Bushido Zazen International offers classes in the following martial arts:
Aikido
Aikido has its roots in Jujitsu and emphasises defence techniques and the use of the opponent’s strength and momentum against them. The use of arm locks and wrist locks to control an opponent is important and overall Aikido has a smooth feel.
Aikijitsu
Aikijitsu has been for many centuries a closely guarded system of martial combat technique. The original system of aikijitsu, which still exists today, is called Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu. The Daitoryu system is believed to have originated in the year’s 858 to 867, by the family of the Emperor of Japan at that time. A descendant of the Emperor, Shira Saburo Minamoto-no-Yoshimitsu is credited with developing the Daitoryu system in the eleventh Century.
Iai-do
Iai-do involves controlled movements of drawing, wielding and resheathing a sword.
Judo
In the sport of Judo you grapple with your opponent and the aim is to throw them flat on their back or to hold them on the floor on their back for a certain length of time. Either of these will win you the match. In Judo lessons you will be taught how to both perform and defend yourself against throws and holds, arm locks and strangles.
Ju-jitsu
Ju-jitsu contains aspects of both Judo and Karate, so as well as throws holds strangles and locks you will learn punches and kicks and how to defend against these. You will learn to fall safely when thrown. There is a strong aspect of practical self defence in Ju-jitsu.
Karate
Karate is perhaps the most well known of the martial arts. It is primarily a striking art, featuring punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques.
Kendo
Kendo means ‘way of the sword’ and is the Japanese form of fencing. Opponents fence with wooden swords while wearing traditionally-styled protective clothing.
Kobudo
Practitioners of kobudo learn to use weapons including the staff and dagger.