Aikido students show they can make the grade

Students at the Bognor-based club have been pushed hard to prepare them for their first test.

The commitment and effort in their training has resulted in eight students achieving seventh kyu yellow belt level.

Congratulations go to juniors Christopher Bradbury, Robert Bradbury, Samuel Wilden and Aruna Gibson and adults Frank Burns, Arion Gadd, Tony Miles and Kristian Miles.

Sensei Tony Wilden, fourth dan, who conducted the grading, said: “The students definitely earned their new grades.”

Wilden was on the grading panel with son Robin, second dan, who runs the adult classes, and daughter Natasha, first dan, who runs the juniors.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art, created by Master Morihei Ueshiba, which teaches how to deal with aggressive people by using their strength against them. The aim is to use minimum power to control an attacker, without causing them any harm.

The Wildens run the Arun club, which has offered unique training in aikido since 1992.

They are fully qualified, have 20 years-plus experience, are insured, first-aid certified, and CRB checked.

There are a range of lessons available.

Tony Wilden, the senior instructor, began his study of aikido in 1985 after many years of extensive research into a wide variety of spiritual paths. He has also studied several ancient and traditional healing systems and holds qualifications in aikido, pressure-point fighting, anatomy and physiology, acupressure, reflexology and advanced energy balancing.

Anyone interested can visit and ask questions. Classes are every Thursday at Holy Cross Community Centre, Chichester Road (opposite the pink pub), Bognor. Juniors meet from 6pm to 7.30, adults from 7.30 to 9pm.

For more, phone 01243 824329 or visit www.aikido-health.com