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About Meikyokai

The Meikyokai Dojo was founded in January 2004 by Neil Saunders and Ian Moody. We are a member of the British Aikido Association which is affiliated to the British Aikido Board who are recognised by Sport England.

Meikyokai means 'when the mind is free and clear' which is one of the principles of any martial art, this is often known as mushin or 'no mind'.  At the Meikyokai Dojo, we are inspired to achieve this state by trusting the form to develop precise and powerful technique and relaxation through our technique.  As a consequence, we aim to develop muscle memory so that our subconscious mind reacts to specific situations rather than our conscious mind.

The style of Aikido practiced at the Meikyokai Dojo is of a more traditional flavour with strong influences from the Yoshinkan and Tomiki systems.  We are fortunate to have Robert Mustard Sensei, 7th Yoshinkan Aikido, as our technical advisor and we are grateful for his guidance.  Although we are not a Yoshinkan Dojo, we practice with their spirit and techniques.

All of the instructors are BAA/BAB coach qualified and have full Personal Indemnity Insurance and are CRB checked.

All members train in a friendly and sincere manner, creating an atmosphere of enjoyment and togetherness where we all have the common goal of improving our Aikido.

The club caters for both juniors and adults and anyone is welcome to watch a class.

All levels of ability are catered for, including beginners and advanced students, all that we ask is that you train with an open mind.

Meikyokai Instructors

Neil Saunders - 4th Dan- Chief Instructor.

Neil started training at the Renzu Kwai Aikido Club under Andy Stiggear (6th Dan BAA) and Pam Hornsby (4th Dan BAA) as well as several other high grades of the Renzu Kwai.  He was fortunate to meet and train with David Rubens (6th Dan Yoshinkan Aikido), and continues to this day to train with Rubens Sensei when possible. Rubens Sensei had a profound effect on his Aikido and this can be seen today.  Through David, Neil met Robert Mustard (7th Dan Yoshinkan Aikido) and he has been able to train with Mustard Sensei on numerous occasions including several trips to his Dojo in Vancouver.  Like Rubens Sensei, Mustard Sensei has had a profound effect on his Aikido.  Furthermore, Neil has authored two books on Aikido called Aikido - The Tomiki Way and Tomiki Aikido as well as a DVD called Tomiki Aikido - Koryu Dai San.

Ian Moody - 3rd Dan - Instructor.

Ian started training as a junior at the Renzu Kwai Aikido Club under Terry Gibbs (5th Dan BAA) and Lawrence Moody (1st Dan BAA) at an early age.  After a break from Aikido he started to train with Neil Saunders and continues to this day.  Ian obtained his 1st Dan in 1999 and his BAB Coach Level 1 in January 2004.

David Clarke - 1st Dan - Assistant Instructor.

David started training in 2001 at the Renzu Kwai Aikido Club.  He started to train with Neil Saunders in 2002 and obtained his 1st Dan in November 2007.  He obtained his BAB Coach Level 1 in November 2008.

Mark Atkinson - 1st Kyu - Assistant Instructor.

Mark started training in 2004 at the Meikyokai Dojo under Neil Saunders.  He obtained his BAB Coach Level 1 in November 2008 and assists with the kid's class.