The art of Aikido was founded by a Japanese master named Morihei Ueshiba, who was already highly skilled in a large number of traditional martial arts. His art came to incorporate both armed and empty handed techniques and it wasn't long before it attracted a large number of skilled students.
One of Mr Ueshiba's premier students was Kenji Tomiki, who was already a highly skilled judoka before coming to study aikido. Mr Tomiki added some elements of his judo knowledge to develop an art that combined the traditional values of aikido with a sporting element that would enable younger students to compete.
The style of aikido practiced at the Winchester dojo is that of Tomiki sensei, although many of the instructors have a wide range of experience in other styles as well.