Aiki-kwan-do

Aiki-kwan-do is a martial art founded by Paul Wilson in 1999. The art evolved from Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo and Shodokan Aikido. In 1984 Wilson trained under Bruce Putman and George Ferrell with the Mid-Atlantic Moo Duk Kwan association until 1989. In 1992 Wilson trained under Bill Shore in Shodokan Aikido until 1998. Shore trained under Jack Mumpower. Mumpower is the first American to hold a black belt in Aikido. Mumpower trained under Kenji Tomiki, the founder of Shodokan Aikido. Tomiki trained under Morihei Ueshiba the founder of Aikido. In 2009 Darren Cox holds the first black belt in Aiki-kwan-do. Aiki-kwan-do contains both long and close range fighting techniques, utilizing dynamic kicking and percussive hand strikes at longer ranges and pressure point strikes, jointlocks, or throws at closer fighting distances. Aiki-kwan-do emphasizes circular motion, non-resisting movement, and control of the opponent. Practitioners seek to gain advantage through footwork and body positioning to employ leverage, avoiding the use of strength against strength.

Aiki-kwan-do is not just training in kicking, punching and self defense. It is far more even than training in mental/physical coordination. A major feature of the art is the development of a certain spirit which carries over into all aspects of life. Aiki-kwan-do practitioners have a code of rules which govern interaction among its members. These rules help to maintain the central tenets of Aiki-kwan-do: loyalty, respect, courtesy, perseverance and justice. These rules cover not only the behavior of students while in the school, but also behavior in the outside world.