East Sheen Aikido and Kenjutsu

COVID-19 Practise Guidelines: East Sheen Aikido and Kenjutsu Dojo in London is a martial arts club that offers training in Aikido and Kashima-no-Tachi Kenjutsu. Located in East Sheen, SW London, near Mortlake, Barnes, and Richmond, the dojo is affiliated with the Tetsushinkan dojo in Islington.

Aikido is a martial art that emphasises using the mind, energy (ki), and body to redirect an attacker's energy. Kashima-no-Tachi Kenjutsu, on the other hand, focuses on the use of the body to respond directly to an attack. The combination of Aikido and Kashima-no-Tachi Kenjutsu allows practitioners to develop softness, sensitivity, and the ability to respond to pressure.

Suitable for both men and women, our club welcomes individuals of all ages from late teens upwards. However, please note that we do not have a children's class. We have a particular interest in the softness and sensitivity of the body and how Kenjutsu, or sword work, informs the unarmed movements of Aikido.

During our classes, we primarily use shinai (leather-covered bamboo swords) and bokken/bokuto (wooden swords) for practise. Advanced students also have the opportunity to train with blunt or sharp swords such as iaito and shinken. To start each class, we engage in stretching exercises and other centering and energy development activities like qi gong (also known as chi kung) to relax, calm, and focus the mind and body while developing ki (energy).

We believe that martial effectiveness is best studied through the focus and pressures of Kenjutsu and the research of the tanden, the central point of the body. Nonetheless, our training goes beyond the physical aspects and also emphasises mental and psychological development. We explore how to respond appropriately in various situations, maintaining our centre even when verbally or psychologically “attacked” on a daily basis.

For those interested in Aikido specifically, we offer information on its history, techniques, and terminology on our website. Similarly, for those looking to delve into Kashima-no-Tachi Kenjutsu, we provide a brief history of Kashima Shinryu, as well as techniques related to the discipline.

Regarding COVID-19 safety, our dojo follows the guidelines set by the British Aikido Board (BAB) and the current government advice. We have completed risk assessments and require all members to ensure their BAB membership is up-to-date. If anyone displays symptoms or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, we ask that they do not attend the dojo. Additionally, we expect members to follow government guidelines on wearing masks and the specific safety rules of our venue, Paxholme.

Overall, East Sheen Aikido and Kenjutsu Dojo provides a unique opportunity to learn and practise Aikido and Kashima-no-Tachi Kenjutsu in London. With a focus on physical, mental, and psychological development, our club welcomes individuals of all ages who are interested in martial arts. If you are interested, please contact us via email or phone, and don't forget to check out our website for further information on times, costs, and location.