Katsu Jin Ken Aikido Ryu was formed in October 2004 by Mark Hayes-Watkins 4th Dan KUBK 3rd Dan ZETAR, 1st Dan Daito Ryu, 1st Dan Iaido member of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai and Nick Bailey 3rd Dan KUBK 2nd Dan ZETAR. We have a sister club in Ashford run by Jim Dempster Sensei, Gowaryu Aikdo
Our aim is to follow the ideas passed down from Sokako Takeda's Daito Ryu through to Morihei Ueshiba and Ken
ji Tomiki an 8th Dan Judo player and 9th Dan in Aikido. Through years of study and travelling to seminars and courses, we found a system of Aikido that we felt was a true representation of what Mr Tomiki had envisaged. Under the guidance of the Nick Lowry Windsong Dojo KUBK and Shaun Hoddy ZETAR, we follow a system that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of whether you are 9 years old or 90 years old. We practice, kihon drills (basic steps) to build a good understanding of the basics.We can then progress to a series of kata as well as the practice of randori (although, unlike common Tomiki-ryu schools, the Katsujinken Aikido's approach pursues a non-competitive form of randori). We also teach Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu as there is such a close connection. Which can be seen in the various Koryu Kata's and self -defence applications of our syllabus. At present we have a fairly diverse level of ability ranging from beginner to Dan level. All of the coaches are Nationally Qualified to teach Aikido and hold public liability insurance.
