Stratford Phoenix Aikido

05/02/2026

We have had lots of views recently, so please get in touch about joining us !

Beginners - and others! - are always welcome!
🙇‍♂️

19/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DmCueopoN/

The Ensō (円相) is a single brushstroke circle from Zen tradition — simple, imperfect, alive. Painted in one breath, it captures the state of the mind in the present moment. It represents emptiness, not as nothingness, but as limitless potential, openness, and freedom from ego. The circle has no beginning and no end, reminding us of unity, harmony, and continuous movement. Its natural imperfections express wabi-sabi — the beauty of what is human and real. In Aikido, the Ensō mirrors circular motion, centered presence, and blending rather than resistance. A silent teacher inviting us to return to balance, breath, and awareness.

Link here https://amzn.to/3NpEo1v

#円相 #禅 #書道アート #日本文化 #和の心 #侘寂 #武道 #合気道 #精神性 #瞑想

02/01/2026

It's 2026!
Time to get up and get out!
Time to find what aikido is and does for you!
Time to take your shoes off and get on the mat!
Time to visit SPA!

Beginner and return taster sessions start Monday 5 January so get in touch to find out what SPA can do for you!

Contact us online/ email/text, and we can chat. Look forward to seeing you soon.

Ric Costigan
Principal SPA 🙇‍♂️

31/12/2025

Wishing each and every one of my aiki friends a very happy a peaceful New Year!
Interspersed with some spirited and enlightening practice!
🙇‍♂️🙏

24/12/2025

Wishing all of SPA members and friends, a very Merry Christmas and to extend an invitation to those of you who follow our page - and indeed those who don't - to take the first small step and join us in the New Year.

It promises to be an uplifting experience!!

We're back on Monday 5 January 2026
🙇‍♂️🎅🎄

18/12/2025

2025/26

As we come to the end of this year, I would like to thank all for being part of, and contributing to, SPA!

Our last class will be this coming Monday 22 December, at which the Dan grades will show their favourite techniques 😄, everyone is welcome, before we head to The Town House.
🌲🌲🥂🎄🎄

We return to practice on Monday 5 January 2026. New members are very welcome to see what SPA has to offer!
Have a fantastic time over the Festive Season no matter what you're up to!

Ric 🙇‍♂️

10/10/2025

A certain swordsman in his declining years said the following:

In one’s life, there are levels in the pursuit of study. In the lowest level, a person studies but nothing comes of it, and he feels that both he and the others are unskilful. At this point he is worthless.

In the middle level, he is still useless but is aware of his own insufficiencies and can also see the insufficiencies of others.
In a higher level he has pride concerning his own ability, rejoices in praise from others, and laments the lack of ability in his fellows. This man has worth. In the highest level, a man has the look of knowing nothing.

These are the levels in general. But there is one transcending level, and this is the most excellent of all.

This person is aware of the endlessness of entering deeply into a certain Way* and never thinks of himself as having finished. He truly knows his own insufficiencies and never in his whole life thinks that he has succeeded.

He has no thoughts of pride but, with self-abasement, knows the Way to the end.

It is said that Master Yagyu** once remarked,
“I do not know the way to defeat others, but the way to defeat myself.”

Throughout your life, advance daily, becoming more skilful than yesterday, more skilful than today. This is never-ending.

This is an extract from :
‘Hagakure’ – ‘Hidden by the Leaves’
From the 1st Chapter page 26 of this volume.
The Book of the Samurai written by Yamamoto Tsunetomo in 1716.

*Way: Do can mean either a discipline, as in Kendo, ‘the Way of the Sword’, or the universal way of Taoism or Buddhism. There is often no clear distinction between the two, the idea being that the greater can be reached through the lesser.

**Yagyu Tajima no kami Munenori (1571-1646): Founder of the Yagyu school of swordsmanship, the official school of the Tokugawa shogunate.

29/09/2025

First Dan gradings since 2022!
A very special one.
Congratulations to Mindaugas Petrulis, Charlie Taylor-smith and Kevin Gill who were awarded 1st Dan.
Well done to Charlie Reid now a 4th Dan.
Very special 6th Dan gradings awarded to Grev Cooke, Brian Kennedy and Ric Costigan.
These were sanctioned by Mr Tony Thielemans on behalf of the Royal school of martial arts Yama-Arashi and awarded by me yesterday congratulations to all.
A very special day 😃

01/07/2025

☀️Boy, was it hot last night!☀️

Big shout out to all of you that trained despite the conditions! I tried to keep the lesson low-key, in order to limit the amount if energetic activity, but even so, it was still exceptionally hot and sweaty!!

Thanks also to our two visitors, Eugene and Tom, who both entered into the techniques at their respective levels, and did well. Hope to see you both again.

It's the first week of July, and so, don't forget the Phoenix on Thursday.

Ric.

14/05/2025

In memory 🧡

02/05/2025

Btw, it's s Bank Holiday this coming Monday, so no class that night, 5 May.
Back next week as usual. Come over and join in!

08/02/2025