I am really pleased to announce that the Genryukan Aikido dojo is moving to a new venue, the Clarendon & Westbury Community Centre. It is located in Belgrave Road, off Folkestone Road in Dover.
Training there will start from the 22nd February, and every Monday from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
I must thank Richard Scopes Sensei from Dover Bushido Judo Club who very kindly agreed to lend us their mats. This allows us to move sooner than we hoped for.
Also thanks to the Vista Leisure Centre that allowed us to get started at the first place.
Yesterday was the grand opening of Genryukan Aikido and it went pretty well!
It took place in the main hall of the Dover Leisure Centre (Dover, Kent). We were lucky to have an excellent turnout of about 25 people, shame that we had to chase the venue’s staff to get some mats put down!!! I guess you always have to expect some teething problems the first time, it’s just a shame when you are trying to be professional and your first lesson starts in a chaotic fashion.
Despite the noise, having less mats than expected and the high number of participants, we all had a lot of fun. Also, the beginners were very attentive and performed very well, which is very encouraging.
Big thanks go to Jim for helping out and take care of the more experienced members off the mat, while I was dealing with all the beginners on the mat.
Another big thank you goes to the members of Gowaryu Aikido and Katsujinken Aikido who came to support the new club, it made a hell of a difference. It also allowed us to give the new guys a demo of what Aikido is really about, and what they can expect to achieve, from ninindori, to fighting with/against weapon and various katas.
I’m now looking forward to next week and start teaching the new guys in earnest.
I’m opening a new aikido club is opening on Monday 22nd June with the help of Gowaryu & Katsujinken Aikido clubs.
The new club is called “Genryukan” Aikido, Genryukan meaning “Practical flow”.
We will be training every monday from 22nd June at Dover Leisure Centre.
Training sessions will be from 7:00pm until 9:00pm.
Our club is open to 14 year olds and over.
Beginners are welcome at any time, and the first lesson is free. Try before you buy!
The style of Aikido taught is principly ‘Tomiki’, though Traditional and Yoshinkan styles are also explored during the training sessions.All of the coaches are Nationally Qualified to teach Aikido and hold public liability insurance.
