About us

The GOWA RYU, which translated means “Five Ring System”, is located in Ashford, Kent. This martial arts school was founded by Jim Dempster, sandan in 2004.

Gowaryu Aikido is part of the British Aikido Association. As a member of this association, the club enjoys 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.

The style of Aikido taught is principly ‘Tomiki’, though Traditional and Yoshinkan styles are also explored during the training sessions. We have a fairly diverse level of ability ranging from beginner to Dan level. Everybody is welcome to join regardless of age, gender or fitness level.

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

Training Time:

Every Tuesdays
Every Fridays (except the 1st Friday of the month)
6:30 – 7:30pm: Juniors
7:30 – 9:30: Adults

Juniors and students: £3.00
Adults: £5.00
(The first session is free)

The dojo is at the SWAN CENTRE, Turner Close, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0PQ

Coaches

JimDempster
Jim Dempster, Sandan (3rd Dan)
Senior coach and club founder
BAB Coach Level 2

tom
Tom Davey, Nidan (2d Dan)
BAB Coach Level 1

Eoin
Eoin Kerrigan, Nidan (2d Dan)
BAB Coach Level 1

trevor
Trevor Orman, Shodan (1st Dan)
BAB Coach Level 1