Albrighton and Wolverhampton Aikido Club is affiliated to the British Aikikai (BA) which is a member of the British Aikido Board (BAB). The BAB is the national body recognised by the Sports Council for the practice of Aikido in the UK. Insurance for practice is provided through the BAB for club members.

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art. It was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969) after his mastery of various traditional arts. These arts included Daito Ryu Aiki Jujitsu, Goto Ryu Yagyu Jujutsu, Yagyu Ryu Kenjutsu, and KaTori Shinto Ryu Kenjutsu. M. Ueshiba made his study of the Omoto religion under Onisaburu Deguchi the philosophical and ethical base of Aikido. M. Ueshiba is known as Osensei or "great teacher" by practitioners.

As a modern martial art the term "-do" is used to denote a way or path, and implies a more ethical and philosophical approach than the "-jutsu" equivalent. Even so, Aikikai Aikido does still emphasise an approach which concentrates on correct and effective technique rather than theoretical mastery.

Any martial art involves learning discipline and as such requires certain etiquette to be followed; Aikido is no exception. This includes bowing to the Kamiza (see glossary) and training partners as a mark of respect, thanks for training and the lessons learned.

There are several styles of the art currently in existence. This has arisen where some of Osensei's students broke away from the organisation that formed around him and formulated their own styles. These include Ki Society, Yoshinkan Aikido, Iwama Style and Tomiki Aikido. The direct descendants of Osensei, however, maintain the original organisation called the Aikikai. Within this organisation there are many masters (shihan); one such shihan is Chiba sensei. A student of Osensei, Chiba sensei lives and teaches in San Diego, California. The BA follows the teachings of Chiba sensei and as such is affiliated to the Aikikai HQ of Japan.