Classes
We offer many different classes at MK Aikikai. A membership will include access to all classes. Zazen is open to the public without a membership.
Aikido
In aikido, there are no competitions. Rather a student’s progress is determined by their interaction with others, their ability to blend with an attack, deliver one and take a fall safely. A usual class will consist of a warm up, ukemi practice, basic exercises and technique practice. After the teacher has demonstrated a technique or exercise, students will practice in pairs, alternating between attacker and defender.
Training in aikido improves flexibility, muscle tone and endurance. Furthermore, through disciplined and dedicated study, students learn to be more centred in their lives, allowing a feeling of calm to fall on their thoughts and actions.
Photo by: Penny Maycock
Weapons
Weapons training is an integral part of training at Milton Keynes Aikikai. Training with a wooden sword (bokken) and a staff (jyo) complements the body art and allows for improved stance, timing, and distance in martial encounters, it also helps inform our practice of the body art movements because many aikido movements are derived from weapons work.
Iaido
Iaidō; the way of sword-drawing. Is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to sudden attacks.
It is studied largely for the same reasons as weapons work with bokken and jyo: for what it reveals about the roots of aikido as a martial art.
Zazen
Zazen is a form of Zen meditation. It has a strong link to the martial culture of Japan. Both this warrior culture and the zen tradition emphasise the impermanence of life, encouraging us to be aware and present in the moment.
Zen is a non-intellectual practice, through sitting it is possible to see one's true nature.
We do zazen as a way of stilling our minds and coming to ultimate harmony in our Aikido. It is a deceivingly simple, but arduous, practice.
Kids Classes
At Milton Keynes Aikikai, we offer engaging and informative Kids Martial Arts classes designed to teach children valuable skills while having fun.
Our classes are available from the age of 7-16. Through our junior program, we aim to build each child's strength, flexibility, and attention. As well as their discipline, focus, and confidence.
Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping children grow physically and mentally. There are no competitions in Aikido, each of us is here to grow at our own pace. More experienced students are encouraged to help beginners so that everyone progresses together.
M.Howson
Chief Instructor
Sensei Michael began studying aikido in 2009, at 11 years old in Milton Keynes. After 4 years of training and teaching at Sunrise Aikido in Potterspury, he founded Milton Keynes Aikikai to provide a space in Milton Keynes for the sincere and dedicated practice of Aikido.
He apprenticed at Brooklyn Aikikai, NY under Savoca shihan, as an uchi-deshi (live-in student) and continues to return, and attend Savoca sensei's seminars.
He also aprenticed at Aikido of San Leandro, CA under Hendricks shihan, as an uchi-deshi, being certified in aiki ken and aiki jo.
He currently holds the rank of Nidan (2nd Dan) and is certified to teach by the UKA.
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