About Us

The Dojo was formed in 1989 as the then Stockton Aikido Club, and since that time has existed in unbroken continuity spreading Aikido throughout the area. In 1992 Our Kancho and Chief Instructor, Sensei Paul Milburn devoted himself to professional Aikido full-time, and by 1994 had 6 busy clubs with over 110 members in the North East.

The Dojo was renamed Shibudokan in 2009 to symbolise the 4 pillars of our Aikido, namely Body Art, Batto-Ho, Weapons and Reflective Practice. We have a special interest in weapons and their relation to body art and devote separate and full sessions to the study of Aikido weaponry, and Batto-Ho.

The Dojo has a well rounded approach to Aikido, emphasising firm and enjoyable practice, whilst encouraging individuals to learn to work with their own individual bodies. We believe Aikido is a natural, organic process and as such we do not "force" a particular way upon students, but, within the framework of our syllabus, we encourage correct technique in a way that is right for each person individually.

The Dojo is a full member of the British Birankai (British Aikikai), under the Leadership of Master Kazuo Chiba, 8th Dan, Shihan, and is recognised by Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan.