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WHO WE ARE
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Lancaster Aikido Club is a not-for-profit martial arts club which has been teaching martial arts in Lancaster since 1976.
We train in a friendly atmosphere, where people are able to train safely and progress at their own speed in this fascinating and captivating martial art that 'toughens the body and polishes the spirit'. Aikido is beneficial to all ages and many lifetime practitioners continue to train into their 70s or 80s. We have senior practitioners training regularly at Lancaster who did not begin training until their' 40s. It offers a great workout, flexibility, mindfulness, and conflict management skills that can be useful in all aspects throughout life. We are affiliated with the Aikikai Hombu Dojo (Japan) and a network of Dojos in Europe (Traditional Aikido Europe) through Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros (7th Dan) who serves as Technical Director and Examiner granting Aikikai dan ranks according to Hombu regulations. We are also affiliated with British Aikido Board (BAB), all our instructors are fully insured and registered. |
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GET AN IDEA
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We have an Instagram account that has some videos to give you an idea of what to expect, but YouTube and other media sources can not replace the real thing.
We would suggest that if you are interested in Aikido and want an accurate representation of what Takemusu Iwama Aikido is all about, please get in touch and join us in a training session. |
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WEAPONS AND TRAINING ATTIRE
We will provide weapons for your first sessions, but after some time you may wish to purchase your own. We have lots of recommended retailers that we can point you towards nearer the time.
Initially, all you need to train is comfortable clothing, like a t-shirt and jogging bottoms. At a later date, we can recommend where you can buy a training 'dogi' so you look the part, and feel committed to 'The Way of Harmony'.
Initially, all you need to train is comfortable clothing, like a t-shirt and jogging bottoms. At a later date, we can recommend where you can buy a training 'dogi' so you look the part, and feel committed to 'The Way of Harmony'.
GRADING AND TESTING
Lancaster Aikido Club offer officially recognised grades testing up to 1st Kyu (brown belt). Gradings for Shodan (black belt) and beyond are conducted through Traditional Aikido Europe (TAE) senior examiners, arranged through the club.
The gradings at the club are held at indeterminate times throughout the year and depend on the length of time since the last grading, and the readiness of the student being tested. We do not rush students to grade sooner than they are ready and ensure a high proficiency and success rate due to this.
We maintain a very high standard of Aikido practice and have many senior ranking grades from 2nd to 4th Dan (4th degree black belt).
All our instructors tailor classes appropriately to the needs of the group, while covering the syllabus material. Classes are comprised of weapons and empty handed sections, either solo, or with a partner.
As there are many Aikido schools in the world, we follow the TAE syllabus that is adopted by all of its members (see below for details).
The gradings at the club are held at indeterminate times throughout the year and depend on the length of time since the last grading, and the readiness of the student being tested. We do not rush students to grade sooner than they are ready and ensure a high proficiency and success rate due to this.
We maintain a very high standard of Aikido practice and have many senior ranking grades from 2nd to 4th Dan (4th degree black belt).
All our instructors tailor classes appropriately to the needs of the group, while covering the syllabus material. Classes are comprised of weapons and empty handed sections, either solo, or with a partner.
As there are many Aikido schools in the world, we follow the TAE syllabus that is adopted by all of its members (see below for details).
| TAE grading syllabus 2025.pdf |
SAFE TO TRAIN
Aikido is 'Budo' (a martial way), and as such it can be dangerous to train, but we have excellent instructors who will ensure you are safe throughout your learning and will never ask you to do anything you are uncomfortable with. You will be taught how to safely handle weapons and use them proficiently, how to move and control your body to protect yourself and prevent injuries, how to take falls from techniques, and how to perform them safely. As you progress, you will be challenged to advance, but never at the expense of safety.
Note: We would ask that you be mindful of your own ability and do not try to do things that are beyond your level (i.e. too fast, using force) as this would be unsafe.
We maintain high standards of etiquette and respect throughout the club, and if there is any improper behaviour, this will be challenged and dealt with appropriately.
The training involves respecting your fellow participants and bowing to them, using Japanese terminology, treating the weapons and the training hall with respect, and bowing to the Shomen (front/head of the dojo).
Note: We understand that some people may have religious confines with regards to this, and offer alternatives as part of cultural sensitivity, respect for race and diversity, and inclusion.
The training is suitable for all levels and abilities. However, if you are differently-abled and wish to discuss your suitability to train with the club, please get in contact.
Note: We will make every reasonable adjustment possible, but certain conditions/challenges may significantly limit what we can offer.
If for any reason you ever feel unsafe, at risk, or have concerns, please discuss it with one of the instructors. We take all complaints and allegations very seriously and have safeguarding policies in place, as well a strict code of conduct.
Your safety, trust, and wellbeing, is our main priority xxx
Note: We would ask that you be mindful of your own ability and do not try to do things that are beyond your level (i.e. too fast, using force) as this would be unsafe.
We maintain high standards of etiquette and respect throughout the club, and if there is any improper behaviour, this will be challenged and dealt with appropriately.
The training involves respecting your fellow participants and bowing to them, using Japanese terminology, treating the weapons and the training hall with respect, and bowing to the Shomen (front/head of the dojo).
Note: We understand that some people may have religious confines with regards to this, and offer alternatives as part of cultural sensitivity, respect for race and diversity, and inclusion.
The training is suitable for all levels and abilities. However, if you are differently-abled and wish to discuss your suitability to train with the club, please get in contact.
Note: We will make every reasonable adjustment possible, but certain conditions/challenges may significantly limit what we can offer.
If for any reason you ever feel unsafe, at risk, or have concerns, please discuss it with one of the instructors. We take all complaints and allegations very seriously and have safeguarding policies in place, as well a strict code of conduct.
Your safety, trust, and wellbeing, is our main priority xxx
