PRACTITIONERS of the dynamic Japanese art of aikido descended on the Castle Sports Centre in Taunton to train with a high-ranking professional instructor, Sensei Larbi El Akel, who flew in from Belgium.
The Itai-Doshin Aikido Club, based at the centre, hosted the event and welcomed students from across the South-West and London.
Assistant instructor Tony Waknell said: “The event attracted a broad range of abilities from beginners through to 4th Dan black belts and proved a great success.
“Larbi Sensei covered many aspects of aikido, including the use of body mechanics and movement to demonstrate control and evasion.
“He placed strong emphasis on a fundamental principle of NOT using strength to disable an attacker, making aikido well suited to both men and women.”
More information about aikido can be found at www.itai-doshin.org.
