Hello Everyone,
Sensei Brown would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone in the sports community. As the organiser, Sensei Brown is excited to share some updates about Black Star Aikido in Walsall.
Black Star Aikido is a traditional martial arts club specialising in Aikido. The club prides itself on its independence, which gives it the freedom to research and develop new techniques, all while maintaining strong links with other Aikido groups.
The focus at Black Star Aikido is on providing students with the chance to study the traditional aspects of Aikido while developing strong martial arts skills. Training is conducted in a safe and structured manner, emphasising physical fitness, alertness, confidence, competence, and effective martial skills.
New students at Black Star Aikido start with bokken (wooden sword) and Jo (wooden staff) to understand their role in Aikido. The club believes that grasping the relationship between these weapons and empty hands is key to mastering Aikido techniques.
Besides teaching martial skills, Black Star Aikido also takes its responsibility seriously to inform students about the legal implications of using Aikido techniques for self-defence. Students learn about the use of reasonable force and the correct application of these skills within the law, including British Law, the Human Rights Act, and The European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).
Black Star Aikido offers a range of courses and seminars covering various aspects of Aikido training, from beginner basics to advanced black belt. The club is dedicated to the development and promotion of Aikido and welcomes students of all ages and experience levels.
The club has a rich history dating back to its opening night on June 3rd, 1991, in Rugeley, Staffordshire. Sensei Brown demonstrated a range of Aikido techniques, weapons, and defence against a real knife, and since then, the club has grown in both membership and reputation.
In 1992, Sensei Brown travelled to the New York Aikikai in the USA to train at the headquarters of Master Yoshimitsu Yamada. This intensive training resulted in Sensei Brown obtaining the Shodan rank, certifying him as a Yudansha by the Japanese Aikido World Headquarters.
In 1997, Sensei Brown published “The Way of the Black Star,” which has become a valuable resource for Aikido enthusiasts. To mark the club's move into the 21st century, a new logo was designed by Pebbles Design Agency, reflecting Black Star Aikido's commitment to staying current while keeping its traditional roots.
In 2009, Black Star Aikido officially launched in Manchester at the Dojo Headquarters of Kokoro Aikido. Sensei Brown was honoured to lead a special seminar to celebrate the occasion, further showcasing the club's dedication to promoting Aikido and sharing knowledge with practitioners from different regions.
Whether you're a beginner eager to learn Aikido or an experienced martial artist looking to deepen your skills, Black Star Aikido invites you to join. The friendly and knowledgeable instructors are ready to guide you on your Aikido journey, helping you develop both physical and mental strength while honing your martial arts abilities.
Warm regards,
Sensei Brown
