Ei Mei Kan continues to thrive in Longbridge, Birmingham, welcoming Aikido practitioners from across the globe.
Chris Mooney, the Chief Instructor at Ei Mei Kan, offers training in traditional Aikido. Passed down from the founder Morihei Ueshiba to T. K. Chiba, and now to Mooney Sensei, who holds a 7th Dan Shihan ranking, the dojo benefits greatly from his extensive experience and knowledge.
Training at Ei Mei Kan centres on the key principles of timing, distance, and the centre-line as outlined by the founder of Aikido. Mooney Sensei emphasises that martial arts training extends beyond the dojo, encouraging students to consider their broader societal roles.
Situated in Longbridge, the dojo attracts members and visitors year-round and prides itself on the belief that Aikido benefits individuals of all ages and backgrounds, promoting overall health and fitness.
The spirit of O-Sensei, Aikido’s founder, is deeply embedded in Ei Mei Kan’s practice. The dojo upholds essential Aikido values such as etiquette and mutual respect, both within the dojo and in all interactions. This focus on respect and regard for others aligns seamlessly with the values of a civilised society.
Mooney Sensei began his Aikido journey in 1973, under the guidance of Ralph Reynolds Sensei. He later trained with William Smith Shihan and T. K. Chiba Shihan.
Since 1981, when Mooney Sensei started teaching Aikido at Aston University, he has maintained strong ties with British universities, understanding the importance of Aikido in shaping young lives.
In the mid-1980s, Mooney Sensei founded a dojo in Bearwood, which became Ei Mei Kan in 1994 when Chiba Sensei named it “the House of England's Light.” In 2000, the dojo relocated to Longbridge, where it remains a beacon for Aikido practitioners.
Ei Mei Kan is dedicated to preserving Aikido traditions, fostering respect and care within the dojo, and promoting physical and mental well-being, making it a notable martial arts school in Birmingham. It continues to be a welcoming community for practitioners worldwide.