“Daito Ryu AikiJujutsu UK” is a martial arts club located in Bury Saint Edmunds. With permission from the mainline Daito Ryu AikiJujutsu Hombucho, Kondo Masayuki, this club is the first mainline Daito Ryu AikiJujutsu study group in the UK. The sole purpose of this not-for-profit dojo is to provide individuals with the opportunity to study, train, and share the art of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu in the UK.
The club is based in Norton Village Hall, which is situated in the charming village of Norton, Suffolk, just 10 miles east of Bury St Edmunds. Norton is known for its three churches, a pub, a shop, a garage, and a service station. It offers some great local walks and is proud to be the home of the only mainline Daito Ryu AikiJujutsu Study Group in the country.
Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, the club adheres to the UK Government guidelines that restrict contact training. As a result, the regular classes are currently on hold. However, the study group usually trains weekly on Sundays from 10:00-12:00. Private classes on other days and times can be arranged by appointment.
Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the club via email to discuss their interest in joining or to arrange attendance.
Daito Ryu AikiJujutsu is not comparable to modern western martial arts. It is a system that has developed over 900 years, aiming not only to train the body but also to shape the spirit. The teachings of Daito Ryu were traditionally transmitted exclusively within one family line in Japan until Sokkaku Takeda shared them with the public in the late 19th century. It is important to note that Daito Ryu is more than just self-defence.
The club emphasises that it is not a gym or a self-defence class. The techniques studied have been battle tested and proven effective. While such techniques may no longer be necessary in everyday life, they should be treated with the utmost respect and caution. The classes at Daito Ryu AikiJujutsu UK are controlled, safe, and tailored to each individual's comfort level.
However, as a martial art, there is always some element of risk involved. Prospective students are advised to research the art and ensure they are medically fit to practise. If unsure, consulting with a primary healthcare professional is recommended.
Respect, or Rei, is a core part of every class at Daito Ryu AikiJujutsu UK. Students are expected to show respect to the art as it is taught in Japan, following the same class structure and etiquette as much as possible. This cultural aspect of training can be confronting to the western mind but offers immeasurable rewards for those committed to training at this level. Each class begins and ends with a show of respect respect for each other, the teachings passed down through generations, and the privilege of carrying forward this ancient art form.
It should be understood that training in Daito Ryu is a commitment to budo, the martial Way. There are no shortcuts or intermediate gradings. Students will only have two belts throughout their training journey a white belt and, after time and dedication, a black belt. This signifies the seriousness and dedication required in studying Daito Ryu AikiJujutsu.