Welcome to Sussex Aikido, based at the University of Brighton Sport & Health Complex in Falmer. A friendly, welcoming club for complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on blending with an opponent’s movement, using throws, joint locks, and redirection rather than brute force. Shodokan Aikido is distinctive as the only branch of Aikido where competition is practised alongside traditional technique, giving students a way to test their skills as well as develop them.
Training builds fitness, balance, coordination, and confidence — while teaching a philosophy of harmony and self-control.
Come and try a free class — no experience or equipment necessary for your first visit.
Sussex Aikido is a friendly local club welcoming students of all ages and abilities. We teach Shodokan Aikido, founded by Kenji Tomiki sensei — the only style of Aikido in which competition is encouraged alongside traditional kata-based training. It’s often referred to as Tomiki Aikido after its founder.
The international headquarters of Shodokan Aikido is in Osaka, Japan, led by Nariyama Shihan and Sakai Shihan. Whether you’re looking to get fitter, learn practical self-defence, or explore a martial art with real depth, technique, and — uniquely for Aikido — a competitive element, our classes offer a supportive space to train and progress at your own pace.
Our instructors are experienced practitioners committed to teaching Shodokan Aikido technique with patience and care for beginners. Sussex Aikido has strong, ongoing connections with our headquarters in Osaka, and all instructors and students are always encouraged to visit and train at the Honbu Dojo.
Paul Sensei trains in Osaka every year which is invaluable fr our technical improvement..
Planning a visit to the Osaka Honbu Dojo in Spring 2027.
Currently working towards his 3rd Dan grading, December.
Warm-ups and lower kyu teaching/demonstrations. Currently on the coaching qualification pathway.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00pm – 8:00pm |
| Wednesday | 7:00pm – 8:30pm |
| Saturday | 3:00pm – 4:30pm |
Falmer, Brighton
Falmer, Brighton. The venue is easily reached from central Brighton and Lewes, with good transport links via Falmer train station and nearby bus routes, plus on-site parking.
Get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer any questions and get you started.
