Sussex Aikido

Sussex Aikido Come and discover Shodokan Aikido; a modern and traditional Japanese Martial Art. Beginners welcome.
3 sessions weekly with very experienced instructors.

SAF, British Aikido Association and British Aikido Board registered.https://aikidosussex.co.uk/ Aikido is a Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) studied various martial arts including Judo, Kendo and Jujitsu, finally creating Aikido. His long-time student, Kenji Tomiki (1900-1979), founded the Shodokan style of Aikido, sometimes known as 'Sport Aikido' (as it tests our practice with competition) or 'Tomiki Aikido'. There are various styles of Aikido throughout the world but the basic principles are the same: The force of any attack is controlled and diffused without injury to either instigator or defender. This is achieved by using avoidance and balance breaking followed by techniques including a range of locks, strikes and throws. Tomiki Sensei systemised aikido into 17 basic techniques which have 100s of variations. In competition, we avoid the 'dangerous' techniques which can seriously injure your partner, whilst making the sport exciting, challenging and rigorous. Separate to the sporting aspect, we study kata, sequences of techniques which deal with any kind of attack; punches, kicks and other strikes and grasps. Students learn to adapt their aikido to any size of attacker, to maximise the opportunity to control attacks and the attackers. Students learn a systematic curriculum and we generally hold 2 gradings a year. Sussex Aikido is a members club and the teachers are volunteers with many years experience. We are registered to the British Aikido Association in the UK and Shodokan Aikido Federation in Japan. Our worldwide HQ is in Showacho District, Osaka, Japan. We encourage our students to train in Osaka if possible.

I’ve spent quite some time already, with Shimotani san, Nili san, Sakai shihan and Fujimoto sensei, plus others tbh, wor...
15/09/2026

I’ve spent quite some time already, with Shimotani san, Nili san, Sakai shihan and Fujimoto sensei, plus others tbh, working to make the last two kirikaeshi in the kumitachi effective.
There is a seemingly simple but complicated piece of taisabaki (footwork/positioning) and associated cutting and parrying that I’m repeating numerous times. I’ll keep at it and it will, in time, reveal itself.
This is why I come to Honbu; to work with such high-level partners and with such patience too! And then come back tomorrow and do it again, and come back tomorrow and do it again, and come back tomorrow… I think you’ve got the picture…
Honbu bike shed.

14/09/2026

Today’s Monday so we had 2 classes; 2-3pm class taken by Sakai Shihan with about 10 people on the mat. Then an evening class 7-8pm taken by Fujimoto sensei with more than able assistance from Teranishi Sensei. There were 3 other people on the mat; a guy who was almost a complete beginner being introduced to Teranishi sensei teaching😊 . He couldn’t help himself laughing as he hit the ground…carefully. His teaching is so fascinating.

12/09/2026

Aikido is amazing. I’ve realised that by your body and mind beginning to work together, you completely transform your state of mind from negativity to mindful positivity. Today, I did three classes and felt quite exhausted before cycling to the dojo for the third time this evening. I went on the mat very tired and listless. Then the session started with the warm-ups and taiso and I could feel the negativity slipping away.
Then of course we started pairing up with our basics and suddenly I was all there and really enjoyed myself and, by the end of the class, felt great.
Tetsuya Nariyama Sensei was teaching at honbu dojo tonight and I asked him if he would mind demonstrating his very, very tidy kote hineri basic application (
One of the techniques we were studying earlier in the class)
from a grip. Check it out.

11/09/2026

What’s on my mind? Aikido practice. This evening was my 15th class (I think) since I arrived and started last Saturday morning.
We had two classes today which is the norm plus some practice before and after the classes just to look at bits and pieces. Of course, there is endless talent to get advice.
I’ve settled into my digs with Miyuki san in Hirano. I’ve been staying at hers for about 10 years or more, but this is the first long stay.  I have a bicycle to ride to the dojo, which is about 15 to 20 minutes away in Showacho.
So tomorrow morning will be the start of week 2, and we have a 7 am class. So, given it 11:35 pm I’d better get my skates on and get to bed as I need to be up about 5.50am so I don’t have to rush too much to get to the dojo for 7am.
Just so you are aware, the classes individually are not physically arduous but the learning is quite relentless; the amount you learn, so you have to go there with a very open mind and an open heart to get the most out of each session. There are no egos or bullying on the mat; your partners will always be trying to encourage you.
Everyone here is a beginner every time they come on the mat. Paul.  

11/09/2026

Kumitachi. Shodokan aikido.

11/09/2026

Nili and I enjoying kote from kumitachi

Living in Osaka and thinking of taking up a martial art? We practice Shodokan Aikido at our honbu dojo (worldwide HQ) in...
09/09/2026

Living in Osaka and thinking of taking up a martial art? We practice Shodokan Aikido at our honbu dojo (worldwide HQ) in Showacho, just south of Tennoji. It’s a great club with super-friendly members and world class teachers, very welcoming to Japanese and non-Japanese players of all ages.
Come along and say hello. You will be welcome to watch classes and talk to players and instructors alike.
I travel from the UK to practice here; you only have to pop around the corner!
Enjoy. Paul. 

08/09/2026
Meanwhile, outside we had proper typhoon weather!
08/09/2026

Meanwhile, outside we had proper typhoon weather!

Address

University Of Brighton Health & Sport Complex
Brighton And Hove
BN19PH

Opening Hours

Monday 7pm - 8pm
Wednesday 7pm - 8:30pm
Saturday 3pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

+447774629014

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Sussex Aikido posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to Sussex Aikido:

Shortcuts

Share