“What do I enjoy about Aikido? Everything!!! it’s a part of my life now. I’ve been doing it longer than I haven’t…which does seem like a long time. Why do I keep coming? I keep coming because as much as Aikido gets ragged on in the media I found that it is an incredibly effective self-defence form. The problem in the real world is people don’t know what they’re looking at. For example people think UFC is a fight but it’s not, it’s a sport. A fight comes in many way shapes of forms and unfortunately most modern martial arts can’t pay you for that because you have to have matches and gloves and referees. Whereas Aikido, it’s real! But it’s simulated and we are able to go through a formation of techniques whereas other martial arts card and that’s what I love about Aikido.”

“I’ve been training in Aikido for 12 + years and have never regretted a second of it. I’ve learned many self defensive techniques (some of which i’ve had to use in real life), as well maintained my mobility as i’ve grown older.”

“I have been training’s in aikido’s for approximately 7 years. I started taking one of my sons to the kids class when he was experiencing bullying at schools and Sensei Sharma suggested that I join in as both a bonding with my son and to just give it a go. I had been considering taking up aikido for a number of years but I just needed the incentive to start. The best advice I had was everyone had to take their first step on the mat so just give it a go and take that first step.”