Rising Sun Aikido is a traditional Ueshiba-style martial art and self-defence club located in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, England. With over 100 members of all ages and abilities, the club offers training sessions for adults as well as junior clubs for children aged 5 to 12 and teenagers aged 12 to 18.
Rising Sun Aikido has a strong connexion to the local community and has worked closely with several schools, including participating in the official opening of Heron's Moor School by Princess Ann. They also run an after-school aikido club for pupils of Wyvern Community School, Bourneville Junior School, and Broadoak School.
Aikido is a non-competitive martial art that is suitable for all ages, sexes, and abilities. The philosophy of Rising Sun Aikido is to build confidence, become fitter, meet new friends, learn new skills, and have fun.
Whether you have prior martial arts training or are a complete beginner looking to get fitter and learn self-defence, you are welcome to attend one of Rising Sun Aikido's training sessions. Interested individuals can speak to Phil Benge or contact Philip Benge via phone or email. Rising Sun Aikido and Rising Stars Aikido are committed to ensuring the safety of children and have signed up to Child-Safe guidelines.
The club has several experienced and dedicated instructors who are always available to help individuals learn aikido. The Dan grades, or 'black belts', include Phil Benge Sensei (5th dan), Pete Gillings Sensei (6th dan), H Benge-nilsdotter Sensei (3rd dan), Al Carchrie Sensei (3rd dan), and Paul Newnham Sensei (2nd dan).
For more information about Rising Sun Aikido and its training sessions, individuals can visit the club's website. The website provides additional information about the history of aikido and its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, as well. Overall, Rising Sun Aikido is dedicated to promoting the practise of aikido and providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals who wish to explore this traditional martial art.