Meishokan Aiki Dojo - Saffron Walden

Aikido

Aikido is a traditional, non-competitive, Japanese martial art, involving throwing and pinning techniques, the use of staff, wooden sword and knife, and the techniques of sword-drawing. Aikido study is totally committed to firm, sensitive contact with the partner, natural, flowing movements, and a vigorous, harmonious spirit. Aikido is equally suitable for men and women.

Partners learn specific techniques and general principles by taking turns to attack with a grasp or strike. Emphasis is placed on safe rolling and falling methods, so that partners can learn to receive techniques with energy and confidence. The Founder, Professor Morihei Ueshiba, developed Aikido in Japan in the early part of the 20th century. Classes at Meishokan pursue the insights and interpretations of Prof. T.K. Chiba, 8th Dan, a direct student of the Founder.

Dojo History

Aikido classes in Saffron Walden began on 7th October 1996, at the Saffron Walden County High School. Classes moved to the Bell Language School in November 1996, and continued there until the Language School closed in 2007.

Meanwhile the County High School had been building a new Sports Centre, and classes moved there in September 2007.

Meishokan means “House of Transmitted Light”. The name was given in 1998 by Prof. Chiba, and reflects a close connection with Shinmei-kan (London Aikikai) dojo in London. Shinmei-kan means “House of New Light”.

News

Aikido Class Times

Classes are suspended as of Monday 5th September 2011, since the Sports Centre will be closed to the public for two years due to building works.

Aikido classes at the Meishokan Dojo have been held on:
Mondays and most Wednesdays, 7.45pm - 9.45pm.
If you are interested in aikido classes in the area, please make contact via e-mail or mobile, and I will keep you informed.
Alan Stevens

The dojo is closed on all Bank Holidays.

Cost

£25 per month (1 day per week)
£35 per month (2 days per week)

Note that classes at the County High Sports Centre are suspended from 5 September 2011.

If you're navigating with a GPS, you might like to consider setting it to the address 20 Copperfields, Saffron Walden, CB11 4FG, on the grounds that this house is immediately opposite the turning you need to make. Don't knock on the door at number 20, though - they know nothing about the dojo!

Location

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County High Sports Centre
Audley End Road
Saffron Walden
Essex
CB11 4UH
UK

This is the same postcode as the County High School itself, but don't turn in at the School entrance. Instead, from Audley End Road, turn into Copperfields, and immediately turn right.

Carry on up the slope to the car park. From there, the Sports Centre entrance is clearly visible. If you're not sure where to find Copperfields in Saffron Walden, see the map on the right: