About The North Cotswolds Aikido Club: The North Cotswolds Aikido Club is located in Cheltenham, New Zealand and is part of the Kai Shin Kai organisation. The club aims to provide a friendly environment that defies the typical macho image associated with martial arts clubs.
Aikido is suitable for both women and men of all ages, starting from a minimum age of 14. No martial arts experience is required to join, although some members may have practised other arts such as karate, judo, taekwondo, and kickboxing. As members of KSK, the North Cotswolds Aikido Club is also a part of the Independent Aikido Alliance.
The Chief Instructor of the North Cotswolds Aikido Club is Graham Cossey, who holds a 3rd dan black belt. Graham began his martial arts journey with Taekwondo, achieving the grade of 1st kyu (brown belt) before transitioning to aikido in 2002. He trained under Sensei Vincent Sumpter (6th dan) at the Bicester Aikido Club until 2005, after which he continued his training under Sensei Martyn Tyas (4th dan). Graham was awarded his black belt in February 2009 and his 2nd and 3rd dan in subsequent years.
The club is affiliated with Bicester Aikido Club and Aylesbury Aikido Club, and members can access a full list of Kai Shin Kai dojos on their website.
The North Cotswolds Aikido Club holds classes on Thursday evenings from 8pm to 9:30pm at Naunton Village Hall. Naunton is located in the North Cotswolds and is within a few miles of Stow on the Wold, Bourton on the Water, and Guiting Power. The club welcomes new members and encourages anyone interested in aikido to come and join the classes.
For more information about the North Cotswolds Aikido Club, interested individuals can visit their website or social media channels, including their YouTube channel and Facebook page. Additional information about aikido in general can be found through the provided links, such as the Aikido FAQ, Aiki Web, Aikido Journal, and Wikipedia. The club has also been featured in The Cotswold Times in July 2017.