Abertillery Aikido Club. Bushinkai.

The formation of the Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society of Great Britain found its roots at the Parrish Hall in Burry Port on 1st October 1974, when Sensei Gwynne Jones started his first club.

Sensei Jones started Aikido during the Summer of 1961. The West Wales Aikido Society was formed in 1982, M.A.C recognition soon followed. The Society quickly developed and three years later the name changed to 'The Aikido Society of Wales,' which was then joined by the Plymouth School of Aikido Society. During the A.G.M on December 1990 Sensei Jones formerly called the Society Shin (spirit), Gi (technique), Tai (body) Aikido.

Sensei Jones studied under various Japanese Sensei's although the main influence on his Aikido style are Tohei Sensei, Chiba Sensei and Tamura Sensei. Incorporating the traditional Aikido with the modern concept of Ki training making the style relaxed, flowing and dynamic. The Society prides itself on its non political, non commercial approach to teaching friendliness and harmony on and off the Tatami. The aim of the Society is to make Aikido Available for the public to help them in their daily life.

Investigating the meaning of Shin Gi Tai reveals it's great importance to Morihei Ueshiba as well as to the Sumo fraternity. O Sensei (Morihei Ueshiba) used to believe in Kotodama, literally word-spirit or the power of sound and words. He used to repeat the words Maru, Sankaku, Hikaku, meaning circle, triangle and square during practice, three words expressing an image and producing an energy. The three signs are symbolic of the breathing exercise in Koto Kotodama study and represent Shin Gi Tai. The layout of the Aiki Shrine is based on Koto Kotodama principles.

In the words of the founder:
'When the triangle, the circle and the square become one, it moves in spherical rotation together with the flow of Ki and the Aikido of Sumi Kiri appears. 'Sumi Kiri means clarity or unity of the mind and body. Some reflections on Aikido comes in many different disguises; hard, soft, spiritual, physical, fitness (mentally and physically)..... Aikido is for everyone.

Young Juniors: lots of fun, plenty of challenges, learn respect and discipline.

Teenagers: physical and mental fitness, builds confidence with themselves and with others, slowly being able to relax.

Seniors (Orange belt and above): relaxed and a little more serious, a lot more understanding in the techniques allowing one to flow smoothly and correctly.

Mature Adult (Dan grade): very spiritual and very relaxed, a different outlook and more thought and understanding in the techniques. Aikido people tend to go though these phases although I have met old age Aikidoka with teenage minds.

Aikido is a study of development on and off the Tatami. When you visit other clubs, look for the similarity of style not the differences, it can often be confusing. There is no right or wrong, just different ways of expressing Aikido. The Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society is now the third largest organisation within the BAB, with just over 700 members. Sensei Jones conducts many course's throughout the year, either for the Shin Gi Tai, or with other Aikido bodies. Sensei Jones will be one of the two guest Instructors on the Masahilo Nakazono Memorial Event in October 2007.