Sensei Collins Smith has hailed the longevity of aikido on island as the martial art celebrates its 40th anniversary in Bermuda.

Having first witnessed the art, which originates from Japan and translates as "the way of unifying with life energy", during a trip to the United States, Smith helped to introduce and establish the martial art on island over the past four decades.

To mark the milestone, Bermuda Aikikai will be hosting a special four-day seminar, starting today, which will incorporate sessions hosted by 7th Dan Shihan Smith, but also visiting instructors from England, Germany and Canada.

“It will be a very sociable event, because that is what aikido is all about,” said Smith, who is relishing seeing some of his former students returning as instructors.

“It has been lovely for me to see students I have taught go off and then become masters in different parts of the world.

“A number of those will be coming back as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations and that’s amazing for me to see. I’m really proud that aikido is celebrating 40 years in Bermuda.”

While perhaps not as widely known as other martial arts such as karate, Smith is not surprised aikido has proved popular, with the form now being practised in 140 countries worldwide.

“Once I saw it, I knew it was what I had been looking for,” added Smith on first witnessing the art, in which principles are based around understanding the intent of an attacker's movements for the purpose of controlling their actions with minimal effort, finding the optimal position and timing to apply a counter-technique.

“Compared to karate, which I used to do, it just felt a lot more hands-on with more application of the forms of the art.

“I liked that you have a partner and it is about that relationship between the two people. You work together and help one another understand the art.

“Aikido is all about movement and so you learn a great sense of co-ordination. It is all about the power of movement and strength and each individual will learn their own style depending on their strengths.

“There are so many benefits to doing the sport and it’s so rewarding seeing students come here, developing so much and then having an amazing breakthrough in the art.

“It really took off in Bermuda as a relatively new art and I I’m also proud that I have been able to help develop it and some very senior students over time.”

Despite its undoubted success over the last four decades, Smith is also well aware of the need to continue introducing young students to the art in order to safeguard it and preserve its future in Bermuda.

“Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get new students involved,” added Smith, reflecting on a time when he eventually finishes his teaching.

“Most of my students are now seniors in rank and so we are looking for new young people to get involved. That will benefit not only the sport, but also myself and other sensei because youth always helps to elevate your teaching.

“It would also preserve aikido in Bermuda. To make 40 years you need the dedication of students, as well as the teachers.

“Hopefully it will continue on once I’m gone. I’m confident it will because we have students who are capable of making that next step of teaching.”

• Anyone interested in learning aikido can learn more at bermudaaikido.com