Sensei Tony Heseltine 6th Dan, Sensei Keith Murray 4th Dan.

Aikido is a relatively modern Japanese martial art, originally derived from Jujutsu. Aikido is different from the majority of other martial arts in that it's primary goal is to resolve conflicts with minimum force and as peacefully as possible, restraining/disarming the attacker rather than destroying him.

Instead of blocking an attack and then countering, aikido aims to blend with the aggressors attack, thereby utilising their own energy/momentum/strength against them. This method of blending makes aikido a very suitable art for both women and older people.

The empty-handed techniques in aikido are comprised of strikes, joint locks, throws, chokes and body blending exercises. The use of traditional Japanese weapons such as the bokken (sword), Jo (qaurterstaff) and tanto (knife) are also taught, as well as techniques used to disarm an attacker with one of the above weapons.

Randori (multiple attacker drills) and Jiyu-waza (freestyle practise drills) are also an important part of regular aikido training. Within the context of these drills an aikidoka learns how difficult it is to evade and deal with more than one opponent simultaneously and how to deal with any number of committed attacks. As there is no competition in aikido, the stress that these drills place on the individual are key to their development.

Ukemi (rolls and breakfalls) are taught from the beginning and are of the utmost importance so that everyone can practise the techniques safely and without fear of injury. At a higher-level, ukemi comprises redirecting and countering techniques so that the line between attacker (uke) and defender (tori) becomes harder to distinguish.

At The Durham University Aikido Club which is a part of Prince Bishops Aikido we believe in practising in a realistic and practical manner so that what we learn in the dojo is practicable outside. We are a traditional style of aikido (Aikikai) and emphasise committed practise of the basics, as there are no advanced techniques, only strong basics.

We have a wide variety of students within the club, ranging from complete beginners to senior yudansha (black belt students). The Club is not just for local Durham University Students we also have a number of local students outside of the University.

For information about the Committee Click Here

Or Click Enter to learn more about the club by visiting the Prince Bishops Aikido Club website.