Joshwaa’s Newsday report! :-)

Students and Staff at Winchester University have a great opportunity to get fit, have fun and meet new people.
Last week the uni’s first official Aikido opened its dojo doors to learners of all experience to offer useful, safe and fun techniques to those who want to learn how to defend themselves, to improve fitness, or just try something new. The club is headed by Rob Docherty, personal safety instructor for the University of Winchester. Rob has been involved in Aikido for 33 years and is a third grade black belt. He has taught self defence to NHS workers and even the special Police.
“I am very pleased we finally have a club and a place to practice. There has been interest for quite some time, from both students and staff, and its great that we at last are of the ground” Rob believes that Aikido really does hold something for everyone. “People come for all sorts of different reasons, but mainly they find that its good fun and keeps them in shape, but if they do need to defend themselves they learn some really useful things; that’s important I think for students.”
Aikido is a Japanese martial art, and has only been practiced for around a hundred years. The art inspired largely by religion and philosophy can seem quite official and formal, but sensei Docherty stresses that this isn’t what his classes focus on, but instead merely what is useful and ultimately enjoyable.
“It’s good for everyone because it doesn’t rely on strength or size.” Rob Continues. “A lot of it is locks and throws. It can sound scary but it really isn’t, no one gets hurt in my class”
The Aikido club is recognized by the British Aikido Association which enables its members to practice at many different clubs across the country, but is still in its early stages and subject to room change over the next few weeks. But posters are placed all around the campus, and the next meeting is in WD8 this Friday at 7.30, anyone wanting to give it a try is welcome.

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