"Do not fail to learn from the pure voice of an ever-flowing mountain stream splashing over the rocks."
Aikido is a non-combative martial art that was developed in the first half of the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (known as O-Sensei). Ueshiba was a skilled martial artist and a deeply spiritual man. Realising that the greatest enemy is the enemy within Ueshiba 'retired' to Iwama during the second world war to farm and to dedicate himself to perfecting a martial art that would achieve a peaceful resolution of conflict. The martial art that he developed was Aikido: The Art of Peace. In Iwama Ueshiba formulated the concept of takemusu aikido 'the inexhaustable font of aikido techniques'.
"The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood as a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek competition are making a grave mistake. To smash, injure or destroy is the worst sin a human being can commit. The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent slaughter - it is the Art of Peace, the power of love." Morihei Ueshiba.
"The world will continue to change dramatically, but fighting and war can destroy us utterly. What we need now are techniques of harmony, not those of contention. The Art of Peace is required, not the Art of War." Morihei Ueshiba.
Aikido is solely an art of self-defence and it has no attacking techniques.
Practiced in the traditional manner as taught by its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, aikido retains a strong martial edge. Techniques are executed firmly, but without violent intent. Powerful joint-locks and pinning movements control and immobilise the adversary without causing crippling injury." Stanley Pranin.
Training in aikido includes the study of the sword (aiki ken) and staff (aiki jo) in addition to the open-handed techniques (taijutsu). Ueshiba regarded the study of the ken and jo as fundamental to the understanding and proper execution of taijutsu.
Wellsprings Aikido trains Takemusu Aikido a traditional form of Aikido that was passed on from O-Sensei to the late Morihiro Saito Sensei. Morihiro Saito Sensei, 9th Dan, studied Aikido with the Founder in Iwama from 1946 until O-Sensei's death in 1969. This was significantly longer than any other aikidoka. After the death of O-Sensei Saito Sensei became guardian of the Aiki Shrine and Chief Instructor of the Iwama Dojo. Saito Sensei saw it as his responsibility to faithfully transmit the art of the Founder. To do this he organised and classified the hundreds of techniques and devised methods and practices to aid the learning process.
"This is concerning the Aikido techniques I am presently teaching.
The emphasis is on the relationship between the Ken, Jo and open-handed techniques that were taught by the founder for more than 15 years in Iwama from 1945.
I am continuing to faithfully protect this traditional Aikido.
Now foreigners refer to this as Iwama Style."
New members are always welcome. Both beginners and experienced aikidoka can sign up for an 5 lesson trial period. We also offer 6 week courses for beginners from time to time. The next course will start 26th January 2018.
If you would like to find out more about Aikido in general or Wellsprings Aikido in particular before committing to a course or trial period then you are most welcome to come along to one of our training sessions, to watch us and have your questions answered.
View details of our training sessions.
Starts 26th January 2018 in Poole.
Can't wait? Day not suitable? Try an 5 lesson trial period instead.