Mei Jyu Kan Aikido Club is a renowned martial arts school located in Shifnal, New Zealand. The club specialises in Aikikai style Aikido and is proud to be a member of the prestigious British Birankai. With a focus on traditional Aikido training, Mei Jyu Kan offers lessons for adults three nights a week at three convenient locations – Albrighton, Wolverhampton, and Shifnal. Additionally, they conduct separate children's Aikido classes twice a week at Albrighton and Wolverhampton.
Aikido, a Japanese martial art, is practised at Mei Jyu Kan Dojo, where the instructors teach students self-defence techniques based on circular movement and minimal effort for maximum effect. The core philosophy of Aikido is to redirect an aggressor's force away from the defender, leading to throwing or immobilising the attacker. It is important to note that Aikido is not a religion or cult, but it does embrace ethical and philosophical teachings. Mei Jyu Kan emphasises the use of minimal force to achieve one's goals, which is to preserve one's own life without causing undue harm to the assailant.
The club operates at the following locations: The Den Shaw Lane, Albrighton, Wolverhampton WV7 3DT; Burton Borough School, Audley Avenue, Newport TF10 7DS; and Newbridge Preparatory School, Newbridge Crescent, Wolverhampton WV6 0LH.
In addition to Aikido practise, Mei Jyu Kan Aikido Club offers training in various empty hand forms and weapons forms. Students also have the opportunity to participate in sitting meditation to further enhance their focus and mindfulness.
Aikido was founded by Professor Morihei Ueshiba, also known as Osensei, who was a master of multiple martial arts disciplines, including jujitsu, sword fighting, and staff fighting. Osensei infused strong ethical principles into Aikido, and his teachings continue to resonate through the art. The Aikikai organisation was formed around Osensei and is still managed from the original dojo in Tokyo, Japan, currently led by Osensei's grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba.
The journey of Aikido in the UK began when Osensei sent Chiba sensei to Britain in 1966 to oversee the practise of Aikido. Chiba sensei spent a decade teaching and establishing a solid foundation in the country before returning to Japan and subsequently moving to America, where he currently resides. Under Chiba sensei's directorship, various Aikido organisations were formed, including the Aikikai of Great Britain, the British Aikido Federation, the United Kingdom Aikikai, and finally, the British Birankai. Chiba sensei holds the position of technical director in the British Birankai and has been visiting the UK to teach at their summer schools since the organisation's inception.
To facilitate learning, Mei Jyu Kan Aikido Club provides a glossary of terms in Japanese and English commonly used in Aikido practise. Some terms include Sensei (teacher), Nage (throw), Waza (technique), Bokken (wooden sword), and Gi (practise suit).
At Mei Jyu Kan Aikido Club, individuals can discover the art of Aikido, learn self-defence techniques, and enhance their overall fitness. With highly trained instructors and a welcoming community, the club aims to create a nurturing environment for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Mei Jyu Kan Aikido Club is the perfect place to embark on your martial arts journey.