Bristol Filton Ki Aikido Club » South West

Ki is a Japanese word meaning ‘life force’. This natural energy is common to all living things. The purpose of developing our Ki is to make us happier, calmer and more positive in our daily lives, with a healthy mind and a body that is both more supple and less susceptible to disease. Many students who commit to regular practice also say they experience a definite increase in self-confidence. 


The practice of Ki Aikido aims to help us develop coordination of mind and body, calmness, compassion and sincerity. It is non-competitive and open to adults of all ages. At the Filton Club, we also take young people over 14.


Aikido is usually practised with a partner and involves various physical and mental exercises, but there’s no pressure on anyone to do anything they’re uncomfortable with. There are no minimum fitness or suppleness requirements. 


We teach according to the Ki Federation of Great Britain syllabus, developed over many years, which covers a series of gradings from white belt to 3rd Dan (third-degree black belt).

We practise once a week on a Thursday from 7.30 – 9 pm. Each class is self-contained, and there’s no set course of a fixed duration. However, the more regularly you can practise, the greater the benefits. 


The club is small (four students) but very friendly and welcoming to newcomers. We have a club meal once a year and strong friendships have been built by those who have been practising for some time, so there is an important social side to our practice. 


Class fees

These are currently under review, but for someone in work, the fee is £36 per month. Fees are lower for the unemployed, those on a low income and young people.