Crawley Aikido Club

Our Story

Aikido is a Japanese martial art; a method of self-defence which can be used against any form of attack. At its highest levels, it is a discipline of coordination; a "way" of harmonising all of a person's vital powers. It is also an excellent way of keeping fit for both women and men.

Keijutsu is a variation of traditional Aikido. The founder of this style was Thomas H. Makiyama, who was born in Hawaii in 1928, and attained the rank of Eighth Dan in Yoshinkan Aikido under its founder, Gozo Shioda. (Gozo Shioda was a senior student of Morihei Ueshiba, who developed Yoshinkan Aikido as a “harder” variation of aikido).

Makiyama developed the Yoshinkan style further into what it now known as Keijutsukai Aikido, which may be translated as “Police Defence Techniques” - a specialised method of defensive tactics for law enforcement personnel. Keijutsu aikido emphasises rational and practical approaches, incorporating the Principle of Compatibility; Circular (marui) and Proper Operational Distance (maai). Movements and techniques are taught to flow naturally without force. It is an effective and practical art of self-defence.

The Makiyama style of Aikido is a highly technical and skilful martial art requiring a considerable amount of dedication and practice to achieve high levels of proficiency.

Kei means literally: admonish or command. The Keisatsu are the Japanese police.
Jutsu means art or technique.
Kai means association.