Chingford & Woodford Aikido Club

Chingford & Woodford Aikido Club is a friendly local martial arts club located in Woodford Green, Essex. The club welcomes both young and not so young individuals who are interested in learning Aikido. Many of the club members have children who take part in the junior section of the club.

At Chingford & Woodford Aikido Club, you don't need to be super fit to start. The club believes that over time, individuals will become fitter while learning the sport of Aikido. Aikido is not only a sport but also a self-defence system that becomes a part of your daily life, providing practical skills for personal safety.

The club was formed in the 1990s out of a club previously run by Don Bishop, a highly respected 7th Dan Aikido instructor who has since retired. Chingford & Woodford Aikido Club belongs to the Aikido Development Society (ADS), a founder member of the National Governing Body of Aikido in Great Britain, the British Aikido Board. The club follows the teachings of Sensei Tomiki, who was one of the first students of O-Sensei Ueshiba. Sensei Tomiki was also a high-ranking Judoka and very competitively motivated.

The club's lineage can be traced directly back to Sensei Tomiki through the teachings of Senta Yamada, who was the first to bring Tomiki Aikido into Great Britain. Don Bishop, the original instructor of the club and previously the head of the ADS, was a direct student of Senta Yamada, ensuring a strong and clear lineage to the roots of Aikido. The club also has other instructors who have studied the Shodokan system of Tomiki Aikido, providing members with the best of both worlds.

Chingford & Woodford Aikido Club conducts regular adult beginners courses, providing a great opportunity for individuals new to Aikido to learn and develop their skills. The club also offers classes for adults every Thursday from 20:00-22:00. The minimum age to participate in these sessions is 14 years old.

The club is located at Woodford County High Schools for Girls, on High Road in Woodford Green, Essex. For further information about the club or to contact them, individuals can call Steve Billett, the club's contact person, at 0208 523 9196 or 07860 963691. Alternatively, individuals can visit the club's official website and use the contact page to email their queries.

Chingford & Woodford Aikido Club is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all members. The club is a member of the British Aikido Board and adheres to their safeguarding and policies.