Aikido Takemusu kai - Bristol
Martial Arts Clubs
Aikido Takemusu kai - Bristol
Cato St, Bristol
# Aikido Takemusu Kai - Bristol
Aikido Takemusu Kai is a traditional Japanese martial arts dojo located in the Mivart Building on Cato Street, minutes from Stapleton Road station in Bristol. They teach Aikido, a non-aggressive martial art emphasising harmony, circular movements, and techniques that blend with attacking force rather than meeting it head-on.
The dojo serves both complete beginners and experienced martial artists, welcoming anyone interested in personal growth alongside practical self-defence skills. Training develops coordination, flexibility, fitness, confidence and natural strength, adapted to each student's individual effort and progress.
What distinguishes Aikido Takemusu Kai is their exceptional lineage and experience. The dojo has operated continuously since 1996 under the leadership of Richard J Simms sensei (8th dan), a student of Toshinobu Suzuki, who trained directly under Aikido's founder Morihei Ueshiba. This direct transmission of authentic Takemusu Aikido from Japan remains central to their teaching philosophy. Simms sensei brings decades of patient, passionate instruction, supported by experienced instructors Paul Lamdin (4th dan) and Peter Thompson (3rd dan), who collectively offer over 40 years of combined training experience.
The dojo provides an authentically Japanese training environment with proper tatami mats, housed within a creative community space. They foster a supportive, inclusive atmosphere alongside rigorous training, viewing Aikido as a continuous journey of self-discovery rather than merely a combat system. A complimentary first lesson removes barriers to joining.
Aikido Takemusu Kai is a traditional Japanese martial arts dojo located in the Mivart Building on Cato Street, minutes from Stapleton Road station in Bristol. They teach Aikido, a non-aggressive martial art emphasising harmony, circular movements, and techniques that blend with attacking force rather than meeting it head-on.
The dojo serves both complete beginners and experienced martial artists, welcoming anyone interested in personal growth alongside practical self-defence skills. Training develops coordination, flexibility, fitness, confidence and natural strength, adapted to each student's individual effort and progress.
What distinguishes Aikido Takemusu Kai is their exceptional lineage and experience. The dojo has operated continuously since 1996 under the leadership of Richard J Simms sensei (8th dan), a student of Toshinobu Suzuki, who trained directly under Aikido's founder Morihei Ueshiba. This direct transmission of authentic Takemusu Aikido from Japan remains central to their teaching philosophy. Simms sensei brings decades of patient, passionate instruction, supported by experienced instructors Paul Lamdin (4th dan) and Peter Thompson (3rd dan), who collectively offer over 40 years of combined training experience.
The dojo provides an authentically Japanese training environment with proper tatami mats, housed within a creative community space. They foster a supportive, inclusive atmosphere alongside rigorous training, viewing Aikido as a continuous journey of self-discovery rather than merely a combat system. A complimentary first lesson removes barriers to joining.
Services offered
Aikido classes for beginnersAikido classes for intermediate studentsAikido classes for advanced studentsPrivate instructionBelt grading preparationSelf-defence trainingAikido philosophy and meditationGroup classes