Pinetown Aikikai - Aikido Club

Aikido — The Art of Peace. This isn’t your average martial art. It’s fun, focused, and fueled by compassion rather than conflict. It’s about learning to stay calm under pressure and keeping your mental awareness in any circumstance. If you want a practice that builds your mind as much as your movement, come join us on the mat at Pinetown Aikikai. Your first lesson is free.

In aikido, we coordinate the body to move as one whole integrated unit. This way strength is not confined to a segmented appendage, instead, we source power from the ground with an alignment so energy can flow.
If we constantly rely on upper body strength during technique, we might be successful for decades but as we age strength will dissipate and whole body coordination becomes essential.
The qualitative change into whole body coordination is a counterintuitive skill.

Become aware of 3 external connections: the shoulder to the hip, the elbow to the knee, and the hand to the foot.
The shoulder/hip relation involve large joints in the upper and lower body. These drive movement.
The elbow/knee relation maintain the quality of body flow. We drop the elbows, we bend the knees.
The hand/foot relation directs the flow of this energy. Fingers lead with a ‘kokyuing’ hand expression.
These 3 points harmonize and coordinate for unified and cohesive movement in our expanded ‘sphere’.

Increase consciousness with an awareness to observe these specific connections.
Study to develop an understanding
of exactly how the whole integrated body moves.

G. Breeland, 6th dan

𝐀𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 [𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄]

In a recent interview with AZERNEWS, Emil Mammadov, Vice President of Aikido Aikikai Clubs, detailed how Aikido in Azerbaijan is evolving beyond martial practice into a tool for personal growth and mental well-being.

He explained how the meditative and flowing movements of Aikido help individuals, particularly PTSD sufferers, reconnect with their bodies, rebuild confidence, and restore balance.

Mammadov’s Aikido-Based Somatic Integration (ABSI) program adapts training for trauma survivors, war veterans, women, and people with disabilities, highlighting the art’s therapeutic potential.

Through the power of energy redirection and harmony, Aikido offers a method to manage stress, navigate conflict, and cultivate inner stability. This approach reflects the growing recognition of martial arts as a holistic path to healing.

For readers seeking further insights, the full report is available at AZERNEWS: https://www.azernews.az/sports/247486.html

Aikido Master reveals power to heal and transform [EXCLUSIVE] Aikido, the "art of peace," is a Japanese martial art where harmony and fluidity take precedence over force.

𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐨: 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡

The International Aikido Federation (IAF) has initiated the process of formal incorporation, marking a pivotal step towards global recognition. This move aims to enhance the art's international standing and operational transparency. Simultaneously, Aikido South Africa continues to thrive, with practitioners like Colin Beyers and Candice Dugmore representing the nation at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu. These developments signify a promising future for Aikido both locally and globally.