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1968

William Smith Shihan; 
Kazuo Chiba Shihan

Michael Smith began practising Aikido in 1968 with Mr W.J. Smith M.B.E, that year he was promoted to 5^th Kyu on his first grading. It was later this year he met Chiba Sensei and soon realised that this was the path of Martial Arts training he wanted to take. On being promoted to 3rd Kyu on his second grading by Chiba Sensei in early 1969, (this is when he joined the Aikikai of Great Britain)  he embarked on almost eight years of dynamic concentrated training in Bokken, Jo, Bo, Iaido and of course the body art itself.

These years with Chiba Sensei, and under the strict instruction of Mr Smith gave him and many others a good realisation of Aikido, making the foundations of what is practised and taught today. Already being 1^st Kyu he was given permission to wear Hakama in 1973 and then promoted to Shodan in 1974. His progression took him to 5^th Dan in 2002 by the way of 2^nd Dan in 1989, 3^rd Dan in 1993, and 4^th Dan in 1996, gaining his coaching qualifications on the way, being awarded Fukushidoin in 1989, Senior Coach in 1994 and Coach Tutor for the British Aikido Board in 1995. In January 2000 he was promoted to Shidoin. Michael Smith is a Senior Instructor at the U.K.A. Headquarters Dojo (Ren Shin Kan) at Old Hill.

This is a condensed record of Mr. Smith’s Aikido career and Curriculum Vitae.    

Q - Memories of your first lesson?
A - Sensei Smith was wearing a ‘Brown belt’.

Q- Favourite Technique?
A - Shi Ho Nage

Q - Least favourite Technique?
A - None really

Q - Favourite Summer School and Why
A - 1976, with Chiba Sensei, and Yamaguchi Sensei as guest instructor. It was an excellent and fun Summer School. I was Yamaguchi’s personal minder when he was off Campus.

Q - Anything else?
A - My Peers and I in the U.K.A. have been taught by the very best!!. We must use our time.

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