Dorking Aikido and Kenjutsu Dojo
Welcome to our Dojo! Here we practice Aikido alongside the Kenjutsu (sword form) of Kashima No Tachi.
Aikido is a modern Japanese form of self-defence created from other martial arts by Morihei Ueshiba around 1930.
The Kashima No tachi is a sword practice that originates from Japan and has been passed down to us through teachers of the Shiseikan Dojo in Japan.
Classes currently running in term time only
Weekly Classes for adults and teenagers
- Classes restarting on Wednesday 10th September 2025, after summer break!
- Wednesdays 7-8.45pm for adults and teenagers. Class runs in school term time throughout the year at The Westcott Village Hall
Private classes for families
- Have you ever considered learning something new with your children? Nicola has taught several families over the years and has found that both parents and children benefit from learning together. Any differences in height or physical strength are not barriers to ability to practice effectively in Aikido or Kenjutsu, to the contrary. A space for a private class is currently available on a Wednesday at 5.30pm at the Westcott Village hall. Please contact Nicola for more details.
Venue
The Westcott Reading Room, Institute Rd, Guildford Rd, Wesctott, RH4 3NP.
Class fees
- Single trial class fees: Adult £15, Teenager £13
- Regular advance booking fees per half term:
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- Depending on length of term, if there are 7 or 6 classes per half a term: Adult £100 for 7 classes or £90 for 6 classes
- Teenager £90 for 7 classes in half term or £75 for a half term with 6 classes
About the Dojo
The Dojo was originally set up in Battersea, London by Nicola Endicott in 1998. A Dorking branch was set up in 2007 and all classes moved to Dorking in autumn 2008.
Our Dojo is a member of the International Shiseikan Budo Association (ISBA).
The main teacher at the Dojo, is Nicola Endicott, who is a 4th DAN and has been teaching for over 24 years. Nicola is insured through the Amateur Martial Association and is DBS checked through the London Family Sangha.
About Aikido and Kenjutsu
In order to practice Aikido and Kenjutsu we practice developing a calm presence and a good connection with ourselves, on both a physical, emotional and mental level. The class normally starts with a ‘warm-up’, during which time we do breathing, stretching and centering exercises. These give us a good foundation from which to practice Aikido and Kenjutsu. During the Aikido practice, we learn to defend against grips, punches, strikes and wooden weapons. During Kenjutsu practice we use mainly wooden swords; we learn different cuts and several sword forms with a partner. The practice is much more than self-defence, it involves holding your space without aggression, staying calm under pressure and finding ways to harmonize with your opponent. It teaches coordination, balance, focus, timing, alert relaxation, deep awareness of self and others. All skills learnt are relevant to everyday life and can help understanding of conflict and the choices we have.
Joining the Dojo
You can join the Dojo at anytime of the year. Beginners are welcome!
You may watch a class first, for which there is no charge. Then, join in on the next class. A trial class cost £15 for adults and £13 for teenagers.
Annual membership fee
After an initial trial class you will need to become a member of the Dojo, this is £35 a year for adults and £30 for teenagers. This membership includes martial art insurance.
What to wear:
You can wear a tracksuit bottom and a long sleeve t-shirt when you first start classes. After that you will be expected to buy your own white Aikido suit.
Equipment:
The Dojo can initially lend equipment to students, however later on students must provide their own wooden swords and jo. Please speak to the teacher prior to doing so, to make sure you purchase the correct equipment.