The Steel City Aikido Club trains at the Kyogikan dojo. This is a permanently matted, traditional Japanese-style dojo. The main instructor is Scott Allbright, 6th dan. Scott began teaching Shodokan Aikido in Sheffield in 1991. Since then, he has turned a wide-spectrum of people into black belts. Scott is the highest level instructor of Shodokan Aikido in the country, and runs numerous national Aikido events every year. Scott is also a former world champion in our sport.
We have many resident black belt instructors, of various levels, from all walks of life. Many are students, researchers or staff at one of Sheffield’s universities. We are proud to have many female members/coaches, including 4th dan Celine Pagnier who is our second main instructor. This large number of instructors produces an excellent environment to learn in, and members who train regularly have been able to earn their black belt within about 3 years.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that uses throws and joint locks. It is not dissimilar to Judo in that breaking balance is the primary skill to learn, but techniques are mostly performed on the head, elbow and wrists. Shodokan Aikido is a very dynamic form which focuses on body movement, and includes competition as a way to improve skill.
There are training sessions every day except Sunday. Beginner-friendly sessions are Tuesdays 6.30 – 8.00pm and Thursdays 6.00 – 7.30pm, and typically, within about one to three months of starting, new members will be invited to join Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (Saturday training is for more advanced members).
If it is your first time training with us, please bring a form of ID with your date of birth on (e.g. passport or driver’s licence).
