Club History

 
The club was founded in 1979 by Sensei Paul Preece then a 4th dan. He began aikido in Birmingham aged 22 under Ralph Reynolds instruction. Before starting aikido, Sensei Preece had practised both judo and karate for many years.
Our club has a direct link with the first aikido practised in the UK. In 1956 Kenshiro Abbe was sent by Morihei Ueshiba to teach aikido to a judo club in London. Amongst the first group to eventually receive their black belts was Ralph Reynolds, who returned to Birmingham to spread aikido.
Graiseley aikido club prides itself on its success over the years. Many students have achieved black belt status, and such is the friendly atmosphere that these high-grade students tend to stay.
Philosophy 
​​Graiseley Aikido Club is run for the benefit of all it's members. No official or instructor is paid, thereby keeping weekly fees to a minimum. The atmosphere is friendly and all higher grades, not just instructors, happily give their time to help and encourage beginners and improvers.
We feel, as did Kisshomaru Ueshiba the son of the founder of Aikido, that many styles and clubs have moved too far away from what O'Sensei taught. We call our style Ueshiba Aikido and try to stay true to the original Aikido as represented by such masters as Goza Shioda and the founder's son Kisshomaru and grandson Moriteru. That is, although Aikido is wholly defensive and naturally graceful, nevertheless, it should not just be an art form but must be effective if called upon.

What we train & teach our students 

Empty-Hand  
​(Taijutsu)

Learn how to defend or deflect against empty hand attacks against single opponents or multiple attackers (randori) or with weapons attacks such as grabs, kicks, punches, incorporating pinning locks and immobilization and projection techniques.  

Weapons Training
​(Aiki-ken & Aiki-Jo) 

Iwama style weapons includes the combined study (riai) of traditional japanese weapons (bukiwaza), specifically Aiki-jo (staff) and Aiki-Ken (sword), and of empty-handed Aikido (taijutsu),both accompanied by Kiai.

Self Defence 
​

We also practice and train in using various self-defence techniques blending Aikido  with some modernization while still keeping with same principles and traditional techniques of Aikido for defence on the street.