About Cape Town Aikido

We are an Aikido dojo (an Aikido school) in Cape Town practicing with an emphasis on harmony and gentleness. Our inspirations are Kiyosawa Sensei, Endo Sensei, Nevelius Sensei and Lyly Sensei.

Aikido is a defensive Japanese martial art that emphasizes harmony.

Like Judo, it involves throwing and rolling. We work with the energy of an attack.

In my teacher's words,
If you compete with speed, someone faster will overcome you. If you compete with strength, you will be defeated by someone stronger.

We practise to meet an attack with equanimity, to be free in the moment, and to protect all whom we encounter.

When We Practise

Instructors

Craig Mason-Jones

Craig is a student of the late Kiyosawa Sensei, 8th Dan, in Tokyo. He spends three months every year in Tokyo doing only Aikido, practicing at his teacher's dojo under Yamane Sensei, as well as at Hombu Dojo ‐ the World Headquarters of Aikido ‐ and at the dojos of Endo Shihan.
He and his students participate in the annual Lillsved seminar where they practice with Nevelius and Lyly Shihans and their students from around the world.

He practices an Aikido that is gentle, subtle, effective and fun.

Justin Ashley

Justin started Aikido around 8 years ago and graded to Shodan in December 2023.

Louise Green

Louise is a student of Jan Nevelius Shihan, 7th dan, and Jorma Lyly Shihan, 6th dan, at Vanadis Dojo, Stockholm.

Nick Aldridge

Nick thinks we all win if the joke gets laughs, even at his expense. And because Aikido is not about winning, that's why he is so good at it.

Rayyaan Coetzee

Rayyaan has practised in South Africa and Tanzania. Besides local teachers, he has learnt from Osawa Shihan, Fujimaki Shihan, Jan Nevelius Shihan and Wendy Palmer Shihan. Rayyaan is... at Aikido practice at the moment. Catch you on the mat!

Ute Kuhlmann

Ute is a student of Jan Nevelius and Jorma Lyly Shihans (Vanadis Dojo, Stockholm). Her aikido and embodiment journey have been shaped by the late Wendy Palmer Shihan (Tamalpais Aikido). Ute enjoys doing aikido because it is a great workout, but no effort.

Guest Instructors

We have a busy programme of Friendship Seminars, with very experienced international teachers visiting us to share their practice and inspirations. See our Latest News for upcoming events, and follow our Facebook Page.

Where We Practice

Renzo Gracie Cape Town, 86 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town, South Africa, above the Build It store.

Thinking of coming along...

• Your first class is free. Come and try it out.
• You don't have to join on the first lesson.
• You don't have to buy equipment from us.
• You don't have to be fit. Practice leads to fitness.
• Age does not matter - our adult class ranges from 18 - 90.
• Even if you have physical problems you can still enjoy Aikido.
• If you have a karate or judo gi, you can wear that. Otherwise, tracksuit pants and a t-shirt are good - anything you are comfortable rolling around in.

Contact

If you would like to join us, if you would like to watch a class, or if you're just visiting Cape Town and would like to do some keiko (practice) while you're here, please get in touch.

You can reach me (Craig) on my mobile +27 76 279 6092 or by email craig@aiki.co.za

Affiliation

We practice Aikikai Aikido, affiliated with Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan.