The fundamental principle of aikido is to be so “in tune” with the opponent that one can sense his intentions and be able to take advantage of his movement. This principle has given aikido its name: ai means “to meet,” the character ki means “spirit or energy” and do means “the way” in the philosophical sense of Zen Buddhism.

The aikido school in Saga is the Nabeshima Yoshinkan Aikido School, near Nabeshima station, one stop west of Saga. The master, Ishi-sensei, is a great and welcoming person and makes efforts to speak English but expects a lot from his students in return. The class is given in Japanese and it is very important to learn the technical terminology to go along with the movements. You will have to buy your own gi (7000-10,000 yen, depending on size) and pay 5000 yen a month as a subscription fee. Classes are given every day of the week from 7-8:30 p.m. and in the morning on weekends. You can attend as many classes as you want once you’ve paid your monthly fee. I suggest you try to attend at least twice a week for any improvements. It’s hard to learn movements, the technical terminology and fight at the same time, but it is a fascinating Japanese martial art.

Directions to Nabeshima Yoshinkan Aikido School

From Nabeshima station, walk straight out of the small station, turn right at the first main street. Go straight on this road for about 10 minutes. You will cross a wide main road and you should find the school after a few blocks on your right. The sign is small and in Japanese; it’s on the second floor of a tatami maker’s shop. An alternative is to take a taxi and hope the driver knows where the Yoshinkan Aikido School is.

More information

• Visit the Yoshinkan Aikido website
• Read Dynamic Aikido by Gozo Shioda (ISBN4-7700-0578-4 in Japan), a good book with all the basic techniques and movements written by the Yoshikan founder himself