Crawley Aikido Club

Aikido is a Japanese martial art; a method of self-defence which can be used against any form of attack. At its highest levels, it is a discipline of coordination; a "way" of harmonising all of a person's vital powers. It is also an excellent way of keeping fit for both women and men. Keijutsu is a variation of traditional Aikido. The founder of this style was Thomas H. Makiyama, who was born in H

awaii in 1928, and attained the rank of Eighth Dan in Yoshinkan Aikido under its founder, Gozo Shioda. (Gozo Shioda was a senior student of Morihei Ueshiba, who developed Yoshinkan Aikido as a “harder” variation of aikido). Makiyama developed the Yoshinkan style further into what it now known as Keijutsukai Aikido, which may be translated as “Police Defence Techniques” - a specialised method of defensive tactics for law enforcement personnel. Keijutsu aikido emphasises rational and practical approaches, incorporating the Principle of Compatibility; Circular (marui) and Proper Operational Distance (maai). Movements and techniques are taught to flow naturally without force. It is an effective and practical art of self-defence. The Makiyama style of Aikido is a highly technical and skilful martial art requiring a considerable amount of dedication and practice to achieve high levels of proficiency. Kei means literally: admonish or command. The Keisatsu are the Japanese police. Jutsu means art or technique. Kai means association.