowicz (chief instructor), Ara Schorscher-Petcu (regular instructor), Tarjew Kirkland (regular instructor). Here's a link to the club's history: http://www.bloomsburyaikido.co.uk/who-we-are/