Leicester Aikikai
Martial Arts Clubs
Leicester Aikikai
2 Knighton Ln E, Leicester
# Leicester Aikikai
Leicester Aikikai is a traditional aikido dojo established in 2013, offering non-competitive martial arts training to practitioners of all ages and abilities in Leicester. Based at Aylestone Leisure Centre, the club teaches aikikai (traditional aikido), a martial art that emphasises using an opponent's strength and momentum against them rather than brute force.
The dojo serves a diverse community, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners, welcoming everyone into a friendly, inclusive training environment. Led by chief instructor Antonios Pavlakis (4th Dan), the club maintains full affiliation with United Kingdom Aikikai (UKA) and the Joint Aikikai Council (JAC), meaning all student gradings are recognised nationally and internationally. This accreditation ensures practitioners receive high-standard instruction aligned with traditional aikido principles established since the club's inception over a decade ago.
What distinguishes Leicester Aikikai is its commitment to accessibility and community. Rather than pursuing competition, the club focuses on personal development, discipline and martial technique. The organisation regularly hosts guest instructors from various aikido associations across the country, enriching the training experience and exposing students to diverse teaching styles. Classes operate weekly on Friday evenings, with flexible membership options catering to adults and under-18s. The club's longevity and growth demonstrate its reputation as a welcoming space where people genuinely develop their aikido practice within a supportive dojo culture.
Leicester Aikikai is a traditional aikido dojo established in 2013, offering non-competitive martial arts training to practitioners of all ages and abilities in Leicester. Based at Aylestone Leisure Centre, the club teaches aikikai (traditional aikido), a martial art that emphasises using an opponent's strength and momentum against them rather than brute force.
The dojo serves a diverse community, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners, welcoming everyone into a friendly, inclusive training environment. Led by chief instructor Antonios Pavlakis (4th Dan), the club maintains full affiliation with United Kingdom Aikikai (UKA) and the Joint Aikikai Council (JAC), meaning all student gradings are recognised nationally and internationally. This accreditation ensures practitioners receive high-standard instruction aligned with traditional aikido principles established since the club's inception over a decade ago.
What distinguishes Leicester Aikikai is its commitment to accessibility and community. Rather than pursuing competition, the club focuses on personal development, discipline and martial technique. The organisation regularly hosts guest instructors from various aikido associations across the country, enriching the training experience and exposing students to diverse teaching styles. Classes operate weekly on Friday evenings, with flexible membership options catering to adults and under-18s. The club's longevity and growth demonstrate its reputation as a welcoming space where people genuinely develop their aikido practice within a supportive dojo culture.
Services offered
Aikido training for beginners and advanced practitionersTraditional aikikai instructionBelt grading and certificationGuest instructor workshopsAdult classesYouth trainingInsurance-inclusive membershipInclusive martial arts training