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1991

Keith Hayward Sensei, Mr Smith Shihan, Gordon Jones Shihan

Q - Why Did you start Aikido?
A- I began karate whilst at school but had to stop due to exams and work. A friend from work had begun training and took me along to a couple of lessons to see if I would like it. After that my work pattern changed and I couldn’t make these classes. I later found another class in Shrewsbury and restarted.

Q - Memories of your first lesson?
A - I have two memories. The first of my “first” lesson, thinking that this is nothing like I had tried before. I remember not getting on with too well with what was being taught. The second, some 18 months later when I rejoined another class I could fit into my work pattern. The instructor mentioned using the “triangle” in techniques and going into some depth about this. I thought that this was a bit much for me to take in and wondered if Aikido was for me. I decided to try it for a few weeks!

Q- Favourite Technique?
A - Yokomen uchi shihonage. This has been drummed into me over the years from my main instructor Keith Hayward. In demonstrations he would always start off with this technique and was a main focus to his teaching as I was progressing through my kyu grades.

Q - Least favourite Technique?
A - Udikymanage. At one time used to love this technique. When executed with some intelligence like shihonage it really makes both tori and uke think about what they are doing. Otherwise, from experience it can be painful and unpleasant experience.

Q - Favourite Summer School and Why
A - When Masuda Sensei visited in 2002 I felt that there was a lot of apprehension to being with on the mat. This soon dissolved as Masuda Sensei has a great sense of humour which transferred in his teaching. Also the social side this particular year was fantastic. I also have fond memories of the Millennium Summer School in Bangor, apart from a morning in the ER with Keith Hayward Sensei on the last morning after he received a bang to the head. It was a good job that his wife Sue and Simon Whitterker was there also!

Q - Anything else?
A - Practice is the most important thing. Regardless if you are an instructor or Fukushidoin. After 40 odd years or so of study the Shidoin still roll up their sleeve and get stuck in at courses and are continually developing their individuality in the art. I feel that the UKA owes a great deal of thanks to these people and Mr Smith. Without there support over the years I wouldn't be here today.

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Video 1- Taking ukemi

Video 2- Taking ukemi

Sandan Essay

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Club Website

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