Aikido Takemusu Kai Bristol is a martial arts school located in the heart of Easton on Cato Street, just a few minutes away from the popular St Marks Road. The school has been teaching aikido since 1996 to a diverse range of dedicated students.
Aikido Takemusu Kai was established in the early 1970s in Japan by Suzuki Toshinobu, a direct student of the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. The UK branch was formed in the late 1980s in London. The school is currently directed by 8th dan Richard J Simms, who was officially appointed by Suzuki Toshinobu sensei in 1989. Under the guidance of Simms sensei, the spirit of aikido has been promoted and shared with students in the south-west region of the UK.
The school offers adult classes every Tuesday, Thursday from 7-9 pm, and on Saturdays from 3-5 pm. Beginners are always welcome to join and experience the benefits of aikido, which include effective self-defence techniques, improved fitness and health, as well as personal development of the mind, body, and spirit.
Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art that emphasises harmony (Ai), spirit (Ki), and energy. It teaches practitioners to blend skilfully with the attacking force by using circular movements and techniques of throwing and immobilisation.
The beginning of Takemusu Aikido Kai is rooted in Toshinobu Suzuki's introduction to aikido. He was invited to observe a training session at a dojo in Shinjuku, Tokyo, where he unexpectedly encountered the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. Suzuki was personally welcomed by Ueshiba sensei and asked to join as a new student. This encounter marked the start of Suzuki's dedicated training in aikido.
Over the years, a deep personal understanding and connexion developed between Suzuki and Ueshiba.
Suzuki was then invited to submit his name to the list of disciples to be trained at the Takemusu Aiki-juku, a separate school directly controlled by Morihei Ueshiba. Suzuki received direct training from Ueshiba sensei himself. With Ueshiba's approval and support, Suzuki established his own Aikido Masakatsu dojo in Kanamachi, Tokyo, in April 1970. The dojo later relocated to a different location and became known as Aikido Seishokan dojo.
For more information about Aikido Takemusu Kai – Bristol, visit their website at www. Takemusukai. Co. uk.