The Hyde Dojo originally started at the Hyde Lads Club in the early nineties. After the lads club closed we moved to several venues before finally settling at the Longdendale Recreation Centre where we practised for eighteen years until it closed in 2014.
We are now at The Ken Ward Centre, Hattersley.
We practice the traditional style of Aikido, as taught by Morihei Ueshiba or O Sensei. Barry Chapman is the Head Instructor at the club and is supported by instructors Jeff Warner, Scott Derbyshire and Andrew Hodgin.
We are an inclusive, family-friendly club, made up of male and female members from different ages and backgrounds. If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch through the contact page using the button below or email us at: contact@aikidomanchester.co.ukAikido is an approach to dealing with aggression and violence through positive and energetic training. it applies effective martial techniques in a very unique way – by using dynamic body movements, attacks are neutralised.
The skilled aikidoist is able to redirect the force of an attack safely and effectively. More significantly, aikido is designed to deal with several opponents, not just one.
Morihei Ueshiba created aikido in the early 20th Century. Known to his students as “O Sensei” (Great Teacher), he was a master of several martial arts and a deeply spiritual person. He reconciled these seemingly disparate disciplines by creating aikido, a martial way to help people develop their physical, mental and spiritual potential.
Founder of Hyde club and Lead Instuctor – Black Belt 6th Dan, BAB Coach Level 1
Barry started training in the martial arts in 1963, studying Wado Ryu Karate. In the early seventies he studied Tai Chi, first with Danny Connor and then Rose Li. He started his Aikido training in 1975.
He founded the Hyde club in 1990 and instructs regularly on Tuesday and Friday evening classes.
Barry was awarded his 6th Dan grade by Sensei Shane Riley of the White Rose Aikikai on 17th December 2016.
Of the many aspects there are in Aikido, the one thing that maintains and stimulates his interest in Aikido is that there is always something new to learn.
Contact: barry@aikidomanchester.co.uk
Instructor – Black Belt 4th Dan, BAB Coach Level 1
Jeff joined the Hyde club in 1994 after attending a 6 week beginners’ course. He enjoyed Aikido and the course so much that he has remained at the club ever since.
After gaining his Shodan in 2001, Jeff has taught regularly on Tuesday evening classes.
His favourite aspect of Aikido is the way the mind and body have to work together to try for the perfect techniques that elude us all.
Contact: jeff@aikidomanchester.co.uk
Instructor – Black Belt 4th Dan, BAB Coach Level 1
Andrew began practising Aikido in Nagoya, Japan in 1992. He spent 2 years under the instruction of Suzuki Sensei (6th Dan) at the Yama Dera Dojo in Nagoya and was fortunate enough to attend a course under the direction of Kishimaru Ueshiba.
On returning to the UK, in 1994, he found the Hyde club and has practised there since. He instructs regularly on Friday evening classes.
Andrew’s favourite aspect of Aikido is the principle of harmonisation with an opponent’s strike or grab, then to re-direct that force with dynamic effect.
Instructor – Black Belt 2nd Dan, BAB Coach Level 1
Scott joined the club in 1996 at Longendale Recreation Centre and became a coach in 2016
Contact: scott@aikidomanchester.co.uk
Tuesday 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Friday 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Generally, the class instructor (Sensei) will demonstrate a technique or movement, which the whole class will practice. You will then find a partner and taking turns you will practice the technique on each other. You will experience initiating an attack; performing a defensive movement against an attack and then a full counter technique to the attack. There will be a degree of physical contact with your partner, you will be taught controlling applications from grabbing and striking situations. Aikido techniques can include arm locking and throwing applications. During the course of a lesson you may also get to practice with wooden swords (bokken), spears (jyo) and knives (tanto).
Address:
Aikido Manchester, Hyde Dojo
The Ken Ward Centre
Hattersley Road West
Hyde
SK14 3NL
More than just a martial art, there are many ways in which Aikido can improve your way of life and general well-being:
Aikido helps to develop all-round physical fitness in a unique manner. Unlike many other sports, where specific muscle groups are targeted and trained to develop speed, mass or power, Aikido concentrates on moving the whole body in a coordinated and relaxed manner.
Because movement originates from the centre of the body, the power generated is extended naturally to the limbs in a more efficient way without putting excessive stress on joints.
The result is great flexibility, efficient muscle movement, high aerobic fitness, and a reduced risk of injury through over-training.
In order to be a successful aikidoka, the mind and body must become “one”. Aikido can teach you great self-awareness and control over your own body and how it moves in a three-dimensional space.
Mental relaxation is a key part of achieving focus and understanding how to react in a hostile situation. Aikido teaches the student to face conflict pro-actively and resolve attacks in a constructive manner.
The mindset achieved through long-term Aikido training can be applied to everyday life to resolve conflict through non-violent yet assertive means.
The great thing about Aikido training is that it can allow a well-trained Aikidoka to overcome someone who is physically bigger or stronger than themselves.
Aikido is used by many police forces world-wide and in institutions where non-violent but assertive action is required.
Taking the first step and joining is usually the hardest! If you’ve never practiced a martial art before, and want to know a bit more, why not read a current member’s account of his experience of when he first joined: Finding Aikido: A Beginner’s Tale by Len Holowko
Arrive for practice 15-20 minutes before the start time. This will allow time to prepare the dojo and for you to get changed.
Most beginners wear lose clothing (tracksuit or T-shirt and jog pants). Most people who have been practising for several weeks or months invest in an Judo/Aikido suit, known as a do-gi. A do-gi can be purchased on-line or at a sports shop. They can vary in price dependent upon the quality and weight of the fabric.
It is not critical to be able to lift heavyweights or run a marathon to practice Aikido. Fitness levels need to moderate as we encourage people to practice at their own pace and ability. It is, however, important that you let the class instructor (or Sensei) know if you have any specific medical conditions or medication requirements before you begin practicing.
The £40 yearly fee covers individual insurance against injury. Details of levels of cover are available on request. All instructors are covered by indemnity insurances.
Generally, the class instructor (Sensei) will demonstrate a technique or movement, which the whole class will practice. You will then find a partner and taking turns you will practice the technique on each other. You will experience initiating an attack; performing a defensive movement against an attack and then a full counter technique to the attack. There will be a degree of physical contact with your partner, you will be taught controlling applications from grabbing and striking situations. Aikido techniques can include arm locking and throwing applications. During the course of a lesson you may also get to practice with wooden swords (bokken), spears (jyo) and knives (tanto)
Any one of the five ‘black belt’ level instructors listed in the instructors section of this website. Each instructor will have a slightly different view on Aikido which will enhance your understanding of the Martial Art.
Generally a beginner will start with a red belt. After completing a grading (examination) you can progress to the next grade 6th kyu or white belt. After the successful completion of the next grading you will progress to 5th kyu or yellow belt. Then 4th kyu or orange belt, 3rd kyu green belt, 2nd kyu blue belt, 1st kyu brown belt then onto black belt or sho-dan.
Please refer to the grading syllabus section of this site and enjoy the clips in the Techniques section. For detailed information, please contact one of the instructors.
Generally, it takes about 5 years. Some people are quicker and others slower – it really depends on you, how much you practice, how well your mind and body adapts and how well you understand Aikido techniques and principles
Aikido Manchester acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and BAB requirements.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, all children:
Aikido Manchester acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
As part of our safeguarding policy Aikido Manchester will:
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved in Aikido Manchester. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
If you have any concerns about abuse or poor practice, please contact Barry Chapman at barry@aikidomanchester.co.uk, or contact the BAB Lead Safeguarding Officer on 01271 343952 or email sueward.cpo@gmail.com
Yokomen Shiho Nage
Course gradings are carried out periodically throughout the year. Click on the pictures below to see more details of the syllabus for your next Kyu grading
5th Kyu (Yellow)
Techniques that you need to learn and demonstrate:
To be eiligible to grade you must have practised in excess of 60 hours
4th Kyu (Orange)
Techniques that you need to learn and demonstrate:
To be eiligible to grade you must have practised in excess of 80 hours since your previous grading
3rd Kyu (Green)
Techniques that you need to learn and demonstrate:
To be eiligible to grade you must have practised in excess of 100 hours since your previous grading
2nd Kyu (Blue)
Techniques that you need to learn and demonstrate:
To be eiligible to grade you must have practised in excess of 150 hours since your previous grading
1st Kyu (Brown)
Techniques that you need to learn and demonstrate:
* 5 different techniques from 5 different attacks
To be eiligible to grade you must have practised in excess of 200 hours since your previous grading
At Aikido Manchester, we offer courses to suit beginners, improvers and experienced aIkido practitioners alike. Course dates and venues will be announced on our news page and training calendar well in advance. If you’d like more information, please email contact@aikidomanchester.co.uk
We welcome beginners at any stage during the year. Our comprehensive 6-week teaching program covers the fundamental principles of Aikido and allows students to learn in a structured and safe manner.
For those who have completed the beginner’s 6-week course and want to develop their knowledge and skills further. Lasting 8-weeks, the course covers more advanced techniques and principles
This course is aimed at more experienced aikidoka who wish to prepare themselves for black-belt grading. A “Yudansha” is literally a person who posesses a “dan” (black-belt level). For more information, please contact us.
Sensei Shane Riley is an experienced Aikidoka who is lead instructor of the White Rose Aikikai, a series of dojos based in Yorkshire. With over 30 years’ experience, we are fortunate to have him occasionally lead short courses at our dojo. More details about his next visit will be posted on our news page and training calendar.
Courses, Information and Events
March 2017
Visit to Sensei Sam Wilson Dojo - 26th March 2017Visit to Sensei Sam Wilson Dojo in Stockport. Futher details at Stockport Aikido
March 2017
Riley Sensei Visit - 2nd March 2017All are welcome to come and train. 19:30 to 21:00 Please be ready in the Dojo by 19:20. There will be a mat fee of £5 for visiting Aikidoka.
December 2016
Sensei Barry Chapman - 17th December 2016Sensei Barry Chapman is awarded 6th Dan
Grading for students at Hyde Dojo
November 2016
Riley Sensei Visit - 8th November 2016All are welcome to come and train. 20:00 to 21:30 Please be ready in the Dojo by 19:50. There will be a mat fee of £5 for visiting Aikidoka.
October 2015
Hyde Dojo and White Rose AikikaiI am very pleased to announce that the The Hyde Dojo is now a member of the White Rose Aikikai under the direction of Riley Sensei Shihan, 7th Dan Aikido. Further information about the White Rose can be found at: whiteroseaikido.com
3I remember the first time I walked through the doors of the dojo, I was very nervous. I was, however, instantly made to feel at ease and welcomed by the clubs instructors and students.
The instructors at the Hyde dojo are diligent, selfless and devoted to helping their students to learn and improve. In addition to this, all higher grade students are always prepared to take the time to explain and demonstrate the techniques to develop my understanding.
It was encouraging to be taught in a safe and controlled manner. The instructors were careful to explain where the dangerous parts of the techniques were and how best to prevent injuries to myself and fellow training partner. Macho ego tripping is certainly not tolerated when training at the Hyde dojo.
Attending the club every Tuesday and Friday has now become part of my weekly routine. I enjoy practising regularly with like- minded people in an encouraging environment. Training helps me to release the stresses of modern life. I feel that Aikido is improving my fitness and nurturing my inner well-being and harmony
I recently took my first grading at the club after 6 months of training. I had to learn a lot of new things that tested both my mind and body. I must say it was quite a challenge. I was really pleased when the Sensei (teacher) said I had passed and I had done really well. I now have a new challenge moving on to the next grade
So if you wish to learn a martial art, have fun and pick up some good values along the way, I would strongly recommend Aikido Manchester, the Hyde dojo.
During a family BBQ in June 2011 and after a few shandies, my wife and I were reminiscing. We asked each other if there was anything in our lives that we would have done differently. I said ‘I wished that I had done some martial arts training’. The response was instant laughter, which got my back up. In a fit of pique I said that I was going to look for a club to join, to which my wife asked “what martial art are you going to do then?” whilst sniggering. I said Aikido, as I have always admired the art of the Samurai and Japanese culture, and promptly went to my laptop to search for a local dojo. I was secretly hoping that there wasn’t one, whilst trying to save face with my wife. I googled for Aikido clubs in the Manchester area. Aikido Seishin Kai was at the top of the page so I sent a message in the contact page asking if it was too late for an overweight 52-year-old to start Aikido. Within half an hour I received a reply saying, as long as I was reasonably fit then I would be made welcome. Still trying to save face, I said to my wife I was going to go to the next lesson.
Please get in touch
Hyde, Manchester
Phone: 0161 366 5545
Email: contact@aikidomanchester.co.uk