Sheffield Kenshinkan Aikido Club

Various martial arts throughout his life, including jujutsu, kenjutsu, and spear-fighting. In the 1920s, Ueshiba sensei developed Aikido, which is based on his extensive studies and experiences in different martial arts.

Sheffield Kenshinkan Aikido Club is proud to be the oldest established Aikido club in all of South Yorkshire, founded in Sheffield in 1969. The club offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for practitioners of all genders and ages who are interested in studying and practising Aikido.

Aikido is a martial art that focuses on harmony, energy, and the way. The name itself can be split into three parts: “Ai” means harmony, "Ki” refers to energy or spirit, and “Do” means the way or path. Aikido aims to promote self-defence without resorting to lethal force against an attacker.

The club provides training opportunities for beginners as well as experienced Aikidoka. Whether you're just starting your Aikido journey or have been practising for years, the Sheffield Kenshinkan Aikido Club has the right classes and instructors to guide you. Training times are available on our website.

As a member of The European Tomiki Aikido Federation (ETAF) and the British Aikido Board (BAB), which is recognised by the sports council for Aikido in the UK, the club adheres to high standards and follows the guidelines set by the Japanese Aikido Association (JAA), the world governing body for Aikido.

In addition to traditional Aikido training, Sheffield Kenshinkan Aikido Club also offers Tomiki Aikido, sometimes referred to as “Sport Aikido. ” This style of Aikido differs from others as it incorporates competitive tournaments to test the effectiveness of techniques. While participation in competitions is not compulsory, it is seen as an opportunity to enhance one's training. Tomiki Aikido consists of soft and flowing techniques that are suitable and effective for both men and women of all fitness levels.

The Tomiki style was founded by Kenji Tomiki (1900-1979), an accomplished martial artist who held an 8th Dan in Judo and was the first to be awarded an 8th Dan in Aikido. Tomiki used his expertise in Judo to introduce a system of Katas (set movements) to Aikido and also popularised competitive Aikido as a learning tool. While training methods have evolved, the principles behind the Tomiki style have remained the same.

At Sheffield Kenshinkan Aikido Club, we honour the legacy of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Ueshiba sensei was born in 1883 and dedicated his life to the martial arts. His deep knowledge and understanding of various disciplines laid the foundation for Aikido. We aim to uphold his teachings and share them with our members.

For those interested in learning Aikido, Sheffield Kenshinkan Aikido Club offers a friendly and supportive community where you can grow both physically and mentally. Join us on the path to harmony, energy, and personal development through the practise of Aikido.