London Aikikai - Established 1968
London Aikido Dojo of London Aikikai Traditional Aikido was established in 1968 by T K Chiba Shihan, 8th Dan Aikikai, a close and direct disciple of the founder of Aikido, O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. See Chiba Sensei's profile on the British Aikikai website. London Aikido history dates back to 1968 when Chiba Shihan was based in London. London Aikikai dojo is still considered to be his spiritual dojo in London and we are privileged to have received frequent visits from him and other senior shihans.
T K Chiba Shihan 1998
Photo courtesy of Gary Payne
T K Chiba Shihan, uke Davinder Bath Sensei 1987
Photo courtesy of Franco
History of London Aikikai
London Aikido is synonymous with the London Aikikai dojo. 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 official Aikido 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 more 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 had close ties with Chiba Shihan 8th Dan through regular exchange visits with his dojo, San Diego Aikikai, California USA where he was the chief instructor from 1981. Chiba Sensei passed away on 5th June 2015 aged 75
Now known by it's original name, London Aikikai is one of the the biggest dojo in the UK and offers highest levels of instruction in London.
British Aikikai
British Aikikai Aikido training is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture and etiquette thanks to its founder T K Chiba Shihan who enjoined hard physical training with weapons training, Iaido and Zazen. The traditional training environment thrives with traditional etiquette, traditional teacher-student relationship, traditional teaching methods and a deep understanding of each and every technique.
British Aikikai offers a complete martial arts system of powerful Aikido techniques coupled with a deep focus on inner peace and spiritual development through relaxation and Zen meditation, a vehicle for a deeper understanding of the nature of Aikido through weapons (Bokken, Jyo, Tanto) and Iaido (Katana/Iaito) training, encourages and stimulates its members to study and realise their true self/nature/potential (spiritual awakening).
British Aikikai is a member of Birankai International and is officially recognised by Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan) and Joint Aikikai Council (JAC). British Aikikai instructors are internationally recognised and offer Aikido instruction of the highest calibre, to all abilities, from beginners lessons to master classes. Our gradings are recognised internationally with Aikikai certificates issued directly from Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan).
For more information see the British Aikikai Website.
