Tenshin Aikido is a self-defence school on Don Buck Road in Massey, West Auckland. The school teaches Tenshin style aikido, which it describes as a practical form of self-defence built around awareness. Adult classes are open to all levels from teenagers upwards, and children can start from around age five or six, learning basic movements, routine and martial arts discipline. The school also runs a dedicated weapons class covering control and defence against various weapons.
The West Auckland branch focuses on what it calls Small Circle Aikido, a set of efficient techniques meant to build useful skills in a shorter time. Training uses realistic attacks, with partners taking turns as attacker and receiver so both learn to take falls safely and to apply technique under pressure. The school describes its approach as relaxed and friendly, with no pressure on students, and says each person can train at a level that suits them.