Discover strength through harmony.

Q: What is Shin Shin Aikido?

Shin Shin Aikido, also known as Ki Aikido , is a Japanese martial art that teaches how to coordinate mind and body in harmony. It combines calm, flowing movements with mindfulness, promoting relaxation, focus, and self-confidence rather than aggression or competition.

Q: What happens in a typical class?

A class usually begins with breathing and Ki Development exercises to calm the mind and prepare the body. You’ll then learn a variety of movements and techniques with a partner, always practised safely and with mutual respect. Sessions often end with short meditations or mindfulness exercises.

Join Shin Shin Aikido and explore principles from a Japanese martial art that develop a strong mental and spiritual disposition.

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Introduction

Welcome to the Shin Shin Aikido Association

The Shin Shin Aikido Association is a non-profit organisation dedicated to developing harmony between mind and body through the art of Ki Aikido.
Led by Sensei Peter Hughes, 8th Dan, a teacher with over 50 years of continuous practice, our Association brings together dojos across the UK that share a common goal — to help people of all ages discover the benefits of calmness, positivity, and harmony through the practice of Ki Aikido.

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KI AIKIDO

What is Ki Aikido?

Ki Aikido refers to the practice of mind-body coordination (Ki Development) expressed in the movements and arts of Ki Aikido.

Regular practice of Ki Aikido creates improved physical wellbeing and trains the mind to develop a healthy mental and spiritual disposition and, gradually, an unbreakable self-confidence.

Ki Aikido offers a lifelong journey of learning and personal growth in a welcoming environment with positive, like-minded people.

The unique principles in this art are directly applicable to dealing with the many challenges that we may face in our modern-day lives.

What’s it like?

What to expect in your first class

New to Aikido? No problem. Classes are welcoming, non-competitive, and tailored for all fitness levels. You’ll learn through partner exercises designed to help you:

Move naturally and safely
Develop posture, coordination, and focus
Stay calm and relaxed during movement

Just wear comfortable clothes and bring an open mind — we’ll guide you through the rest.

FOUNDER

Meet the leader of the Shin Shin Aikido Association

Sensei Peter Hughes (8th Dan) has been practicing Ki Aikido for over five decades. Sensei Hughes has dedicated his life to understanding and passing on the principles of Ki Aikido — helping others to apply these teachings both inside and outside the dojo.
His calm, precise, and encouraging teaching style has shaped the Shin Shin Aikido Association into a respected organisation with a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

True Aikido is not about defeating others — it’s a way of perfecting ourselves for the betterment of society.”

Sensei Peter Hughes

FIND US

Find a club near you

With dojos and study groups across the UK, you’re never far from a welcoming class. Each club is run by qualified instructors, trained under the Shin Shin Aikido Association, and offers sessions for beginners through to advanced practitioners.

Find your nearest club and experience your first class — your first session is free.

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Common FAQs

What is Shin Shin Aikido?admin2025-11-07T10:20:07+00:00

What is Shin Shin Aikido?

Shin Shin Aikido, also known as Ki Aikido, is a Japanese martial art that teaches how to coordinate mind and body in harmony. It combines calm, flowing movements with mindfulness, promoting relaxation, focus, and self-confidence rather than aggression or competition.

Do I need any previous martial arts experience?admin2025-11-07T10:19:30+00:00

Do I need any previous martial arts experience?

Not at all. Most people who start Shin Shin Aikido have never practised a martial art before. Classes are designed to be welcoming and accessible, with instructors guiding you through each step at your own pace.

Is Shin Shin Aikido suitable for all ages and fitness levels?admin2025-11-07T10:19:11+00:00

Is Shin Shin Aikido suitable for all ages and fitness levels?

Yes. Because Shin Shin Aikido focuses on balance, relaxation, and awareness rather than strength or speed, it can be practised by people of almost any age or level of fitness. You work within your own ability and improve naturally over time.

What should I wear for my first class?admin2025-11-07T10:18:54+00:00

What should I wear for my first class?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing such as a T-shirt and jogging bottoms is perfect for your first few sessions. Once you decide to continue, you’ll need a keikogi (training suit) similar to that used in judo or karate.

What happens in a typical class?admin2025-11-07T10:18:38+00:00

What happens in a typical class?

A class usually begins with breathing and Ki Development exercises to calm the mind and prepare the body. You’ll then learn a variety of movements and techniques with a partner, always practised safely and with mutual respect. Sessions often end with short meditations or mindfulness exercises.

Is Shin Shin Aikido a competitive martial art?admin2025-11-07T10:18:08+00:00

Is Shin Shin Aikido a competitive martial art?

No. Shin Shin Aikido is non-competitive. The aim isn’t to defeat an opponent but to understand and redirect energy calmly. Progress is measured by your personal development and understanding, not by competition.

How long does it take to progress or grade?admin2025-11-07T10:17:48+00:00

How long does it take to progress or grade?

Everyone progresses at their own pace. Gradings are held periodically throughout the year and provide an opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve learned. Consistent attendance and regular practice naturally lead to improvement and advancement through the grades.

What are the benefits of practising Shin Shin Aikido?admin2025-11-07T10:17:25+00:00