Traditional Aikido Is Coming to Zen Combat Academy

We are excited to welcome Traditional Aikido to Zen Combat Academy. Our new class begins Sunday 4 October 2026, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, led by our new instructor, Francis.

Francis has trained in Hong Kong and Japan, and we are pleased to have him share his experience with our students in Bideford. This class will offer something different within the academy: time to study a Japanese martial art with a strong focus on its traditional principles and practice.

What is Aikido?

Aikido was developed in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba, drawing on his study of traditional Japanese martial arts. Rather than meeting force with force, Aikido explores movement, timing and balance. Students practise with a partner, learning how to respond to an attack while staying aware of their own position and the person they are training with. The Aikikai Foundation’s introduction to Aikido describes this approach as a way to train both body and mind.

Unlike our competitive combat sports classes, Aikido does not centre on winning bouts. Training is about studying techniques carefully, practising together and improving through repetition. Partners both have a part to play: one applies a technique while the other learns how to receive it safely.

A class rooted in tradition

Our class will be based more on traditional Aikido than on a modernised approach. That means giving proper attention to the principles behind the movements, the etiquette of training and the patient work of learning a martial art. It is an opportunity to slow down, pay attention to detail and understand why a technique works, as well as how to perform it.

We want students to experience Aikido as a practice they can keep developing, session by session. Whether you already train in another martial art or are looking to try your first class, you can come ready to learn from Francis and from the people you train alongside.

Meet Francis

Francis brings training experience from Hong Kong and Japan to Zen Combat Academy. We are looking forward to introducing him to our community and giving students the opportunity to explore Traditional Aikido under his instruction.

Traditional Aikido starts Sunday 4 October 2026, 9:30–11:00 am, at Zen Combat Academy, Unit 1b Fletcher Industrial Estate, Bideford EX39 3EU.

If you would like to join us or find out more about the class, please get in touch.

WhatsApp: 07871 289960Email: support@zencombatacademy.co.ukWebsite: www.zencombatacademy.co.uk