About aikido
Literally translated as “the way of harmony”, Aikido is a Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), often referred to as 'O Sensei'. It has its origins in the many different styles of ancient Bujutsu studied by the founder in the years before 1939, and his spiritual awakening in mid-life.
Ueshiba’s work refined martial techniques - of which he was an acknowledged master - into his unique art, insisting that Budo is not a way to make war but, on the contrary, a way to end conflict. Aikido is a true Budo because of its moral and ethical imperatives and because, at its most profound level, the aim of the practitioner is mastery of the ego and the creation of a non-contentious spirit.
Even within the physical realm, what matters might not be what you would expect. It’s very nice to be young, strong, fit and agile, but you don’t need to be any of these things to practise Aikido or to be good at it.
You’ll find, for example, that in Aikido posture is more important than strength, and timing more important than speed, and these are the attributes you will develop through your practice.
Really, the only way to discover what Aikido is about and gain an insight into this fascinating martial art is to try it for yourself.
About our club
Aikido is an active and vibrant club within Cardiff University's Sports offering, providing students with an opportunity to study and explore one of the world's most fascinating martial arts in a safe and supportive environment.
We have a diverse student base across all levels of experience, from novice to intermediate grades, including several fully qualified student instructors, who provide support and direction throughout all of our classes.
Our principal instructor is Sensei David Dimmick, 4th Dan, Aikikai Japan. He began teaching Aikido in 1994 and has been the head coach at Cardiff University Aikido Club for over 20 years. He is co-founder of the Fudoshin Aikido Association. A registered member of the British Aikido Board, David sensei has often been invited as a guest instructor at national courses in the UK and Europe.
In addition to our weekly classes, we regularly organise weekend courses and seminars with visiting international instructors, allowing students the opportunity to practice with and learn from some of the best instructors in Europe. You can find out more about these on our events page.
We are a friendly and inclusive club and always welcome new members, whatever your background and level of experience. You will be given expert instruction and encouraged to practice within your own safe limits, at a pace that is comfortable to you.
