Bristol North Aikido Dojo

Thinking of trying Aikido?

This is a little different to our style but does have a lot of common ground too.

Real Aikido Is TERRIFYING 👊 Upgrade your online protection with an all-in-one security app! G...

"A report published in 2025 by OnSide, a national youth charity, finds that 76% of young people spend most of their free time on screens and almost half (48%) spend most of their free time in their bedrooms."

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c62je1g000eo

We aren't the only answer. But we are an answer and for many a good one. Get in the Dojo and get active. Good habits for life with positive friendships & role models.

The surprising reality of how teenage girls still define themselves Despite strides in feminism, why do teen girls still seem to view themselves through the lens of boys?

Coming to Your First Class?

What should I wear?
Something sporty that covers your knees and elbows.

What happens when I arrive?
Someone may greet you—unless everyone is already on the mat. Just take a seat and we’ll come over as soon as the current class finishes. You’ll be asked to fill in a membership form, but there’s no pressure to join until you’ve tried a few classes.

What happens in class?
We begin with a traditional line-up, followed by a warm-up, then partner work. Training is collaborative—everyone helps each other.

Where is the class?
📍 St James Church, Romney Avenue, Lockleaze, Bristol, BS7 9TD

Is there parking?
Yes—free on-street parking nearby.

Further Q&A for New Students

Thinking about starting but feeling unsure? Here are some common questions:

Is it hard?
It can be technically challenging, and no one is ever “perfect”—we’re all learning. With the right partner, training can be physically engaging, but because it’s collaborative, you can always work within your own limits.

Does it hurt?
No. Most people feel great after training—both mentally and physically. While Aikido includes throws, injuries are very rare.

Will I be the only beginner?
Maybe—but it doesn’t matter. Everyone is learning, and we’re always happy to have new training partners.

Am I too old?
Not at all. Our current students include people in their 70s. You can always train within your own boundaries.

I’m not fit enough—can I still join?
Yes. Aikido can help improve your fitness, and you can train at your own pace.

Can girls and boys do it?
Absolutely. Aikido isn’t about size or strength—it’s for everyone. Each person brings their own strengths and develops in their own way.

Is it expensive?
No. Junior classes start from £22 per month, and adult classes are £30 per month. You can also pay as you go to try a few sessions first.

Still unsure?
The best way to find out is simple—come along and give it a try.

Light reading...but critical thinking. The difference between making shapes and cultivating an aiki body.

Yin and Yang, Heaven-Earth-Man, in this imagery from Dan Harden.

In his lecture to the Byakko Shinkokai in the 1960's, Morihei Ueshiba specifically defined Aikido for the audience.

He did not define Aikido as love.

He did not define Aikido as peace.

He did not define Aikido as conflict resolution.

He did not define Aikido as personal development.

He did define Aikido as a way of dedication to the Japanese Imperial family, and as a method of creating a worldwide utopia under the aegis of Japan and the Japanese Imperial family.

He also defined Aikido technically, as Takemusu Aiki and Heaven-Earth-Man.

For the first, Morihei Ueshiba defined "Takemusu" as the training of attractive force between opposing forces within oneself - Yin and Yang, In and Yo...Heaven and Earth - which is the most basic expression of opposing forces, gravity and the ground.

For the second, Heaven-Earth-Man was the basic, and primary, model by which Morihei Ueshiba described his training methodology, as discussed in "Aikido and the Structure of the Universe":

https://www.aikidosangenkai.org/blog/aikido-structure-universe/

As defined in the lecture above:

合気道は天地人和合の道と理なり。

“Aikido is the Way and Principle of harmonizing Heaven, Earth and Man.”

Who's the man? Well... it's Morihei Ueshiba himself - oneself, in other words:

"In Aiki, Yin and Yang move... within...this old man's body" - Morihei Ueshiba