The Dojo has been based at Cocks Moors Leisure center since the center first opened in 1984. It has been ran by Sensei Mark Pickering for all those year.
The dojo has strong connections worldwide and is well respected and renown for its high standards and quality of teaching as well as students.
At Cocks Moors Woods Aikido, adults, teens, and juniors all work towards gradings. Juniors and teens progress through a coloured belt system to clearly mark their development, while adult students retain a white belt until achieving black belt. This approach removes the intimidation often associated with training alongside higher grades and encourages students to quickly and effectively assess their training partners’ abilities during practice.
Affiliated to British Birankai organisation
Follows Master Chiba Sensei's teachings
Recognised by Hombu Dojo, Japan
Associated with Dornbirn Aikikai, Austria
Partnered with Tudor Grange dojo, Solihull
What it’s all about
about Aikido
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that focuses on self-defense, harmony and non-violence. Instead of meeting force with force, Aikido teaches student to blend with an attackers movements and redirect their energy using throws, locks and pins.
At its core, Aikido teaches:
Circular movements
Using you opponents momentum to overpower them
Control without injury
Personal development
Aikido translates as “the way of harmonizing energy”
Ai means Harmony
Ki means Energy
Do means Way
Today there are many styles, Aikiaki is the original and remains the most popular, and is the style used at Cocks Moors Wood Aikido.
Where it all began
Our founders
These are some of the most influential people that have contributed to the development and growth of Aikido around the world and at Cocks Moors Woods Aikido over the years.
Born-Died:- 1883 - 1969
Morihei Ueshiba
O'Sensei
He developed Aikido in the early 20th century by blending traditional Japanese martial arts with his philosophical and spiritual beliefs.
Born-Died:- 1940 - 2015
Kazuo Chiba
Chiba Sensei
Ranked 8th Dan
He was a live in student at Hombu Dojo and was sent abroad in 1960's to spread Aikido. He became a central figure in the development of Aikido in UK and USA.
Tony Cassells
Sensei Cassells
Sensei Cassells begain training in early 1970's under Senser Ralph Reynolds. He is considered part of the early generation of British Aikido teachers. Cocks Moors Woods Aikido instructor Sensei Mark Pickering trained under Sensei Cassells.