Instructor. Lewis is a 6th dan in Aikido and has studied directly under the late Morihiro Saito Sensei as his uchi deshi in Japan. He is the Chairman and Chief Technical Director of Traditional Aikido Europe (TAE) and has been instrumental in preserving and passing on Saito Sensei's teachings.
The club itself was established in April 2010 by Mark Allcock, a 3rd dan in Aikido. Wellsprings Aikido is affiliated on both national and international levels to Traditional Aikido Alliance (TAA) and Traditional Aikido Europe (TAE). The clubs safeguarding, coaching, and insurance are provided by the British Aikido Board (BAB), the UK National Governing body for Aikido.
Wellsprings Aikido trains in a traditional form of Aikido that was passed on from the founder, O-Sensei, to Morihiro Saito Sensei. Saito Sensei, a 9th dan, studied Aikido with the founder in Iwama from 1946 until O-Senseis death in 1969, longer than any other aikidoka. After the founder's passing, Saito Sensei became the guardian of the Aiki Shrine and the Chief Instructor of the Iwama Dojo. He dedicated himself to faithfully transmitting the art of the founder and organised and classified the hundreds of techniques while developing methods and practises to aid in the learning process.
Wellsprings Aikido welcomes beginners and strives to make Aikido accessible to everyone. This martial art, also known as “The Way of the Warrior,” is often misunderstood as a means to harm or destroy others. However, Aikido is actually the art of peace and the power of love, as said by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. The club aims to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where students can learn and grow, both physically and mentally.
In addition to its training and affiliation with various Aikido organisations, Wellsprings Aikido is located at the Poole Martial Arts and Fitness Centre on Stanley Green Road in Poole, Dorset. The club can be contacted through email at contact@wellspringsaikido. Co. uk or by phone at 01929 405868.
With its dedication to traditional Aikido, experienced instructors, and commitment to providing a welcoming environment for practitioners of all levels, Wellsprings Aikido is a club that offers a valuable and authentic Aikido experience in Poole, Dorset.