If you've never done any martial art before and are not especially inclined to pick fights with people, then aikido is still good for you! It's what is called a soft martial art - although if you have visions of pink fluffy bunnies, think again!

It's "soft" in the sense that although we use strikes to the face, they're done with the palm of the hand and not the fist, which means we don't do damage - or don't get punched in the face if on the receiving end! In addition to these striking techniques "atemi waza" in Japanese, we also use joint locking techniques on wrists and elbows, which are called (kansetsu waza).

We aim to unbalance an opponent and ultimately control him. Which still works when done by small women on big guys, particularly when they've had a few pints! I'm a mere 5ft 4 and give the lads a hard time at training.

So if you're interested in the following; Japanese culture, learning forms of self defence, practising in a safe but challenging environment, learning new skills and are not scared of trying hard, want to exercise and get fit!

Then Aikido does all this and more!

We have a grading syllabus so we can learn progressively, have competitions for both men and women - where we demonstrate "kata" with a partner (unlike judo or karate) and where we can test our technical ability during "randori" bouts.

Competitions are not obligatory but I think they're important for developing oneself, especially when confronting our fears - fear of demonstrating something in public, fear of expectations, fear of being hurt or hurting somebody else. In the four years I have practised aikido I have learnt many skills - but I think the most important one of all is definitely confronting my fears.

Sure, there aren't two women alike, but we all fear being judged by others, we all want to be more confident, we all want to feel good about ourselves and ultimately enjoy ourselves! If you think that's true of you too, give it a go.

We have our own dojo above the boxing club on Trafalgar Street, opposite the Devonshire Cat.

Contact me if you're curious, email celinepagnier@yahoo.co.uk or just turn up at the dojo - see training times and directions. Give it a go!