O’Sensei
About Aikido
Aikido is a Japanese Martial Arts founded by the founder Morihei Ueshiba O’Sensei. Aikido is an art involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from Aiki Jujitsu, and some throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu (art of the sword) and Jojutsu (art of the staff).
The Aspire Aikido London Dojo offers comprehensive training across all levels for those who wish to study Takemusu Iwama Aikido
Sensei Nick Regnier
Founder of Aspire Aikido London
Welcome to Aspire Aikido London
Aikido focuses on non-aggressive techniques using the opponent’s own energy to gain control or to throw your opponent. Aikido is truly unique, as it teaches you to train with your body, mind and spirit, attained through regular training.
At Aspire Aikido London we teach the Takemusu Iwama style of Aikido, taught by Morihiro Saito Sensei 9th Dan Aikikai, who was a student of the Founder in Iwama for over 23 years. Morihiro Saito Sensei faithfully preserved and put together a comprehensive and pedagogic repertoire of Aikido techniques, with Bukiwasa (weapons training) and Taijutsu (empty handed techniques).
Iwama Aikido can be recognised by its strong basics, the accuracy of its technique and posture, and its use of the Aiki Ken and Aiki Jo.
Saito Sensei's representative in the United Kingdom is Tony Sargeant Shihan 7th Dan.
The goal of Aikido is constant self-development (helping you achieve your goals and beyond) and to help others during practice, which is why it is safe to join in as beginner. You do not need to have a high level of fitness to start and no matter what level you are, it is guaranteed you will find enjoyment in learning Aikido.
Everyone is welcome to join from ages 16 to 80+, all sizes and all levels of fitness.
I look forward to training with you on the mats.
Sensei Nick Regnier
5th Dan TIAE
Takemusu Iwama Aikido Europe under Tony Sargeant Shihan 7th Dan
Curious? Do you have any questions? Get in touch!
Morihiro Saito Sensei
History of Aikido
Aikido is a martial art from Japan founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969). After having studied several martial arts used and developed by the samurai, Morihei Ueshiba created his own martial art based on the principle of coordinating powers (Aiki). Later this art got the name Aikido.
In 1930 he founded the Hombu dojo in Tokyo, which now is under the direction of his grandson Moriteru Ueshiba.
Morihei Ueshiba moved 1941 to Iwama a small village 150 km north of Tokyo and build the Ibaragi dojo in Iwama. There he lived and taught Iwama Aikido until his end 1969.
Morihiro Saito (1928 - 2002) became a student of the founder in Iwama 1946 and was his live-in student (uchi deshi) until 1969. When the founder passed away Morihiro Saito became head (dojo cho) of the Ibaragi dojo and caretaker of the Aiki Shrine (Aiki Jinja).
The Aikido that the founder taught in Iwama has been faithfully preserved by Morihiro Saito Shihan 9th Dan Aikikai and during the late 1980's it was known as Iwama Ryu (‘Iwama Style’).
To make it easier to teach the huge number of techniques, they have systematically been arranged in groups of techniques and a pedagogical system became a common base for the teachers affiliated to Morihiro sensei. The practice of basic techniques (kihon) is important and only on this base it is possible to practice flowing techniques (ki no nagare).