KURAI WELWYN
Where beginners are always welcome.
If you are interested in Aikido specifically or just fitness or self defence we are here to train with.
Sensei John Bell is 5th Dan in Aikido and setup the Welwyn dojo in 2013, he teaches traditional Aikido with influences from the 'Iwama' style. Sensei Bell is supported by several Dan grades and has graded many students.
Sensei Bell began his martial arts journey with Judo in 1959 training under Sensei Len Crewe 3rd Dan, he then started Aikido in 1977 practising under the instruction of Sensei Bill McGovern, and trained with Roy Sheppard and Jeff Morgan.
Sensei Roy Sheppard and Sensei Jeff Morgan took over this dojo and it later it became the Kurai Aikido club. With Sensei Roy Sheppard as Chief Instructor and Sensei John Bell as Sempai, they developed Kurai into a thriving Aikido Club. Sensei Sheppard, now 6th Dan in Aikido, continues to teach at the Aikido club in Yeading, while Sensei Bell runs the dojo in Welwyn.
Sensei Bell was promoted to 5th dan by Sensei Sheppard in 2007, and in 2009 received the London Federation of Sport and Recreation Silver Award for 20 years Voluntary Service to Sport.
Kurai Aikido Club is a member of the UK Shinwakai Association, and affiliated to the British Aikido Board (the national governing body).
WHAT IS AIKIDO
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of Jujutsu and Kenjutsu and other martial arts he studied. Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves without causing serious injury to the attacker.
Aikido is often translated as "the way of spirit and harmony".
Aikido training emphasizes the use of coordinated whole-body movement and balance, beginners start learing basic throws and pins, moving onto more advance techiques, freestyle defense against multiple opponents and weapons.
In conjunction with the physical training, mental training develops the ability to relax the mind and body even under the stress of dangerous situations, enabling the practitioner to perform the bold enter-and-blend movements that underlie aikido techniques, wherein an attack is met with confidence and directness. As a martial art concerned not only with fighting proficiency but with the betterment of daily life, this mental aspect is of key importance to aikido practitioners.
INSTRUCTORS
JOHN BELL
Sensei and Senior Instructor
Sensei John Bell, 5th Dan, is the Senior Instructor at the Kurai Aikido Club Welwyn Garden City Dojo.
Sensei Bell is also Sempai to the Kurai's home Dojo in Yeading.
FRANCO CAPUTO
2nd Dan, Assistant Instructor
Franco is a BAB registered level 1 coach.
COSTA COSTAKIS
2nd Dan, Assistant Instructor
Costa is a BAB registered level 1 coach and juniors coach.
RICHARD BERNHOLT
2nd Dan, Assistant Instructor
Richard is a BAB registered level 1 coach.
DOJOS
KURAI has three Dojos
LINKS
Aikido Governing Body's website
Our Partner Club's website
CONTACT US
St Mary Magdalene Church, Hollybush Lane,
Welwyn Garden City
AL7 4JS
07305 845 949
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