Chippenham Aikido Club
Traditional Aikido in a friendly, welcoming environment
Come and practice Traditional Aikido at the Olympiad Leisure Centre
Step onto the mats with us and learn a calm, effective martial art that builds confidence, coordination, and awareness — at your own pace.
Aikido is a great way to keep fit, have fun and learn practical self-defence, all without competition or ego. Classes are friendly, supportive, and suitable for all abilities.
👉 Your first week is completely free — why not come along and try a session?
Why train with us?
🥋 Traditional Aikido, taught in a safe, supportive environment
💪 Improve your fitness, balance, coordination, and confidence
🤝 Non-competitive training — cooperative, respectful, and inclusive
🌱 Learn at your own pace, whether you’re new to martial arts or more experienced
We welcome adults aged 16+, with no previous martial arts experience required.
Experienced, qualified instructors
Our instructors range from 3rd to 5th Dan black belts, each with decades of teaching and training experience.
All our instructors are:
Nationally qualified coaches through the British Aikido Board (BAB)
Fully insured and DBS checked
Committed to clear, patient, and supportive teaching
You’ll be guided by instructors who value both technical skill and, above all, a welcoming dojo atmosphere.
Gradings (optional)
The club follows a nationally recognised grading syllabus for those who wish to grade — but grading is never compulsory.
✅ No grading fees for all grades up to brown belt (Ikkyu)
✅ Small admin charge for brown and black belt dan gradings due to national venue requirements
Many students choose to train purely for enjoyment, fitness, and personal development — that’s absolutely fine.
Class times & location
📍 Chippenham Olympiad Leisure Centre
🕒 Mondays & Wednesdays, 7:30–9:00pm
Ready to get started?
Your first week is free, with no obligation to continue — just come along, train, and see if Aikido is right for you.
👉 Get in touch to find out more
👉 Come and try a class this week
See location below
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Club teachers
Sensei Richard Hughes.
Aikido - 3rd Dan
1997 to 2000, Ki Aikido in Paris with Sensei Gérard Blaize, 7th dan.
2000 to 2004, Aikikai Aikido in Chile with Sensei Jorge Rojo, 7th dan.
2006 to date: National Aikido Federation (previously Kai Shin Kai) in UK + intensive weeks in Paris
with Christian Tissier, 7th dan, Patrick Benezi, 7th dan, etc.British Aikido Board certified coach.
Other Martial arts experience includes: BJJ, kick boxing, self-defence training.
Sensei John Jacques.
Aikido - 3rd Dan
2004 to date: National Aikido Federation (previously Kai Shin Kai) in UK.
Teaching Aikido at national courses.
British Aikido Board certified coach.
Other Martial arts experience includes: MMA, boxing, etc.
Sensei Lawrence Hibberd.
Aikido - 4th Dan
1989 to date: Kai Shin Kai.
Attended over 80 national courses, incl. Doshu 10th dan, 8th dans Kobayashi, Cottier, Kanai, Toyoda, Fujitani, etc.
Teaching Aikido at national courses, organising many Shihan and self-defence courses.
Taught by people who trained directly under O'Sensei & Kenshiro Abbe 8th Dan.
British Aikido Board certified coach.
Other Martial arts experience includes: Lau Gar Kung Fu.
The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood. It is not a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek to compete and better one another are making a terrible mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst thing a human being can do. The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent such slaughter – it is the Art of Peace, the power of love.
Morihei Ueshiba - Aikido Founder.
