Testimonials
What People are Saying About the Aikido Network.
I am 69 years old, and have been taking Aikido for approximately one and a half years.Aikido has helped me in the following ways by:
- increasing flexibility
- increasing concentration
- increasing balance
- providing achievable goals
- providing a very good physical workout in which, at my age, I can participate
In addition to these benefits, Aikido is also about learning to defend oneself against an attack (an area of increasing concern for many of us seniors). One learns to defend not by using strength and violence against an attacker (which of course, for our age group, would likely be futile against a younger male), but by using the attacker’s strength and energy against him (something that though practice I have been able to do successfully against much younger male club members than myself).
I also like this particular club. Sensei Derek Bindner and the other instructors have been extremely enthusiastic, helpful, and patient. They make me feel a part of the club. Here, I am allowed to progress at my own slow pace and never feel pressured into trying keep up to the younger members in an adult class (in my case that would include anyone between 15 and 56 years old).
David Vollick
I've found that the flexible schedule at the Aikido Network accommodates my needs as a shift worker. The ability to attend both daytime and evening classes allows me to progress at my own pace as a student.
M. Clements
My daughter Emma had just turned 7 when she first expressed interest in taking martial arts. I had studied the Korean martial art form Hapkido for 3 years and although I enjoyed it thoroughly was hesitant to introduce my young daughter to its violent nature.
After investigating a number of other martial arts clubs in London I was introduced to the Aikido Network and was delighted by both Aikido’s non-violent approach to self-defense and the expert, nurturing instruction offered by Sensei Derek Bindner.
The transformation in my daughter after one year has been remarkable. Her level of self-confidence has increased dramatically; she’s learned vital self-defense skills, made new friends, found a fabulous role model in Sensei Bindner and has unlimited opportunity to advance in Aikido developing mind, body and spirit as she grows into a young woman.
I was so impressed with Derek Bindner and all of the instructors at the Aikido Network that I joined myself! I have been training 3-4 times a week for almost a year and feel very fortunate to belong to such a high caliber club.
I would encourage anyone who wants to experience what martial arts training is supposed to be about to join the Aikido Network!
Paul Allison (father and student)
My two boys, aged 13 and 11, have been participating in classes at the Aikido Network for over a year and in that time, their sense of body awareness and self confidence has been noticeably enhanced. We are particularly impressed with the balanced approach which emphasizes self defense instead of aggression. An increase in the abilities to concentrate and to be quietly attend has also been noticed. We have and will continue to recommend the Aikido Network to anyone interested in a gentle martial art.
Lynn Haslam (mother)
Aikido is something that really boosted my confidence from the first time I tried it. I love how it is a non-violent martial art, and how the technical exercises are almost magical. I think that I will be doing Aikido for the rest of my life. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a non-violent but exciting martial art.
Callum Haslam (age 13)
“The practical and useful information that I received in women's self-protection class inspired me to continue instruction in Aikido."
T. MacDonald (age 51)
"I do Aikido because it is a very serious and spiritual art. Aikido makes me feel more confident around other people. I feel safer in the school yard. And it's fun!"
P. Breach (age 10)