Time flies when immersed in our training. It feels like just yesterday when our Aikido club embarked on a new chapter, moving venue. Now, as we celebrate one year at our new home and Barking Village Hall, we take a moment to reflect on the progress, camaraderie, and transformation that have shaped our club’s journey. 

We recall it was with some nervousness that we opened the doors to our new venue that day —a symbolic shift that marked something of a rebirth after over 30 years at our previous home. Stepping onto the mats in our new dojo, we immediately sensed the positive energy of the friendly venue and the sense of community in the surrounding villages.

Over the past year, our Aikido club has witnessed new members and new friendships. Individual members have passed various milestones, in class and in life. Our practitioners have grown in both skill and character. 

As we reflect on the past year, we recognise that the heart and soul of our club lie in the connections we’ve made with one another. The dojo has become a second home—a place where we not only refine our Aikido skills but also find refuge from life’s challenges.

As we commemorate this significant milestone, we look to the future with excitement and anticipation. Our Aikido club’s journey continues, and the potential for growth and learning remains boundless.

In the years to come, we aspire to deepen our commitment to the art, expand our community outreach efforts, and cultivate an even more inclusive and supportive environment.

Thank you to all who have been part of our Aikido club’s journey, and here’s to many more years of training and friendship at our dojo. Let us continue to inspire and be inspired as we walk this path together—one step at a time.