Join us on the first Saturday of every month at 2 pm for our Brighton beginner classes to discover Ki — the universal life force — and explore your mind/body connection through an afternoon of meditation, aikido, weapons & healing.
Discover the Dojo: Calm Your Mind & Move Your Body
Join us for our Brighton beginners classes to discover the fascinating art of Ki Aikido as part of our monthly Aikido for All session. This is a great opportunity to explore our unique offerings, designed to help you unify your mind and body and unlock the great power that is naturally yours. Experience the welcoming atmosphere of the dojo and learn how the arts we practice can support your physical and mental well-being.
Whether you are new to the concept of Ki (Chi, Qi) or curious to deepen your understanding, this session invites you to discover the power of dynamic relaxation in a friendly, in-person setting. We will cover all aspects of our integrated system of teaching and practice — including Ki training with basic principles and simple yoga and biofeedback exercises, mindful meditation, dynamic martial arts, and gentle focused touch therapy. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and feel revitalised with lessons that you can apply to all aspects of your daily life.
Take your first steps on shin shin tōitsu-dō — the way of mind and body unification.
Suitable for adults of all ages and abilities. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Brighton Beginner Classes Outline
14:00 - 14:30
Ki principles and meditation
We'll begin with an introduction to basic concepts and principles to study Ki. Through simple exercises, we'll learn to unify mind and body. We'll also learn how to calm our mind through meditation.
14:30 - 15:00
Weapons
Aikido is derived from martial arts involving weapons, but here we'll be using weapons as instruments to deepen our understanding of Ki and the application of mind and body unification.
15:00 - 15:30
Aikido
Taking what we have learned so far, we'll explore applying Ki principles to aikido. We will safely learn how to both give and receive techniques and explore the basics of the art of Ki Aikido.
15:30 - 16:00
Kiatsu®
Using everything we have learned, we'll explore applying Ki principles to therapeutic bodywork. We will learn how to press ourselves and each other to relieve tension and promote wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
“Ki” is a Japanese concept with a range of meanings, including energy, vitality, atmosphere and attention. It is closely related to Chinese qi (or chi) and comparable in some ways to concepts such as prana in Indian traditions, or Pneuma and Anima in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy.
Ki Aikido is a Japanese martial art focused on mind-body unification, mental/physical relaxation, extended awareness, and coordinated movements alone and with a partner. It's an integrated system of complementary practices, including breathing, meditation, open hand and weapons arts, and healing.
"Aikido is related to the martial arts but maybe it's easier to understand it as a form of personal development.
The thing that Buddhism teaches and that Aikido teaches is how to be calm under stress and learn to manage all these things coming at us that appear differently all the time."
— Dr. David Shaner | Professor emeritus, Author, Speaker, 8th Degree Black Belt (Hachidan)
Brighton Ki Society is a registered charity and local community group. We’re people who practise Ki Aikido. We're part of the international Ki Society, founded in Japan by Koichi Tohei Sensei, which is a worldwide body of affiliated dojos that align on teaching and practice.
Aikido has a spiritual dimension, with roots in Shinto. The founder of aikido, O’Sensei, saw aikido as a way of bringing ourselves into harmony with nature and the universe. However, no particular beliefs are required to practise Ki Aikido, and we explore the concept of Ki using practical exercises.
No — you don't need to be fit, flexible, strong or experienced in martial arts or meditation. Our practice is inclusive of people of all different ages and abilities, and exercises can be adapted to suit you. We start with basic concepts and simple exercise, so no prior experience is necessary.
No — while Ki Aikido is a martial art, there is no competitive fighting or sparring. We focus on mind-body unification, mental/physical relaxation, extended awareness, and coordinated movements alone and with a partner. We work with rather than against our training partners.
Yes — many people enjoy Ki Aikido as a way of improving fitness, balance, coordination and body awareness. The combination of movement, meditation, breathing, and relaxed yet focused attention can also be a useful way to manage everyday stress and promote wellbeing.
Don’t worry! Lots of people come on their own, and there's no need to be nervous. We'll welcome you and explain what's happening throughout the day. You'll usually be working together with an experienced partner, or in small groups with someone who knows what they're doing.
You'll be guided through a variety of exercises that will help you discover the power of dynamic relaxation in a communal setting. We will cover all aspects of our integrated system of teaching and practice, including an introduction to Ki principles, meditation, aikido, weapons, and healing.
No — you're welcome to take part as much or as little as feels comfortable. If you're unsure about anything, just ask the instructor.
No — not unless you're ready! We'll introduce things progressively and safely. You can work within your own comfort level, and there's no expectation that you do anything you're not ready for.
Yes — there is some physical contact during partner practice, but it's structured and respectful. Let the instructor know if there's anything you're uncomfortable with and we'll work around it where possible.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing — it should allow you to move freely and be at a comfortable temperature both when moving and when being still for a period of time. We practise barefoot. Bring anything you want to eat or drink. We can provide water, and we'll provide any equipment you need.
Please aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early so we can welcome you and get you settled. If you're late, don't worry — come in quietly and we'll help you get started.
No, not at all — this is a chance to experience Ki Aikido and see whether you enjoy it. If you decide to continue, you can train at a level and frequency that works for you.
The introductory session is free. If you wish to make a donation, that is welcome but there is no obligation. You can find out more about our current classes and what they cost here: https://brightonkisociety.org.uk/classes/
That's up to you. Some people train regularly, while others come when they can. If you decide to continue, we'll help you find a level of training that works for you.
Yes — there is a grading system that recognises progress and provides a framework for developing your practice. But there's no need to worry about grades when you're starting out.
Testimonials
KI Aikido taught me Life skills and practise for being attacked - with the help of meditation and breathing I can highly recommend to take up this form of martial arts - it is suitable for all ages - fit or not fit - you have to work hard but the rewards are tangible and will get you to think differently.
Great venue. Great classes. Great instructors. Whether you're interested in exercise, meditation, health and well being or genuine self development and/or self defence, the Ki Centre is an excellent place to find it. A real oasis in the heart of busy Brighton!