NORFOLK AND NORWICH SHIN-GI-TAI YODOKAN DOJO

Aikido and Budo Japanese Martial Arts School in Norwich + and East Anglia area

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In Aikido (martial arts) how do you get your 'ki'?

Aikido is a martial art which focuses on the use of ‘ki’, or spiritual energy. To access one’s ‘ki’, practitioners need to learn how to sense and move with the energy around them. This is done through breathing exercises, physical movements, and meditation. Each of these practices helps to build an awareness of the energy in the environment, and also to cultivate the inner energy within oneself. By combining these practices, one can learn to use their ‘ki’ to defend themselves, move with grace, and to find balance in their lives. With dedicated practice and patience, any martial artist can learn to master the use of their ‘ki’.

Can you use Aikido aggressively and very effectively in a fight?

Aikido is a Japanese martial art which focuses on defending and redirecting an attacker's energy, rather than attacking. In a fight, Aikido can be used aggressively and effectively, by using simple techniques such as joint locks and throws. Rather than using the attacker's force against them, Aikido practitioners use their own energy to control the situation. The key to using Aikido aggressively is to maintain control and remain calm, so that the practitioner can sense the attacker's movements and respond accordingly. With proper training, Aikido can be used to effectively and safely control a fight.

Does Judo complement Aikido and vice versa?

Judo and Aikido are two martial arts which have both similarities and differences. Judo consists of a wide range of throws, joint locks and pins, while Aikido focuses on redirecting an attacker’s energy and using their force against them. Although they are different in their approach, they are complementary and can be used together in the same way as a complete system of self-defence. Practising both arts at the same time can help to build a more complete self-defence strategy and give a practitioner a greater understanding of body movement. The two martial arts are not mutually exclusive and can be used together to create a powerful self-defence system.

How to practice Iaido without a sensei?

Iaido is a martial art which focuses on the use of a sword. Practicing without a sensei can be done, although it is not as effective as having one. Learning the basics and understanding the core principles is the first step. Next, practice forms and techniques in order to get accustomed to the motions, stance and timing. Videos and literature can be helpful in learning the basics and can provide additional guidance. Finally, it is important to be mindful of safety and etiquette, even when practicing without a sensei.

How similar are Taichi and Aikido?

Taichi and Aikido are two forms of martial arts that share a common origin and many common principles. Both arts rely on relaxation, body awareness, and the channeling of energy to generate power. Taichi is characterized by slow, circular motions and is often practiced as a form of meditation. Aikido focuses on developing control and balance, and deals with redirecting an opponent's energy in order to neutralize the attack. Despite having many similarities, the two arts are distinct in many ways, most notably in their approach to self-defense. While Taichi emphasizes a more defensive strategy, Aikido encourages more active defense, as well as offense.

A warm welcome from Steve Fyffe Sensei, 4th Dan (Yondan) D.N.B.K. Int.  (Dai Nippon Butoku Kai International) and Catherine Eveleigh Sensei, 1st Dan (Shodan)

Steve's Telephone Number if you wish to contact him is: (01603) 401846
Please use the link below or see the Contact Details page for both Steve and Catherine's email addresses

Please check the Dojo Noticeboard for events, class cancellations and other news

We do not hold separate children's classes. We allow children in the main classes if they are accompanied by a parent. We have applied for DBS clearance and are intending to allow children of age 14 and over to train unaccompanied

IMPORTANT DOJO INFORMATION:

Monday Practices at Norman Centre, Mile Cross

Monday evenings 7:30pm to 9:30 pm at the Activity Hub of the Norman Centre

• The Norman Centre is signposted from Bignold Road, the Centre has car parking including several disabled spaces
• The Dojo can be found in the newly refurbished Activity Hub. Enter the Norman Centre at the Main Entrance and follow the signposts to Activity Hub and/or Table Tennis hall)
• If in any doubt, please ask at the reception desk, where the staff will help you.
• Changing rooms with showers are available, including a disabled toilet and shower.
• It is advisable to arrive early to help put mats out and deal with registration before class start time.

Friday Practice at Sewell Park Sports Centre, Norwich


Main training session from 7:30pm to 9:15pm - 9:30 pm (according to the type of Training) 

The Dojo is also available from 6.30pm for additional training for those who would like to use that time for:

• Iaido, Aiki-weapons, Aiki-Cane (Self-Defence using a walking stick),
• Kiatsu (Shiatsu) Massage 
• A time of peace, meditation before the main training session.  
• Time with Sensei dealing with any problems, questions or other issues.

• The Dojo can be found in the school gym, at the end of the corridor opposite the reception desk.
• If in any doubt, please ask at the reception desk, where I am sure that one of the staff will help you.
• Changing rooms with showers are available. It is advisable to arrive early to help put mats out and deal with registration before class start time.

Cost of Training and Attendance

Insurance and Membership

• Fill in a membership application form including contact details, ailments and emergency contact numbers
• Pay £5 for indemnity insurance covering three introductory sessions

• Pay for membership for the rest of the year (as detailed below)
• Be given an insurance slip

We are now members of Aikido for Daily Life

Aikido for Daily Life (ADL) is what is says on the tin.  A group of like minded people who believe that Aikido is much more than training a few hours a week.

The founder of Aikido wanted his arts to be lived not just studied.  He wanted people to live the way of Aiki.  I have studied the Martial Arts now for over 57 Years and I am just beginning to understand this concept.  It is never too late to learn, and it is my sincere belief that being part of this group can only be a good thing.  

We are pleased to announce that our membership application has been succesful  and we are now starting our first year involved with this group from March 2014,  Everything that involves running the Dojo will be done within the ADL structure yet we shall remain the dojo we originally set up.

All Insurance will be sorted as British Aikido Board (BAB) and there will be an opportunity for students to attend ADL courses

I look forward very much to being an active part of ADL and I know that the Dojo and Students will play their part as well.

Click here for the Aikido for Daily Life webpage to learn more!

The British Aikido Board (BAB) - The umbrella organisation for Aikido in the UK

We are now members of Aiki Extensions

For many years now at Seminaries, teaching at different Dojos and Where I teach and train in Norwich, I have always stated that "Aikido is much more than techniques".  In the modern times of Martial Arts Students and even so called Instructors seem to only talk and teach about Techniques. It has always been my belief that the way of Aiki (Do) the way or way and Aiki (Harmony of Ki) losely translated, should be applied to dailly life. On and off of the Mat. 

We are now part of Aiki Extensions an organization dedicated to disseminating and applying Aiki principles and methods outside the traditional martial arts training situation. Aiki is the core of Aikido. It is a practical philosophy of harmony and cooperative action. It consists of principles and methods of self-awareness, calmness under pressure, compassionate power, and respectful engagement with others.  AE members have applied Aiki principles in such areas as business, bodywork, psychotherapy, teaching, mediation, and sports. They have found that Aiki principles enhance their professional effectiveness and personal well being.

Click on here for the Aiki Extensions webpage to learn more

UK Aiki Extensions and Quentin Cooke's webpage

WE ARE NOW ON FACEBOOK  - You can find us under Norwich Aikido.  Become a friend and get all the latest information and news and much much more....!

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OUR INSTRUCTORS

Sensei Steve Fyffe

During the last few Years, Steve has shown much interest in the work and philosophy of Anno Sensei, after attending a seminar given by Linda Holliday from Aikido of Santa Cruz, California.  He has changed the whole style of Aikido to reflect the teachings of Anno Sensei, what he believes is the real Aikido that should be represented in our Dojo.

Catherine Eveleigh

What to expect in our Aikido Dojo

We usually start with a warm up session: this is so that the body can be gently stretched and that all muscles can be warmed up. The warm up will also consist of Aikido body movements and sometimes Ukemi (taking falls and techniques)

The training follows with a particular theme for all students to study. Later in the training the class is usually split in to 2 or 3 groups to study items related to the differing levels.

Just before the warm down period students who are ready and feel confident enough take a Randori session (free style against multiple attacks). This tests the students courage, body movements, distance, balance and timing etc.

Lastly we warm down gently and if time permits we have a time of meditation. 

As well as empty hand techniques (Tai Jitsu) weapons are used as tools to help show Aikido principles and for showing attack and defensive tactics. The weapon tools of Aikido are: the jo (4 foot staff), the bokken (wooden sword) and the tanto (wooden or rubber knife). The more advance students sometimes use a Cane (walking stick) for defence and to illustrate Aikido Principles. 

Care and respect must always be taken when training. Please refer to the Behaviour in the Dojo page for more information about how to behave in the Dojo. The purpose of Dojo behaviour and manners is not just for manners alone but for your own safety and the safety of all other students.

We are also a Yodokan Budo Dojo

Aikido is the main art that is studied. We do however study other related arts: including Ten Shin Ryu Iaido: under the direction of Mike Selvey (Shihan). Cane (walking stick) techniques are taught under the Dojo Cane Master Steve Fyffe Sensei as well as all other Arts covered under the term Budo. We regularly invite other senior Sensei and guest teachers throughout the year to enhance the knowledge of the Dojo.

Link to Shihan Mike Selvey's Tsunami Yodokan website: Tenshin Ryu Iaido and Budo

All the Yodokan Dojos thrives on their openness and honesty and offers all its students a highly experienced teaching and a friendly environment in which to train. For more information on Yodokan Kyushindo philosophy and teachings see the relevent pages.

Details can be obtained from the sensei, either by email or phone.

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We have now registered with the Fit2bfit website

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