What does Masakatsu Agatsu Mean?

The principle of shodo-o-seisu helps one have a deeper understanding of O'Sensei's teaching of masakatsu agatsu or "true victory is victory over oneself." If you calmly maintain control over yourself, you will not only find a way to control the opponent but will also be able to control the situation before drastic action is necessary. There will be no need to consider winning or losing, since there will be no contest. Both sides will be winners — the would-be attacker who didn't need to attack and the would-be defender who didn't need to defend.

"True victory is self-victory."

Morihei Ueshiba

Our Style?

Our style of Aikido is traditional Aikikai. Our Taijutsu (Unarmed techniques) and our Buki Waza (weapons system) are traditional in basis, with influences from the Aikikai, Iwama and more ancient koru arts.  We are members of the British Aikido Board (via the IOA) and in turn the Britsh Sports Council. The Kaiso Sensei are Andy Watkinson and Dan Hopkins.  Assisted by Steve Sensei. All Sensei are insured and have attained their Coaching certificate under the BAB.

Masakatsu is proud to have been awarded its name by Gillermo Perez 5th Dan of the Spanish Aikikai. Our syllabus is greatly influenced by the Spanish Aikikai, whos growth was achieved with the input of great Masters like the late Tamura Sensei. We are pleased to hold seminars when Guillermo visits the uk.

Masakatsu is also affiliated with the Institute of Aikido. The institute was formed by the late Haydn Foster Sensei. Sensei started his Aikido with the late Abbe Sensei in the 1950’s and has developed his Aikido through years of study with the most renounced Sensei in Europe.

We are also pleased to be associated with the Osakan Aikikai and our senior students and Sensei, regularly practice, with this experienced, Aikikai Hombu recognised association.

Recently, we have had the honour of practicing with Barry Gibson 5th Dan and John Shields 5th Dan from Isshin Dotai Aikido.  They advise us technically and we are honoured that they sit on our grading panel to ratify our Dan grades.

In addition we are proud to be associated with Aikido Associations in Cornwall, the West Midlands, Derby and Salisbury.  Our open attitude to cross training has produced the expansive dynamic Aikido we enjoy today.

Masakatsu is a founder member of the training group Aikido Sa Kuru. 

 A group created to organise and share seminars and budo resource.