Makotokan Aikido
Affiliated to Goryukai, Yoshinkan Aikido
About Makotokan |
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The Makotokan Aikido dojo was founded in 2004 at Sutton Martial Arts Centre by sensei’s Tony Hughes and Russell Salter. Although a relatively new club, the current instructors have almost 40 years Aikido experience between them. Both instructors are certificated coaches under the British Aikido Board with full insurance cover and are CRB checked . The sensei at Makotokan have had quite a varied past, training in various styles of Aikido and aiki jujutsu. However the Makotokan is committed to the teaching of Yoshinkan Aikido and are fortunate to receive guidance and instruction from Malcolm Crawford sensei, 6th Dan Yoshinkan chief instructor of Goryukai Yoshinkan Aikido to which we are affiliated. Our aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment in which to learn the dynamic and effective techniques of aikido. We are committed to the belief that aikido is for everyone, not just the physically gifted. Current members are from all walks of life and vary from beginners to experienced aikidoka. We are a small but friendly dojo and new members are always welcome as there are no specific beginners courses. Furthermore we extend an open invitation to any aikido and related arts practitioners to come and train with us.
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Sensei Crawford in Action
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Why Makoto?….. Makoto means truth and sincerity and was regarded as the highest virtue of the Samurai since all other virtues; honour, respect, loyalty etc. derive from this. Furthermore Makoto extends into righteousness imposing a moral obligation on the individual to do the right thing regardless of personal needs. Makoto includes truth to oneself, which ensures the retention of “beginners mind” and avoids egotism. Truth is also reality and the only reality is now, so makoto is also about living in the present moment. To perceive reality is be be enlightened or awakened as O'sensei was. O'sensei's gift to us is Aikido, a pathway to enlightened living through martial training. Aikido has at its core the principle of Makoto – a sincere and respectful approach to life. The Makotokan or “house of sincerity” exists to help in some small way those who choose this arduous path.
Apologies…enough philosophising! Apologies…enough philosophising! |
Sensei Hughes in Action |
