Reviews of Kokoro Aikido

Ian and sue are very knowledgeable. The instruction is top notch. It a friendly, fun and safe environment.

I can't wait to go every week.

I've tried many different arts over the years (around 30 of them) from being a small child to now and Aikido is the one that fits me best. And Kokoro is the best school I've been to. Shihan Ian is extremely knowledgeable, and possesses a pre-1940 syllabus with excellent breadth and depth. The quality of teaching is second to none in my experience and can confirm what you learn stays with you. I've had a long sabbatical due to financial reasons (oh the joy of the first mortgage and a fixer-upper house) and after five years was welcomed back onto the mats with big smiles all round. And restarted my 1st Kyu for my brown belt extremely pleased to find I remembered all three of my katas and the 40 odd variations of 8 techniques. And having been back only a short time I realise just how much I was missing it.

The class provided a professional, caring and safe place to learn Aikido.

I would certainly recommend it to others and encourage them to give it a go

as it is suitable for all ages.

Great dojo to learn new skills and meet new people. Training with one of the most experienced instructors in the country. Highly recommend for self defence.

I was immediately welcomed at Kokoro Aikido by Shihan Ian and Sensei Sue. I had tried Aikido elsewhere, and I have found Kokoro Aikido to be a lot more friendly and the teaching style a lot more accessible.

The delivery of the sessions is excellent. The sessions show how traditional Aikido can be applied to real life self-defense situations. It really helps to build confidence and fitness.

I really look forward to my Monday evening training and I would recommend the dojo to anyone who is thinking of staring a martial art, or anyone wanting to return to Aikido.

If you are looking to learn the true nature of Aikido then please visit Kokoro Aikido. Its Chief Instructor is Ian Watts. He holds the Japanese Title of "Shihan" which translates as Master Teacher. He has been studying martial arts for over 40 years.

I have personally trained with Shihan Watts and can fully recommend his teachings and knowledge on this subject. He is able to relate the beautiful nature of Aikido to its underlying principles of movement and thereafter explain the dynamic explosion that occurs in the application of physical skill.

Shihan Watts is "one of a very small group outside of Japan" that has the knowledge & experience to control and manipulate the human body's energy system, referred to as "Ki Disruption"

Shihan Ian Watts has an extensive martial arts background and this coupled with his patient and extremely well demonstrated teaching style makes for a progressive learning experience. As someone who practiced Aikido many years ago, I soon realised that what went before was not very practical and the system that Ian employs makes not only practical sense but is a logical system from self-defence and Aikido perspectives.

I look forward to Monday evenings classes (7-9) immensely and always take something from each class which resonates through the week.

To anybody thinking about trying Aikido, they will find a friendly well run club and an amazing martial art. With dedication, patience and practice your life will be enhanced.