The testimonials below reflect only some of the people who have chosen to write about their personal experiences. These have been posted in their original form and have not been edited in any way.

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Who never tries will never know

I knew very little about Martial Arts and only had a vague idea of what Aikido was about. I always thought it was more aimed at men, violent, and that it wouldn't suit me. How wrong was I!

I was very reluctant to try something new but went along anyway to the very first class held by Sensei Andy. Since that day, my view on Aikido has completely changed. Sensei Andy has shown me that Aikido is not only a physical exercise for everyone who likes a challenge, but it is also a way of living. He has a great ability to transmit his passion in a very humble way to his students; he is caring and very patient with everyone. Being part of this club enabled me not only to meet interesting and friendly people but it has also helped me in my personal life.

I take the opportunity to thank Sensei Andy and his wife Leila for all their hard work in running Aikido Sho Shin Kai and for sharing their passion with their students.

Delphine Loliero
25 January 2007

 

Teaching with Spirit

Very few people understand truly what it means to be a teacher but at Sho Shin Kai you will find the Sensei there can wear that mark with pride and because of his wonderful style of teaching the art that envelopes him, he brings that out in all who he trains too. There is no ego or having something to prove except to yourself at Sho Shin Kai which is something I love. Being a girl, not overly sporty and a bit slower to learn things, I have found the support given and the patience uplifting. When you struggle with something there is always someone to lend a helping hand at your side. Sho Shin Kai is a place which will broaden your views in so many ways, challenge you and also introduce you to some wonderful experiences and most of all a great bunch of people too.

Kim Huxley
03 August 2006

 

Beginners Mind

I’ve tried a number of different martial arts and schools across Nottingham over the years. The one thing I have found is that what you’re learning doesn’t matter. What really matters, is where and who from. This is the reason I’m at Sho Shin Kai. It will sound clichéd to say how friendly everyone is and there’s no ego or attitude within the members of the club but the reason I say it, is because it’s true. The sensei takes what he does very seriously but doesn’t take himself too seriously. This is a difficult balance to master but he does it well. It’s funny how people think spending more money gets them a better service but shouldn’t we look at the passion behind it? The non-profit making Sho Shin Kai is unbeatable in this respect.

Steve Edwards
28 July 2006

 

My Experience

Having not trained Aikido before I went along to this club and I’ve not looked back since. Not only has Aikido helped me to develop as a person I have also fallen in love with the art.
The people that attend this club are amongst some of the friendliest people and made me feel very welcome.
The instructor is patient and informative and always tries to push you to the limit of your capabilities.
Overall, I really recommend this club and that’s the reason I've been there for 18 months now and still love every second of it.

Stuart Theobald
13 July 2006