Jim Dempster
Sensei

The GOWA RYU, which translated means "Five Ring System", has been training in Ashford, Kent, since 2004.

It was founded by Jim Dempster, sandan, and has a sister club in Deal, Kent run by Mark Hayes-Watkins, and in Dover, Kent run by Christophe Courtin.

Those clubs are part of the All England Tomiki Aikido Federation and affiliated to the British All Styles Aikido Association under Zen Eikoku Tomiki Aikido Renmei.  Through this association, we train regularly with Sensei Shaun Hoddy rokkudan at his dojo in Essex.

As a member of this association the clubs enjoy a great wealth of knowledge and experience dating back over 40 years and regular seminars are held throughout England where the clubs can get together and share their experience of Aikido.

Kenji Tomiki

The style of Aikido taught is principly 'Tomiki', though Traditional and Yoshinkan styles are also explored during the training sessions.

At present we have a fairly diverse level of ability ranging from beginner to Dan level.

All of the coaches are Nationally Qualified to teach Aikido and hold public liability insurance.

Our venues are the Swan Centre and Bockhanger Community Centre, both in Ashford, Kent.

Gowa Ryu Aikido students