About Aikido:

Aikido is a modern martial art created in the 1920's by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969), one of the most prominent martial arts instructors of his time. Aikido is a purely defensive art performed by blending with the motion of the opponent and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. In accordance with this core principle, Aikido has no competition nor matches. Aikido can be practiced at all ages and it is particularly good for developing self-confidence, as well as good balance and coordination. As a budo, classes are conducted with an emphasis on etiquette, good manners, and cooperation. Practice consists of empty-handed techniques, wooden sword techniques, and staff techniques.

About the instructor:

Guillaume Erard Shihan holds a 6th dan (sixth degree black belt) in Aikido from the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo and a 5th dan in Aiki-jujutsu from the Daito-ryu Shikoku Hombu, hence making him one of the very rare individuals in the world entitled to award black belts in both systems. He travels extensively to give lectures and masterclasses about Aikido and old Japanese Jujutsu, and he collaborates regularly with the International Aikido Federation. He is also a writer for the Japan's main martial arts magazine, Gekkan Hiden. He holds an MSc in Education Science and a PhD in Molecular Biology.