London Aikikai - Traditional Aikido in London

Founded 1967 by T K Chiba Shihan 8th Dan so Hombu

London Aikido is synonymous with London Aikikai, Shinmei-kan Dojo with its origins dating back to the late '60s. London Aikikai was Headquarters dojo of the Aikikai of Great Britain under T K Chiba Shihan when it was situated in Chiswick, West London. Chiba Shihan, a former uchideshi (live-in student) of Professor Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder, was assigned to Britain in 1966 to form the first national Aikikai association. The headquarters then moved to Earls Court in 1972 and was named Tenpukan Dojo.

After Chiba Shihan left the UK in 1976 to return to Hombu Dojo, Japan, the Dojo underwent many changes. In December 1985 it was reorganised and renamed Shinmei-kan Dojo (Chiba Sensei took the original name of Tenpukan dojo with him to San Diego Aikikai). Since its inception Shinmei-kan Dojo has had close ties with Chiba Shihan 8th Dan through regular exchange visits with the San Diego Aikikai, California USA where he has been the chief instructor since 1981.

London Aikikai is presently the Headquarters dojo of British Birankai (British Aikikai), and continues to be a most notable Aikido Dojo offering outstanding level of instruction in London, with 2 or more classes every day from Tuesday to Saturday.