Genryukan Aikido

Genryukan Aikido is 7!

7

It seems just like yesterday when we started with the support of Gowaryu Aikido, trying to get over the impostor syndrome and hope the club will take.

We’ve had a lot of students come and go. We had different venues, different associations and many guest instructors in various styles. All this allowed us all, instructors and students alike, to learn, evolve and grow in our aikido practice.

Our techniques and teaching methods may have change in time, but the constant through all the years have been a willingness to learn more and have fun whilst doing so.

I hope we will carry on for many more years with the same thirst for knowledge, open-mindedness and fun.

The success of the club is a collective effort, so I would like to take the opportunity to thank James Dempster, Phil Eyers, Tom Davey, Tony Dowling, Eoin Kerrigan, Paul Smith, and all of the other instructors & students that walked through the club door.

So if you come along next Saturday, there is a strong possibility that there will be cake…

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Testimonials

Robert Mustard I practice Yoshinkan Aikido but have had the pleasure of teaching in this dojo. Wonderful experience. Phil Eyers sensei is top notch and the students were enthusiastic, hard working and made me feel very welcome.

Joe Thambu – The Genryukan is a very well established and respected dojo. Phil Eyers Sensei is a very open and thoughtful teacher who continually strives to better himself. I see this dojo going from strength to strength.

Howard Popkin — Wonderful dojo with wonderful people. Great training, great atmosphere, and a genuine desire to learn and grow.

Patrick Hughes — I’ve been training at Genryukan Aikido for just under 4 years now. It’s without a doubt one of the best places to train Aikido in Kent. There’s always a friendly atmosphere and the instructors are awesome. If you’re just looking to pick up a martial art, or compliment your current martial art, Genryukan is a great place to start! Highly recommend.

Dave Larkins — Excellent dojo. Highly recommended !!

Mick Pratt — Whenever I’m down in Dover I love to drop in and train with the guys and gals. Great group of people, welcoming, friendly and open.

Mark Ball — I have trained at the Genryukan dojo in Dover for over 5 years now. The club tutors are extremely patient, supportive, and open-minded, who go out of their way to ensure you enjoy the learning experience and gain a deeper level of understanding. The club also hosts awesome seminars with top level teachers/practitioners and has a strong working relationship with the British Aikido Association.

Kieran Doble — Absolutely top notch dojo for people of all levels. Unfortunately, life has got in the way a bit with training for me but coming back and getting back on the mats is my top priority. Can’t rate this place high enough! The sensei are very encouraging and very knowledgeable.

Ben Forrest — You will be well looked after. This is a dojo run by people who care about their art and their students. If you prefer the Tomiki style of Aikido training but also want a wider insight into Aiki and an introduction to teachers from other related arts; go here.

Rich Hobbs — I don’t get across to Dover often, but recommend to anyone who lives in the area or if you’re a budoka passing through to drop in a train with these guys; friendly, warm and welcoming with quality training and instruction available – you cannot go wrong.

Cullen Tillotson — Like many, work commitments in London mean I can’t train often, but when I do train the brilliant, steady, calm leadership makes it always a joy to train.
The guys are good, know their stuff, are gentle with the newbies, but have all the skills you need to move up.

Lee Adams — Warm and welcoming instruction, great personalities.

Roy Atkins — Great club, amazing instructors.

Sam Wills — This is a first class Dojo, The Instructors are friendly. patient and have a diverse set of skills. Their focus is on high effect with minimum effort. I found they helped me massively at a point in my training where I a hit a wall in where I couldn’t disconnect from using muscle even unconsciously. This is the way to take your training whatever level you are. Come with an open mind and you will gain loads

Trevor Orman — Due to work commitments, I only get the opportunity to train with the guys at Dover now and again, but am always made to feel welcome. Great dojo atmosphere where all would be welcome, either to start their martial journey, or those already on their way. Must get down more often.

John Burn — Great Dojo and welcoming knowledgeable instructors.

Geoff Harris — An effective and friendly dojo, ideal for learning and developing a range of insightful Aiki techniques, good times…

Joe Reid — Very friendly bunch of people, able to cater to anyone’s ability level and experiences. One of the few places you can find yourself upside-down flying through the air with a smile on your face.

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Shoshin (Beginner’s Mind)

Shoshin

One of the most profound secrets of learning anything new is keeping what has been called a “Beginner’s Mind”.
What is Beginner’s Mind? Well part of it is described very well by the famous Zen story known as:

Empty Your Cup

A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.”

So to begin, we must all empty our cups of all the preconceived ideas, concepts, techniques and methods that prevent us from receiving the new. This seems like a simple thing to do, but can be quite difficult in practice. At first we think we are emptying our cups but as we drink from the new knowledge we detect residual tastes of the “old”. Sometimes this new mixture can be sweet, like adding honey to tea, but sometimes even a little residue can curdle the whole mix, like adding lemon juice to milk. We must not only empty our cups, but make sure we have a “clean receptacle” so we may taste the “true essence” of the new knowledge.

 

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Hassou Aikido

The Saltwood club now has an official name, logo and website!

Hassou Aikido

Hassou Aikido has been founded by Eoin Kerrigan and Phil Eyers.

Training is every wednesday, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm, and is open to anyone over the age of 16.

The venue is the “Lad’s Club” in Saltwood (Rectory Lane, Saltwood, Hythe, CT21 4PZ )

The first session is free, and any subsequent ones are £5.

A beginners course will start in November 2010, but everybody is welcome and encouraged to come.

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