AIKIDO SOUTH AFRICA

What is Aikido?

Aikido is not a sport and very different from any martial art you might know. Where many other martial arts focus on the application of direct and forceful energy to injure, subdue or protect against an attacker, the focus of Aikido is to blend with the force of the attacker - never to confront it directly or clash with it. Aikido is primarily a self defence martial art and has as one of its philosophical pillars the notion of being in harmony with your attacker rather than being in conflict with them. Aikido is most effective, especially against opponents who are superior in size and strength.

The concept of no-competition, harmony and discipline -

Tournaments in Aikido are non-existent. Instead the clear presentation of the techniques, presence and calmness of bearing becomes the criteria for promotion. In addition, consideration is given to the student's character and attitude as well as their seriousness and diligence in practice. It helps practitioners to deal with difficult situations in a non-violent manner. They are taught not to clash or become tense when they encounter conflict, but to relax and redirect the negative situation. Over a period of time one start to realise that no matter how strong or how much resistance you are confronted with, your techniques will still be effective. In fact, the more resistance, the easier and more devastating the technique.

Benefits of Aikido -

Aikido attracts athletes of all persuasions who have found it a method for improving their coordination, reflexes, timing, and general physical well-being. Apart from the self defence aspect, further benefits include body coordination, flexibility, general physical well-being and stress-relief for men, women and children.

Children in Aikido -

During classes, children work with one another in a non-competitive, safe and cooperative atmosphere to refine their movements and develop self-confidence. Making tiny champions is not our goal or purpose. We work to develop children and young people who can think for themselves and practice patience and perseverance.

The nine main life skills taught to children in AIKIDO SOUTH AFRICA are:

Kindness,
Teamwork,
Coordination,
Patience,
Self Discipline,
Memory,
Respect,
Balance,
Fitness.

Is Aikido for me?

Aikido further lends itself to adapt to the skill level, age, ability and limitations of the practitioner without any competition - you will find the only one you are competing with is yourself, and even that dissipates over your years of training.

So if you are a women or house wife interested in self defense, a police mansearching for an acceptable way of exerting appropriate force in the line of duty, a martial artist searching to enhance his current art through aikido, or someone interested in acquiring an effective self defense skill whilst improving general health, flexibility/coordination and enhancing your weight loss - then Aikido is for you!!

Quality of Aikido and The Chief Instructor -

AIKIDO SOUTH AFRICA(r) is a national organisation, founded in 2009 by Sensei Elroy Goliath Sensei (4th Dan) under the technical guidance of Aikikai Hombu Shihan Yoji Fujimoto (8th Dan). ASA is officially sanctioned by the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan for the teaching of aikido in South Africa.

Sensei Elroy Goliath Sensei (Chairman and Chief Instructor of AIKIDO SOUTH AFRICA) is a local resident from the Western Cape. He has been a student of Aikido for 20 years. He tested for his 3rd Dan and 4th Dan examinations with Fujimoto Shihan in Europe during the respective 10-day seniors training camps in 2008 and 2011. He is the first and only South African ever to be awarded these Dan grades directly from an 8th Dan Japanese Shihan under international examination conditions. This unique style and quality of Aikido is available at all ASA affiliated dojo's.

Dojo Locations

Western Cape dojo's in Durbanville, Worcester, Paarl and Kraaifontein. For other provinces, please visit www.aikidosa.co.za