Towcester Aikido

Towcester Aikido An Aikido training dojo based in Towcester, Northamptonshire. We practice traditional Iwama school Aikido.

Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art created in the 1920’s by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969). One translation of Aikido is “The Way of Harmony of Spirit”. Based on spherical movements by which an attackers aggressive force is turned against itself, Aikido uses energy from the opponent’s momentum to execute joint immobilisations and throws. Practices with bokken and jo (wooden training weapons) serve to assist in the understanding of techniques and their development. Since conception, Traditional Aikido has been non-competitive and is not founded on size or strength, but rather the “Ki” or energy from within. Towcester Aikido Club Established in 1973 by Sensei Mike Smith. In addition to unarmed practices, the club now utilises traditional japanese weapons as practised by Saito Sensei of the Iwama Dojo in Japan.

08/09/2026

A quick mash-up of taijutsu and ken kata detail work.

Two lessons stood out this week.1. Move the camera closer for group photos2. Take the pictures at the BEGINNING of the c...
07/08/2026

Two lessons stood out this week.

1. Move the camera closer for group photos
2. Take the pictures at the BEGINNING of the class to avoid the beetroot face.

31/07/2026

Morote Dori Ikkyo - Tori initiates the attack, Uke responds with a two-handed grab. And the rest is history! :)

Extension, hips as per.

04/07/2026

Congratulations to Speedy for receiving his 1st Kyu certificate at the end of this week's lesson. Speedy was awarded his brown belt by Shihan Tony Sargeant at last weekend's course.

Well deserved and perhaps we might see a hakama at some point.

Props to Andy, coming back early from the injury that may have ended his professional football career. Taking part in bi...
08/05/2026

Props to Andy, coming back early from the injury that may have ended his professional football career. Taking part in bit of the class yesterday but unable to show Sensei that he was turning on the ball of his big toe because of his big boot.

06/05/2026

Kumi Tachi, armed practice with a partner using the bokken (wooden sword) is about many things. Getting the distance right, timing, blending, entering, balance, intent.

Sometimes (or perhaps all the time) it's about working out how NOT to get stabbed.

Some MIGHT say that in order to not get stabbed, you need to focus on getting the distance right, timing, blending, entering, balance, intent.

If you would like to try and improve any of these things, we meet every Thursday. Your first two lessons are free, no equipment needed (dress in comfortable sports wear).

We promise not to stab you.

23/04/2026

Kokyu nage - breath throw. You don't grab the opponent when they attack, so there's no real technique to describe. It's just all in the breath... and the turning, and the hips and the transfer of weight and the extension. So there's not much to see, but there's lots to feel when you're practicing.

14/04/2026

Kotegaeshi - the wrist throw. But don't focus on just the wrist at the expense of tenkan (turning), posture, centring, extension. It's so easy to focus on twisting that wrist, and suddenly it's a strength competition.

We practice kihon, starting from a basic grab or strike. It helps get the basics in your bones. You also time get to check all of the above! 10,000 hours practice to master a subject? Possibly, but 10,000 of 'good' technique! 😄

Come down and give it a go. Every Thursday from 8pm. If you've never tried Aikido, come in comfortable exercise wear. The first two lessons are free. That way you get to see if you like us! Details in bio.

06/04/2026

Big toe to little toe, turn. Did you see the hip move? No blocking or fighting force with force. Step out of the way, blend with the movement, and guide them off balance.

If you’re curious about learning practical movement, balance, and control in a friendly environment, come down and give Aikido a try. Every Thursday - details in bio. First two lessons are free.

👣 Join us on the mat and experience it for yourself.

20/03/2026

An extension of tai no henko. We start every lesson with the basic version of this technique so it was good to see where it could lead. This was one of several techniques we did yesterday evening - all aimed at practising timing, blending and extension.

If you would like to learn timing, blending and extension, we start at 8:30pm every Thursday. Everyone welcome.

Address

5 Swinneyford Road
Towcester
NN126HD

Opening Hours

8pm - 10pm

Telephone

+447507771104

Website

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