Three members of Gloucester Aikido Club have recently passed a demanding test of their martial art abilities and have been promoted to higher ‘Dan Grade’ status.
Darren Wells is now a 3rd Dan instructor, Eric Weir achieved 2nd Dan and James Darke (pictured with certificate) achieved 1st Dan status and is now able to wear the time-honoured black belt and the traditional Japanese over-trousers, called ‘hakama’, as only used by high-grade students of Aikido.
Aikido is often called the ‘peaceful’ martial art as it is based on speed and agility, blending with and re-directing an attack, rather than meeting it with brute force and strength. This makes Aikido an ideal activity for all ages and for both men and women.
Unusually for a martial art, Aikido students train in co-operation with each other, rather than competitively, making it a very beneficial and rewarding exercise for both mind and body.
Gloucester Aikido Club meets at 7pm every Tuesday evening at Wynstone School, Gloucester, at 7pm every Wednesday at Sir William Romney's School Tetbury and at 9am every Sunday morning at Stratford Park Leisure Centre, Stroud. See www.gloucesteraikidoclub.co.uk. Beginners welcome.
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