about notting hill aikikai

Aikido

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art developed by Morehei Ueshiba (O Sensei) in the early 20th century. Often described as a martial art of refinement and astonishing power, Aikido arose out of O Sensei’s quest for harmony and peace – a dramatic distinction from the goal of destruction and defeat associated with other martial arts.

Students of Aikido learn how to confront force by accepting it and redirecting it.  Students also learn to protect themselves by practicing how to move and fall safely.  

There are no competitions in Aikido. Practice relies upon co-operation and respect between students regardless of age, size, strength or experience.    

Notting Hill Aikikai is a member of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), the largest organisation of affiliated Aikido schools in the United States, Canada and the rest of the world. The USAF is an official representative of the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Its mission is to promote and maintain the integrity of the martial art of Aikido as established by its Founder, and as disseminated by the Aikikai Foundation.

Our Community

At Notting Hill Aikikai, we teach traditional Aikido in a supportive and friendly environment that encourages its members to delve as deeply into themselves and the art as they are willing.

We recognise that Aikido can be many things to many people ranging from an engaging physical activity to a more integrated way of life.  Whatever the goal, with an open mind and consistent training, students will improve their physical and mental conditioning and acquire a powerful and effective system of self-defence. And chances are - they will have a very good time doing it.  

At the Notting Hill Aikikai, we celebrate diversity and inclusivity, and are committed to creating and maintaining an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome. If you are genuinely interested in committing yourself to the practice of Aikido, then you are welcome in our community and are invited to join us on the mat to see where this journey takes you. 

Concessionary rates and bursaries are available for our youth and adult classes.

Our Sensei

Sensei Anthea currently holds the rank of 5th degree black belt in Aikido and is a certified instructor (shidoin) registered with the United States Aikido Federation. She also holds black belts in Iaido (the art of Japanese swordsmanship) and Karate-do.

Anthea began practicing martial arts as a teenager in Toronto, Canada.  She studied karate-do for over a decade before she was introduced to Aikido when visiting a friend in Montreal in 1994. Anthea was captivated by the grace and power of Aikido and three years later began her Aikido training in Bermuda under Shihan (master teacher) Collins Smith.

Anthea opened her own Aikido dojo in a school hall in Notting Hill in 2010.  She had 12 tatami (mats) and a handful of beginner students. As her student body of adults and children outgrew the school hall, Anthea decided to follow her lifelong dream to establish a permanent dojo. In 2017 she renovated a warehouse in Kensal Rise, 1.5 miles from the original space in Notting Hill.  The DOJO is one of the only permanent Aikido dojos in the UK. It has 52 tatami and a thriving community of students of all ages and backgrounds.     

Now, two country moves, three children and nearly four decades later, Anthea Sensei maintains a close relationship with Shihan Smith and continues her training with master teachers around the world.

or learn more about our classes for adults, children and teens, or corporates.