OUR HISTORY

Chishin Dojo was formed in June 2007 and Hiroshi Ikeda sensei, 7th Dan Shihan of Boulder Aikikai kindly gave us our name. Ikeda sensei translated this as 'know one's self, one's heart; to (get to) know another persons' heart - to connect heart-to-heart.' In early 2016 we formed a new Aikido association in the UK called UK Aikido Shimbokukai.

The association organise a number of seminars and workshops throughout the year to give members a better understanding of Aikido and related arts. Many of these seminars are taught by highly regarded international teachers teachers and all UK Aikido Shimbokukai seminars and workshops are open to all students, no matter rank, affiliation or style.

The UK Aikido Shimbokukai, its dojo and members are part of Aikido Shimbokukai. The Aikido Shimbokukai is an association of instructors, dojo, and aikido practitioners whose common bond is the practice and development of Aikido. This group strives to bring people together for the exchange of experience and ideas through Aikido training and doesn't follow any one style or teacher, endeavoring to stay apolitical and broad-minded, and welcoming all who are interested in developing Aikido together. 

The Aikido Shimbokukai is an Officially Recognised Organisation by the Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) and the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo, Japan. We value our relationship with Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) and the Aikikai Foundation, and strive to support them as best as possible, through training and other activities.

The UK Aikido Shimbokukai are members of the British Aikido Board, the national governing body for Aikido in the UK.

OUR STYLE

Aikido has many styles and many forms – we might be classed as progressive – we are always looking for ways to improve and not just repeat what has gone before. Our dojo head directly follows the teaching and internal work of Hiroshi Ikeda sensei and has a very great interest in the analysis and study of internal strength and how it relates to Ueshiba's Aikido thanks to Mike Sigman. Both of these teachers keep stating that the other is essential to his continued growth in Aikido.

OUR GRADES

All of our grades and ranks are recognised by the Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) and the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo, Japan. We value our relationship with Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu Dojo) and the Aikikai Foundation, and strive to support them as best as possible, through training and other activities.