The Mourenx aikido club was created in 1993 by Philippe Bayet, 6th dan. For thirty-one years, he has been teaching this martial art which has the particularity of not having competitions. “In terms of image, it’s a bit complicated, especially among young people,” emphasizes his son Christophe Bayet, to whom he passed on his passion. Today 5th dan, Christophe joined him at the Mourenx dojo to also pass on his knowledge there. On November 15, before the course began, Christophe, accompanied by Vanessa Dégremont, who has been practicing aikido for many years, and the president of the club Stéphane Galand, wanted to talk about this sport.
“Aikido is the most recent martial arts, it was created by Master Ueshiba between 1925 and 1969 in Japan. We can say that it is close to self-defense. We’re going to play on balance, arm locks, we’re going to use the partner’s strength to make him fall,” explains Christophe Bayet. The starting outfit is the same as for judo, a white kimono “from the green belt, the students can wear the Hakama which is a kind of floating black pants”.
Wooden weapon
The other particularity of aikido is the use of wooden weapons, the bokken (sword), the jo (stick) or the Tanto (knife). “We start each class with weapons practice, they are used to work on distance, on postures and to overcome the apprehension of weapons.” Bare-handed practice comes next in the second part of the course. “What I find interesting is that it’s accessible,” confides Vanessa. I come from judo and I didn’t like competitions. Here, you can progress at your own pace, there is no pressure.”
The Mourenx aikido club has 20 students aged 14 and over, but would like to increase its numbers. Classes take place on Mondays and Fridays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the grand dojo (rue Gaston de Foix). “We offer two trial lessons to new students who will have to provide a recent medical certificate,” concludes Christophe Bayet before returning to the tatami for his lesson.
