Welcome to the new website! Here you can find news, information for new members, a potted history of aikido, and more. If you want to know anything else about the martial art or about practising at Cardiff University Aikido get in touch!

So, what is aikido anyway?

The Japanese word ‘aikido’ can be variously translated, but means something like ‘the way of harmonious life-energy’.

It is nominally a grappling system of combat, but has at its core the notion of blending with an attack or opponent. In this way a conflict can be neutralised with the minimum amount of effort
Aikido training involves physical, mental, spiritual and ethical disciplines, combining gentle and therapeutic exercise with a powerful system of defence.

Every practitioner takes something different away from their experiences with aikido. Some gain most benefit from its meditative and yoga-esque qualities, whereas some favour the rigorous energy of a persistent multi-person attack. Some people come to the art due to its relationship to Japanese sword work, or to jujutsu, or judo. For yet others, aikido is a means to keep fit and maintain subtlety.

It includes empty hand techniques, sword, stick and knife defences and is unique among the martial arts.

New students are welcome at any time of the year.

Summer Training Times

• Thursday 7–9 pm (19:00–21:00)

All at the Talybont dojo, Llys Talybont, Cardiff. See our New Members page to find out more about joining or simply trying out our club.