Iwama-Ryu Aikido Canterbury

In Aikido we never clash with an attacker head-on. Instead, utilizing evasive, circular movements we blend with the attack, leading the attacker into a variety of throws or joint locking techniques. Although Aikido is a powerful and effective form of self-defense, the techniques have been developed in such a way as to avoid permanent injury to an attacker. You don't have to be strong or young to practice Aikido. It can be practiced by women, men and children of all sizes and ages, since it uses the attackers' size and strength against them. Practice is geared toward an individual's ability and comfort level when he or she begins, and classes are conducted with a spirit of encouragement. Students help each other learn the techniques, and one learns as much from performing the technique as from receiving it.
There are no tournaments or competitive matches in Aikido. Instead you learn through repetitive practice in a thoughtful, studious atmosphere. Being non-competitive in nature, Aikido practices can be soft and flowing or vigorous and aerobic depending on the desires of you and your partner. Aikido promotes suppleness, flexibility and concentration as well as a confident, balanced personality.

Iwama-ryu Aikido Canterbury teaches and practices the style of Aikido promoted by Morihiro Saito Sensei (9th dan) and as practiced at Iwama dojo, Ibaraki prefecture, Japan -  the 'home dojo' of the founder of Aikido Morihei Ueshiba (O'Sensei).  This style is referred to variously as Iwama style Aikido, or Takemusu Aikido (Aiki that spawns infinite techniques in any situation).  O'Sensei developed weapons techniques after studying traditional Japanese sword, knife, bayonet and staff and around a third of his manual of Aikido (Budo - first published in 1938) is dedicated to weapons practice.  Morihiro Saito Sensei systematised these techniques (bukiwaza) at Iwama and believed them to be of utmost importance in training for empty-handed techniques (Taijutsu). For this reason weapons training forms an important part of Iwama-ryu Aikido Canterbury's training schedule and is included in instruction from an early level.