Our principles

New Forest Aikido is part of Takemusu Iwama Aikido Europe and as such teaches according to the Founder O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba and was passed onto Saito Sensei, his longest serving student for 24 years. Saito Sensei’s representative in the United Kingdom is Sensei Tony Sargeant – 6th Dan. Sensei Sargeant is the head of Takemusu Iwama Aikido Europe. At New Forest Aikido we continue to apply their principles.

Here are some teachings from O-Sensei, which we still apply in our training

  • Instructors can impart only a fraction of the teaching. It is through your own devoted practice that the mysteries of Aikido are brought to life.
  • In Aikido we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind it.
  • The key to good technique is to keep your hands, feet, and hips straight and centered. If you are centered, you can move freely. The physical center is your belly; if your mind is set there as well, you are assured of victory in any endeavor.
  • Techniques employ four qualities that reflect the nature of our world. Depending on the circumstance, you should be: hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, smooth-flowing like water, or as empty as space.

The Founder of Aikido
O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba
The Founder Of Aikido
O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba

All New Forest Aikido club’s classes are held at:

Ringwood Health and Leisure Parsonage Barn Lane Ringwood Hampshire BH24 1PX

Copyright of Terry Young