By John Matisz/London Community News

Although Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has rejuvenated combat fighting in the mainstream in a big way over the past decade, a local non-violent martial arts club is still finding ways to flourish.

Aikido Network Training Centre (ANTC)has called London home since 1997. During that period, the centre and Seishukan Dojo has faced a pair of recessions on top of the MMA updraft.

“We actually grew during both of these past recessions,” said Derek Bindner, ANTC’s founder and head instructor, who has over two decades of martial arts experience. “I hit a record during the first one — actually a big record — and then this one has helped us grow, too. I think it’s something people need these days.”

As a more spiritual form of martial arts, aikido does not involve violent acts. The ways of karate and MMA are substituted for life lessons, self-awareness and simple defense techniques.

“The world seems to be going crazy over MMA, which is training, battling and sort of the life-taking approach,” Bindner explained. “We go the other way, the opposite way; our martial art is about a life-giving approach.

“That’s what martial arts was initially intended for, to provide that personal power and improve life.”

About a third of the club’s 125-person membership is comprised of children. Through private lessons, classes and seminars, ANTC teaches youngsters how to believe in themselves, while also paying attention to one’s surroundings.

Bullying Awareness Week, which took place Nov. 14-20, fit in perfectly with aikido’s teachings.

“We show the kids, and adults too, how to resolve conflict without violence,” said Bindner, who recently doubled the studio’s practice space to 3,000 sq. ft. “Basically, it’s about not losing control of yourself.”

Bindner said there are similarities to Eastern Philosophies in the practice of aikido, as de-stressing and “being centered” are key components of both. The intrinsic nature of the non-violent martial art is connected to the literal meaning of aikido, which translates to “way of harmonizing energy.”

Many new members are attracted to the activity’s ability to offer a safe place, a haven away from life’s troubles, Bindner explained.

“It’s all about ‘me, me, me’ these days,” he said. “With Aikido it is about us — or ‘me’ — but it’s also about being the better person and helping those around you.”

In the spring of 2012, ANTC will celebrate its 15th year of operation with a giant celebration. It’ll also mark Bindner’s 25th year of involvement in martial arts.

Back when the studio’s founder was considering opening up the centre, he never imagined it would evolve into what it is today.

“I didn’t really have a big plan or anything,” Bindner admitted.