Aikido Alive London

General information

Aikido in a living relationship, traditional yet modern, Aikido Alive London meet the needs of our body and mind, soul and spirit, in an integral and evolutionary context, blending the art of Aikido with yoga, meditation and spiritual self-inquiry with a directed and open dialogue. A non-violent and non-competitive Japanese martial art, Aikido points to a non-dualistic relationship where conflict ceases and creativity comes alive.

As a spiritual discipline, Aikido serves to awaken a larger sense of self, incorporating all facets of our human experience in one holistic perspective. Self-knowledge and expanded awareness, together with an open heart, brings about a communal understanding with a shared aim, purpose and goal. Aikido Alive London motivates each participant to progress in their own pace towards greater freedom and understanding.

Aikido Alive London's head teacher and director Bjorn Saw Sensei, 5 dan Aikikai, have one of the longest experiences of traditional Iwama Takemusu Aikido in the UK, having begun his Aikido training in 1974 for Saito Sensei's then representative in Europe, Takeji Tomita Shihan (7 dan) at Takemusu Aikido Scandinavia in Stockholm, Sweden. Bjorn Sensei then spent two and half years training under the late Morihiro Saito Shihan (9 dan) in Iwama, Japan, between 1987 and 1993.

Aikido Alive London was founded in September 2002 in the RFH Recreation Club in Hampstead NW3 London. Member of the United Kingdom Aikikai with links and affiliation to Aikikai Hombu dojo, the world headquarters of Aikido in Tokyo, Japan.