Welcome to the White Oak Aikido Dojo in Reading, Berkshire UK. We run a special Aikido Foundations Scheme to provide beginners (aged 18+) with a structured introduction to this exciting martial art. You're always welcome to come and watch one of our Aikido sessions and talk to us before your first actual training session which is free, so you have a good opportunity to see if you will enjoy Aikido, whether it is the martial art for you and whether you like the club before committing to anything. Experienced Aikido practitioners can also join or visit us (please have your British Aikido Board insurance certificate with you). We also run an Aikido club at Reading University, which operates during term times offering Aikido training for Reading University students and staff.

What is Aikido?

Benefits of Aikido

Aikido is a martial art in which fitness, suppleness, good posture and co-ordination are all developed through practice. Aikido teaches the efficient use of the body to maximise its power, which is why many people who have trained in Aikido over a period of years are able to continue into old age. Self confidence grows as we train in Aikido and, as co-ordination and balance improve, we reconnect to being present in our bodies and to occupying our personal space. Aikido teaches us to identify our boundaries and gives us the skills to defend them. As we gain confidence in our Aikido abilities, we can move away from adrenaline fuelled 'flight or fight' reactions and instead choose to respond in a manner appropriate to the situation. The same Aikido approach can be extended to non-physical conflicts and confrontations.

Modern living tends to make us wary of physical contact. Aikido teaches us to work in close contact with another person in scenarios where physical contact is at its most threatening. The contact between an attacker and a defender in an Aikido technique is similar to the contact in many forms of bodywork - firm enough to guide but without imposing or forcing. Aikido is a dynamic, expansive, moving martial art. Aikido gives us the opportunity to express ourselves freely through movement. The absence of tension and resistance helps to release the ingrained constraints on our bodies and our movement, that give rise to frustrations, energy blockages and illnesses. Aikido teaches us to face our fears of confrontation and to learn a new way of resolving conflict. Through body movement and the development of Ki, Aikido aims to harmonise an individual's body, mind and spirit, whilst they are learning to move in harmony with another human being both in performing and receiving Aikido techniques. Aikido develops physical relaxation, mental calmness and awareness in order to be able to respond freely to what occurs. Regular training in Aikido helps practitioners to become centred and grounded and thereby better able to deal with the stresses of daily life.

White Oak Aikido - Reading, Berkshire

The White Oak Aikido Dojo (Reading, Berkshire) is a member of the Institute of Aikido, which was established in 1973 and is a founder member of the British Aikido Board (BAB), which is recognised by Sport England as the governing body for the martial art of Aikido in Great Britain. White Oak Aikido was founded in 1991 based at the YMCA, Parkside Road, Reading Berkshire, and carries on an Aikido tradition in Reading which was first established in 1969 at our sister Aikido club at Reading University.