Formed in 1988 under the direction of Malcolm Saunders, the Society has grown rapidly in an area already well served by other styles of Aikido. Mal Saunders has practiced the art for over forty years, many of them under the direction of Mr. Teaching within the WAS seeks to build upon, and develop, principles of co-ordination of mind and body. Basic techniques, both hand to hand and with weapons,
are taught within a traditional framework, but throughout, the teaching emphasizes the attainment of harmony between partners and movement with both co-ordination and relaxation so as to allow greater extension of Ki. A fundamental principle stressed to all students is that progress beyond mere basic techniques can only be by personal development via complete acceptance of the principles and practices of Ki development both on and off the mat.
