Aikido in Hertfordshire

Martial arts school and Aikido club located in Stevenage called “Aikido in Hertfordshire”. The club, known as Wanomichi, offers training sessions at The Shephall Centre every Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday.

Wanomichi is dedicated to the practise of Aikido, which is a Budo and a concrete martial arts practise aimed at personal development on physical, emotional, and relational levels. The techniques practised in Wanomichi emphasise the search for harmony with a partner, regardless of the intensity of the action. The comprehensive practise of Wanomichi aims to achieve balance at all levels and contributes to maintaining good health, recognising its dependence on various factors.

The pursuit of mastery in Wanomichi techniques leads to self-awareness and self-control. As practitioners progress, they may acquire spiritual maturity and inner peace. To complement the martial arts training, Wanomichi incorporates a physical and mental preparation derived from Ashtanga Yoga, specially adapted to the needs of its followers. This component is supervised by Sonia Tomioka Toutain, a qualified teacher of Ashtanga Yoga with experience in Iwama practise.

Wanomichi is open to individuals of all levels and abilities. The practise focuses on cultivating the purest possible attitude in the search for harmony with a partner using the most appropriate body biomechanics. Wanomichi is recognised as an art and is officially integrated into the French Federation of Aikido Aiki Budo and Associates (FFAAA).

The founder of Wanomichi, Daniel Toutain, has over fifty years of Aikido practise, primarily in the Aikido Iwama Ryu style under his Master Morihiro Saito, who was one of the closest disciples of Master Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido. Daniel Toutain has also studied under Master Masamichi Noro, the creator of Kinomichi, and Master Nobuyoshi Tamura, both disciples of Master Ueshiba. With his experience in Yoga and Wing Chun, Daniel Toutain developed a practise that combines principles from these different arts. This integration allows for the optimal utilisation of the body's biomechanics in movement, developing sensitivity and spontaneity in action.

Wanomichi offers a progression programme that allows individuals to advance on their personal development path by emphasising natural laws and respecting the body to achieve optimal control of movement. Through the practise of Wanomichi, practitioners become aware of their own reactions and attitudes in relationship to others, promoting self-knowledge and greater confidence, leading to inner peace.

In addition to martial arts training, Wanomichi incorporates specific physical and mental preparation and initiates participants into meditation, which can be practised at their convenience. It is presented as a complete martial arts school and Aikido club that offers a comprehensive programme for personal development through the thorough study of martial arts.