About Aikido

Morihei Ueshiba, Osensei of Aikido.

Morihei Ueshiba, Osensei of Aikido.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century, focusing on harmony and redirecting an opponent's energy. After the Founder's passing, his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba became Doshu. Today, it is Moriteru Ueshiba, the grandson of O'Sensei, who is the current Doshu.

​Hombu Dojo, situated in Tokyo, Japan, is the main headquarters for Aikido. To read more about the history of Aikido, including activities at Hombu Dojo, please click the link below.

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What is Aikido? | Aikikai Foundation

Moriteru Ueshiba current Doshu of Aikido.

 
 
“The foundation of AIKI is love. It is the embodying spirit of the heaven and earth in one’s heart, and the maintaining the great spirit of loving embrace for all, in order to fulfill one’s mission, that ought to be the way of the martial art.

AIKI is to win over the self. This does not mean to forfeit the will to fight in the face of the enemy, but to gain absolute self-completion through the removal of all enemies. This is the Way of AIKI.

Furthermore, AIKI is a martial technique in which the law of the universe is taken into the body, in order to attain the higher realm by uniting one’s soul and body. This is the process of the Way of AIKI.”
— Ueshiba Osensei, translated by Inakoshi Kaoru Shihan.
 

About Sho-Bu-Kan

Founded in Cardiff in 1980, Sho-Bu-Kan is a dojo which follows the traditional Aikikai school of aikido. Sho-Bu-Kan is part of the British Aikido Federation (BAF), a national club which encompasses dozens of dojos across England and Wales. The BAF is a member of the International Aikido Federation, the global organisation which exclusively represents Aikikai worldwide.

Sho-Bu-Kan Dojo is home to Peter Gillard Sensei (Shihan, 7th dan). Gillard Sensei has been practicing aikido since 1966 and has close connections with several senior Japanese aikido instructors.

Kanazawa Takeshi Shihan and Peter Gillard Shihan, chief instructor of Sho-Bu-Kan.

  • CLUB INSTRUCTORS:

  • Allan Hagan (Shidoin, 6th Dan Aikikai Foundation)

  • Guy Needler (6th Dan Aikikai Foundation)

  • Russell Milton (Shidoin, 5th Dan Aikikai Foundation)

  • Ron Watts (5th Dan Aikikai Foundation)

  • John Stubbs (3rd Dan Aikikai Foundation)

  • Adrian Jenkins (3rd Dan Aikikai Foundation)

  • Charlotte Gamble (3rd Dan Aikikai Foundation)

  • SENIOR MEMBERS:

  • Hazel Dawson (1st Dan Aikikai Foundation)

  • Ian Breen (2nd Dan Aikikai Foundation)

  • Jason Beuschel (1st Dan Aikikai Foundation)


Peter Gillard Shihan with members of Sho-Bu-Kan at the Takeshi Yamashima Shihan course in Manchester 2023.


Shihan - senior instructor (the position of Shihan is appointed by the World Aikido Headquarters in the BAF). 

Shidoin - instructor (appointed by the BAF). 

Fukushidoin - assistant instructor (appointed by the BAF).

The above are teaching ranks recognised by the Hombu Dojo. Dan grades are legitimised by the Hombu Doshu. All club instructors hold coaching certificates in alignment with the UK Coaching Council.

Aikido a martial art for everyone

At Cardiff Sho-Bu-Kan Aikido, we welcome all beginners of any fitness and ability level. As a beginner, feel free turn up to any of our classes, although you may wish to contact us via email or Facebook prior to your very first visit. Before you turn up, just keep the following in mind:

BAF Summer School 2025

  • Try and turn up a little earlier than the advertised start time. This is important, as we need to make sure you're properly insured before we start the class.

  • Bring something loose to wear. Any loose fitting clothes (e.g. T-shirt, tracksuit trousers) will do.

  • Please be aware that there is a dojo etiquette that we will help you with when you start. Don't worry, we're a friendly bunch and we'll guide you through it.

  • Be ready to have fun! Everyone in our club trains because they enjoy doing so. We hope that some of this will rub off on you!

  • Click this link for payment information Fees & Membership.

Young Adults

Young Adults aged 14 to 18 are welcome to practice on a Tuesday night at the Cyncoed Dojo. The class is from 7:45pm - 9:30pm and students are always supervised by qualified teachers.

The spaces are limited and we require a parent or guardian to be present during the class time.

Please contact us first so we can let you know if a space is available.

Sho-Bu-Kan and the British Aikido Federation acknowledges that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and is committed to prevent abuse and neglect through safeguarding the welfare of all adults and children involved.

For rurther information please follow the link to the BAF Safeguarding information page: SAFEGUARDING IN MARTIAL ARTS

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM #AIKIDOCARDIFFSHOBUKAN

Nice one Drew, some behind the scenes shots from Chester taken on a vintage Digital Camera (before autofocus was a thing) lol #cardiffshobukanaikido
A few shots of Shobukan Dojo members training at the British Aikido Federation Summer School 2025, thanks to everyone involved in the event. #cardiffshobukanaikido
Back to basics at our Cyncoed Dojo, we have a real world analogue “Notice Board” and will fill it with Aikido related information, posters and images for our members ❤️ P.S. the irony of sharing this on FB is not lost on us lol 😁 #card
Our Cyncoed Dojo is back open this week, Monday and Tuesday from 7:45pm. #cardiffshobukanaikido

FEES & MEMBERSHIP


BEGINNERS

  • Your first class costs £5 this gives you temporary insurance cover.

  • Insurance is a legal requirement to take part in any martial art. We offer a temporary insurance that covers a beginner for three classes in one month. You will be provided with a quick and easy form to fill out to get you started.

  • Payment can be by Bank Transfer in advance or you can bring cash on the day.

  • Contact us HERE to request Bank Transfer Details and for any more questions you may have.


Regular CLASS FEES

  • Classes cost £5.00 per session or £40.00 per month via standing order.

  • Young adults classes cost £3 per session.


Image Taken At The British Aikido Federation Annual International Summer School.

MEMBERSHIPS

  • British Aikido Federation annual membership (including insurance) costs £35.00 per year plus £10 for Cardiff Sho-Bu-Kan Aikido Club membership. Making a total of £45.

  • Membership of the BAF means you can take Gradings (exams) in Aikido.

  • British Aikido Federation children & young adults membership (including insurance) costs £15.00 per year plus £10 for Cardiff Sho-Bu-Kan Aikido Club membership. Making a total of £25.