"British Aikido - Full Circle" by Henry Ellis

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Posted 2009-12-16 14:36:27 by Jun Akiyama
News URL: http://www.british-aikido.com/aikido%20full%20circle.htm

This article entitled "British Aikido - Full Circle" (http://www.british-aikido.com/aikido%20full%20circle.htm) by Henry Ellis provides an account of T.K. Chiba shihan's visit back to the U.K. in 2009 to meet again with the three "pioneers" of the Hut Dojo in Hillingdon, London from back in the 1960's.

From the article: In 2008, TK Chiba Shihan, technical director of the International Birankai, requested a meeting with Sensei’s ~ Haydn Foster ~ Henry Ellis ~ Derek Eastman, for a re-union at the “Hut Dojo“. A meeting with the 'old pioneers'. Chiba Shihan cordially invited them all to join as associate members of the 'British Birankai'."

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[James Wyatt]

It would be good to know who all the early pioneers were during the 1950s and 1960s.
Can anyone add some more names?

[Dan Rubin]

Go to www.ellisaikido.org, and under "Internet Articles" click on "Origins of the Martial Arts in the U.K."

[James Wyatt]

Thank you for the link and have read this most interesting article before.

However, was wondering whom the first British pioneers were eg Haydn Foster, Henry Ellis, Ken Cottier, John Cornish etc.

[BritishAikido@ntlworld.]

Dear Mr Wyatt

I had intended to respond to your email copied at the foot of this message. As you are asking the same questions here on Aikiweb, I trust you have no objections to my answering both here.
You also refer to the late and respected Ken Cottier Shihan who I knew well. I actually taught Cottier Shihan his first Aikido lesson when he was a Judoka with the late Ken Wainwright at the old Kelventor Dojo. ( circa 1960 )

Dear Mr Wyatt
Thank you for your email. Let me first assure you that the `` British Aikido Tree``. or as you prefer ~ ``The Hut Aikido Tree `` are both one and the same, they are honest and fully encompassing. The intention of the lineage tree is to show future generations the names and photos of the first of the early Aikido pioneers, the ones who were actually there following the inception of Aikido to the UK by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in 1955.
Yes, I do know of John Cornish Sensei, you state that he was studying Aikido in Japan from 1958. I respectfully point out that whilst Cornish Sensei was in Japan he was not here in the UK propagating the seeds of Aikido, as were the people named in the “ British Aikido Tree “. I am at a loss to understand your comment “ There must have been earlier pioneers ??? “ , why must there have been earlier pioneers or even dojo pioneers ?. If you are so sure there were, perhaps you can enlighten me ? In the beginning there were no dedicated Aikido dojos, as was the case with the Hut Dojo, all were Judo Dojos, some ( not all ) would allow a small Aikido section to use their mats, as Aikido grew, some Judoka such as myself dedicated their future to Aikido.

Seasons greetings to you and yours.

Henry Ellis
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Email from Mr James Wyatt - 22nd / December / 2009

Dear Sir

I read your article on the aikiweb and it is good to see you cleared up the previous controversy.

May I humbly suggest your British Aikido Tree is more encompassing as there must have been other earlier pioneers or perhaps refer to it as the Hut Aikido Tree? I study under John Cornish, whom you probably know, and he was at the Hombu dojo from 1958-1964 (receiving daily training as a soto deshi) and was graded by O'Sensei and was a contemporary of Chiba Sensei and Tamura Sensei. Like Kenshiro Abbe Sensei he was originally trained in judo (from 1952 onwards at the Budokwai and then whilst in Japan also attended the Kodokan under Mifune Sensei and Tomiki Sensei). I also believe there were several other dojo pioneers? It would be good for all concerned if someone from the time could write a complete history.

All the best and merry Christmas
James Wyatt

[James Wyatt]

Dear Mr Ellis

Thank you for the response and I apologize for any misunderstanding that there might have been earlier pioneers than your goodselves at the Hut. I was wondering if there had been other early British pioneers whom have helped spread the word from the late 1950s through the 1960s and beyond.

All the best

James Wyatt

[BritishAikido@ntlworld.]

Dear Mr Wyatt
Thank you for your response, there is no need to apologise, I am only too pleased to help the many people who contact me on this subject. Fortunately, there are still a few survivors from that time, we are all still good friends, we keep in regular contact. Of course, yes, there were what could perhaps be referred to as the second generation of Aikido pioneers such as Ralph Reynolds Sensei from Birmingham who did so much to promote Aikido in the Midlands. There wasTom Weir Sensei doing the same in Scotland.
I am also pleased to have a close group of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei’s personal students, two of which worked in the BJC Denmark Street, London office alongside Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in those very early days. We exchange information on a regular basis. There is a growing concern at the number of “ Friends of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei “ …A little more amusing are the growing band of “ Abbe Sensei stayed at my teachers home, Abbe Sensei enjoyed his mothers cooking so much that he stayed for a month “… The BJC I believe had a membership of some 38,000 at that time, but hey !! mums cooking comes first 
Thank you for your personal message and valued comments.
Kind regards
Henry Ellis

[sakumeikan]

It would be good to know who all the early pioneers were during the 1950s and 1960s.
Can anyone add some more names?

These men might qualify.
Pat Butler , Trevor Jones, Billy Coyle. Tom Pickering . Stuart Appleby.Ron Myers.Lee Crow.John Hamilton.
In the 70s:George Girvan .Matt Holland, Arthur Lockyear.Dee Chen , .Peter Brady. Mick Holloway Bill Smith Terry Ezra.Paul Smith;John Emmerson.Keith Hayward.Eric Beake;Bob Lincoln.Tony Cassells . Chris Mooney. Alan Rowley,Ian McClarence.Alan Ruddock.
I can think of more given a bit of time.May I also state I have been traing in aikido since earl 70s and know /knew all the aforementioned?

[Dazzler]

These men might qualify.
Pat Butler , Trevor Jones, Billy Coyle. Tom Pickering . Stuart Appleby.Ron Myers.Lee Crow.John Hamilton.
In the 70s:George Girvan .Matt Holland, Arthur Lockyear.Dee Chen , .Peter Brady. Mick Holloway Bill Smith Terry Ezra.Paul Smith;John Emmerson.Keith Hayward.Eric Beake;Bob Lincoln.Tony Cassells . Chris Mooney. Alan Rowley,Ian McClarence.Alan Ruddock.
I can think of more given a bit of time.May I also state I have been traing in aikido since earl 70s and know /knew all the aforementioned?

Hi Joe

Don't forget Michael Narey who was also at the 50 years of Aikido bash in Crystal Palace.

I'm sure he'll have been involved with you wild young things in the 60's.

Regards

D

[philipsmith]

I'd agree with almost all of those mentioned but would include Peter Brady, Gordon Jones and myself who all began in around 1968 (Gordon in '64 I think) and were pretty active during 70's, 80's etc.

Actually darren Mike didn't start unitil late 70's (or possibly early 80's) as a student of Keith Hayward.

[Peter Goldsbury]

I'd agree with almost all of those mentioned but would include Peter Brady, Gordon Jones and myself who all began in around 1968 (Gordon in '64 I think) and were pretty active during 70's, 80's etc.

Actually darren Mike didn't start unitil late 70's (or possibly early 80's) as a student of Keith Hayward.

Yes, I second Philip's mail.

I believe Michael took my place as IAF General Secretary for a time (when he was still 1st kyu), but this cannot have been before 1980. I remember Michael Holloway, 'the Greeks', Margaret Hughes, Bob Lincoln, at Chiba Sensei's dojo in Chiswick. This would have been in the very late 1960s or early 70s. Minoru Kanetsuka was 3rd dan.

I also remember Aidan Smyth at the Budokwai, and another, older, student whose name I cannot recall. He wore glasses and drove a car with a distinctive number plate. I think it was 9F.

I have good memories of training with Gordon Jones and Peter Brady (and a few others) in the West Midlands from 1975. Eric Beake and the other Eric (also a taxi-driver and known as Eric the Taxi-Driver), Dee, Philip, Stuart Broughton, John Ferris, and Hephzibah Davies Evans also come to mind from the Tenpukan Dojo in Earls Court, where I used to train with Birger Sorensen from Norway. Does anyone remember Pita Smith, a lady who was a good friend and supporter of Chiba Sensei when he first came to the UK?

Of course this is well after the very early days, involving Nakazono Mutsuru and Kobayashi Hirokazu, which I think Mr Ellis has in mind.

Best wishes,

PAG

[Dazzler]

I'd agree with almost all of those mentioned but would include Peter Brady, Gordon Jones and myself who all began in around 1968 (Gordon in '64 I think) and were pretty active during 70's, 80's etc.

Actually darren Mike didn't start unitil late 70's (or possibly early 80's) as a student of Keith Hayward.

Hi Phil

NAF was formed in 1980 so it will have been before that - he does remember you as a schoolboy so clearly a very long time ago ;-)

I've just asked - His 'formal' aikido started maybe early, mid 70's before that he was into judo / jujitsu with some aiki exposure...like a lot of the old guard.

Don't think Keith was his first aikido teacher either.

Not trying to make any false claims but he is my instructor and has made a contribution so I feel he's worthy of a mention in this thread

Best regards

D

[philipsmith]

Hi Darren,

maybe Peter G. and I are mistaken.

Anyway please give Mike my regards.

[sakumeikan]

Hi All,
Between the guys who have responded to this blog the list is fairly accurate.I can also recall Jean Morgan.Mario Mucha .John Cornish.I also remember P.Goldsbury.How are you Peter?Peter Brown of the U.K.A. has a long pedigree as well.Andreas and George {the Greeks] were also in London. Henry Ellis.Derek Eastman .Haydn Foster all spring to mind.
Hope I havent offended anybody by missing out a name?
Cheers, Joe .

[sakumeikan]

Hi Joe

Don't forget Michael Narey who was also at the 50 years of Aikido bash in Crystal Palace.

I'm sure he'll have been involved with you wild young things in the 60's.

Regards

D
Hi , Darren , Yes indeed I can remember meeting Narey Sensei at the Kenshiro Abbe event.How is old Kenny Rogers doing?My little joke.Are you still in the Bristol dojo?Please pas on my best refrds to Mike. A.T.B.Joe

[Hellis]

It would be great to see the British Aikido tree with more banches as the tree of Aikido grew in Britain from its inception in 1955. Although the original pioneers were from the ` Hut Dojo ` there were so many others that later played an important role. There are some people that I remember but forget their names ( age )
Perhaps we could expand the tree on here from the beginning.
On my British Aikido website at http://www.british-aikido.com in the `photo gallery ` there is a photo of what we called the `old dartbord ` with all the early dan grades on, this board is still in the possesion of Haydn Foster Sensei. Some of the names are Judo dan grades.
The tree as I remember.

The Hut. London... The first five: Sensei's
K Williams - D Williams - E Dollimore - H Foster - H Ellis
Next: P Dowden - L Ballard - J Caldwell - D Eastman.
Midlands. Birmingham.. R Reynolds - W Smith MBE
Coventry. K Webster.
Wiltshire. Devises. G Burt.
Wales. C Pike - Gwynne Jones.
Liverpool. Fred Wainwright - Ken Cottier
Scotland. Tom Weir.

Henry Ellis

[Hellis]

The British Aikido Tree.
It is accepted that Aikido was introduced to the United Kingdom by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in 1955.
Abbe Sensei’s first student being Ken Williams Sensei with a small group of students at the ` Hut Dojo `.
We have an ` Aikido Tree `of the first of Abbe Sensei’s dan grades from that time. I think it would be great to see
the 55 year old tree showing many more branches. As Aikido progressed so quickly there were many others that were later to play a very important role in the further promotion of British Aikido as listed below.
In the Hut Dojo there was, what we called ` the old dartboard ` which had all the names of the early dan grades both Judo and Aikido at that time at the Hut, there is a photo of this board in the photo gallery on my British Aikido website at http://www.british-aikido.com
I would like to see the British Aikido Tree expanded to accommodate many others that played their part in the early years. We have lost some of these early teachers, lets not forget them.
The following as I remember..
The Hut Dojo. The first five Aikido dan grades graded by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.
The tree is planted.
First five: Sensei’s – K Williams - D Williams - E Dollimore - H Foster - H Ellis.
Second five: Sensei’s - P Dowden - L Ballard - J Caldwell - D Eastman - H McFarland
The tree grows.
Scotland.. Sensei Tom Weir.
Liverpool. Sensei Fred Wainwright - K Cottier.
Midlands Birmingham. Sensei’s R Reynolds – W Smith MBE.
Coventry. Sensei, Ken Webster
Wiltshire, Devises.. Sensei Graham Burt who later introduced Aikido to Canada
Nottingham..Sensei G Cotterell
Wales.. Sensei’s Colin Pike – Gwynne Jones.
London. The start of Tomiki Aikido with Sensei John Cornish.

Henry Ellis

[sakumeikan]

I'd agree with almost all of those mentioned but would include Peter Brady, Gordon Jones and myself who all began in around 1968 (Gordon in '64 I think) and were pretty active during 70's, 80's etc.

Actually darren Mike didn't start unitil late 70's (or possibly early 80's) as a student of Keith Hayward.

Hi, Philip,
You state you agree with almost all the named parties in the blogs.Perhaps for clarity we might want to check out who could be on the list [just for posterity]. I am sure if we all got our heads together we would come up with more names than listed here. By the way congrats on your recent promotion.All the Best , Joe.

[sakumeikan]

Yes, I second Philip's mail.

I believe Michael took my place as IAF General Secretary for a time (when he was still 1st kyu), but this cannot have been before 1980. I remember Michael Holloway, 'the Greeks', Margaret Hughes, Bob Lincoln, at Chiba Sensei's dojo in Chiswick. This would have been in the very late 1960s or early 70s. Minoru Kanetsuka was 3rd dan.

I also remember Aidan Smyth at the Budokwai, and another, older, student whose name I cannot recall. He wore glasses and drove a car with a distinctive number plate. I think it was 9F.

I have good memories of training with Gordon Jones and Peter Brady (and a few others) in the West Midlands from 1975. Eric Beake and the other Eric (also a taxi-driver and known as Eric the Taxi-Driver), Dee, Philip, Stuart Broughton, John Ferris, and Hephzibah Davies Evans also come to mind from the Tenpukan Dojo in Earls Court, where I used to train with Birger Sorensen from Norway. Does anyone remember Pita Smith, a lady who was a good friend and supporter of Chiba Sensei when he first came to the UK?

Of course this is well after the very early days, involving Nakazono Mutsuru and Kobayashi Hirokazu, which I think Mr Ellis has in mind.

Best wishes,

PAG
Mary Lou Watters [now in Quebec] , Murray &Sheila Walker,Andreas Teofanis, George Stavros , Margaret Suissman, Allan Burke, were in London as well.
In Liverpool Graham Morris [now in Oz] was knocking around.Bob Spence , Tom Moss were probably on the scene as well.
As I am now 71 and the memory cells are fading by the minute I just remember the old guys.
I have always thought the 60s /70s were the Golden Years of British Aikido.So many great Instructors visited the U.K.
Tamura, Sekiya, Saito, Yamaguchi, Yamada, Shibata, Kanai
Kitaura, Fujita, Fujimoto Senseis to name but a few.Happy Days!!! Cheers, Joe.

[Peter Goldsbury]

Hello Philip,

I do not think we are mistaken. Michael and I were good friends in the rather turbulent period from 1978 onwards. In fact when I left the UK in March, to come here, I stored a large number of books in Michael's garage. (I think this was in Oakengates, but I'm not sure.) This was when he and Pat were still together.

But I know that he did not remain long in the BAF afterwards and so I'm sure 1980 is the right date for the start of his organization, under Tamura Shihan's direction.

We met once more, well after 1980, when Mike came to visit me at my parent's home in Nottinghamshire. We had lunch in a restaurant near by.

Anyway, Darren, please give him my best wishes when you next meeting--and I wonder what happened to the books. :)

Best wishes,

PAG

Hi Darren,

maybe Peter G. and I are mistaken.

Anyway please give Mike my regards.

[danj]

It would be a nice thing to see on the aikiwiki and could grow from there organically, assuming the controversy is out of the pool [sic] ;)

[Peter Goldsbury]

Hi All,
Between the guys who have responded to this blog the list is fairly accurate.I can also recall Jean Morgan.Mario Mucha .John Cornish.I also remember P.Goldsbury.How are you Peter?Peter Brown of the U.K.A. has a long pedigree as well.Andreas and George {the Greeks] were also in London. Henry Ellis.Derek Eastman .Haydn Foster all spring to mind.
Hope I havent offended anybody by missing out a name?
Cheers, Joe .

Hello Joe,

Thank you for the mail. I am fine and I hope all is well with you.

I have vague memories of Jean Morgan. In fact I believe I went to visit her in hospital at some point, with Terry Ezra. I trained briefly at John Cornish's dojo. It was the Budokwai in London, just off Fulham Road. I know Henry Ellis, Derek Eastman and Haydn Foster by name, but I started aikido too late to have had the pleasure opf meeting them personally.

Best wishes,

PAG

[Hellis]

Sorry for the double post at 16 & 17 , my post did not show, so I tried again and appeared to fail again. Now this morning I see I have two similar posts. :-(
Hi Peter, I do wonder if we met when I was with Chiba Sensei at both Fulham and Earlscourt..? I remember Kanetsuka Sensei when he first arrived there.
Hi Joe, good to see you getting the hang of your `new computer `
Regards

Henry Ellis

[sakumeikan]

Sorry for the double post at 16 & 17 , my post did not show, so I tried again and appeared to fail again. Now this morning I see I have two similar posts. :-(
Hi Peter, I do wonder if we met when I was with Chiba Sensei at both Fulham and Earlscourt..? I remember Kanetsuka Sensei when he first arrived there.
Hi Joe, good to see you getting the hang of your `new computer `
Regards

Henry Ellis
Hi Henry,
Its not getting to know the new computer[Apple Mac for the techie minded] its getting used to writing joined up lettering.Your article certainly has stimulated thoughts.With so many guys being mentioned in despatches the list will be like the cast of Ben Hur.
Maybe we should all have got a tattoo of the date of starting Aikido [like eggs in a shop]?That way you wouldnt have to 'prove '
your pedigree.For myself I was a member of the Renown before it disbanded, and visited the Hut .I remember having a 'Friendly encounter ' with Hamish Mc farland.
Its good to read about the old guys.Some still owe me a beer.
Another couple of gents worthy of a mention are the Beecham brothers and Glenn Smith.If your out therein the ether Glenn hope you are well.Henry , it was good to have our little chat the other day.
Your old pal, Joe.

[sakumeikan]

Hello Joe,

Thank you for the mail. I am fine and I hope all is well with you.

I have vague memories of Jean Morgan. In fact I believe I went to visit her in hospital at some point, with Terry Ezra. I trained briefly at John Cornish's dojo. It was the Budokwai in London, just off Fulham Road. I know Henry Ellis, Derek Eastman and Haydn Foster by name, but I started aikido too late to have had the pleasure opf meeting them personally.

Best wishes,

PAG
Hi Peter,
Thanks for the quick response.Nice to know you are well.
Reading all the names being mentioned is quite a sentimental journey for me.Maybe we should all hire a venue and do the Aikido equivalent of a 60's Pop revival?British Aikido has done more splits than a Chinese contortionist over the last 40 years.Wonder how Aikido would have been if we had all stuck together?Still, no harm in musing .Recently had a joint course with the U.K.A/Komyokan/ B.A.F.Went quite well.Good time had by all and the social side was fine.
Read your OSensei article.Well researched.I bet your fingers were aching after typing out the manuscript on the old laptop.
Cheers, Joe.

[Dazzler]

Hi Darren,

maybe Peter G. and I are mistaken.

Anyway please give Mike my regards.

Thats kind of you Phil...but you and Peter G are correct.

I knew Mike was training in the 60's but his Aiki didn't start until the 1970's.

It was my honest mistake. When I think of Mike with long hair and flares I get chronologically confused.

Who could blame me? :D

[sakumeikan]

Thats kind of you Phil...but you and Peter G are correct.

I knew Mike was training in the 60's but his Aiki didn't start until the 1970's.

It was my honest mistake. When I think of Mike with long hair and flares I get chronologically confused.

Who could blame me? :D

Hi Daren,
Last time I saw Narey Sensei [Abbe Sensei 50th] he still had the long hair and the flares!!Thats how I recognised him.
Cheers, Joe.
Ps Only kidding.

[john.burn]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for mentioning Tom Moss, he was definitely around in the 70's as he was awarded his shodan in 1969. It would be good to get something together to show where all the influences for UK aikido came from.

Henry, hope all is well, I do need to sort out a visit sometime soon... I've been a little busy at the club recently so I've not been online that much... and those DVD's are rather long overdue as it the beer! Do you have any more information on K. Webster, is he still around?

[Dazzler]

Hi Daren,
Last time I saw Narey Sensei [Abbe Sensei 50th] he still had the long hair and the flares!!Thats how I recognised him.
Cheers, Joe.
Ps Only kidding.

Excellent ! :D

I'll mention both you and Peter to him and I'll ask about Peter's books - not that I'll send them to japan but I'll 'borrow' them if they are any good.

Cheers

D

[Peter Goldsbury]

Excellent ! :D

I'll mention both you and Peter to him and I'll ask about Peter's books - not that I'll send them to japan but I'll 'borrow' them if they are any good.

Cheers

D

Oh, I would think they'd have fallen to pieces by now, or been eaten by the insect population of the West Midlands. :) In any case, I thought that Mike now lives in Bristol, right?

[Dazzler]

Oh, I would think they'd have fallen to pieces by now, or been eaten by the insect population of the West Midlands. :) In any case, I thought that Mike now lives in Bristol, right?

Yes - he's in Bristol but still dresses like a yorkshire man ...hence Joe's observations on his fashion sense

[Peter Goldsbury]

Hello Joe,

I remember Mary Lou and also Margaret Hughes. I think she was a 2nd or 3rd dan when I used to go to the dojo in Chiswick. Mike Holloway was there as well, and also a hippy-looking Minoru Kanetsuka with a goatee beard. His wife-to-be, Susan Gordon was also there. Later, after the separation between Ryushinkan and Tempukan, George Stavros (the hairdresser, right?) used to train occasionally at Ryushinkan, as did Murray Walker, who used to practise like a machine. He just never ever got tired.

I think I visited your part of the country with the University College London minibus. I certainly remember Arthur Lockyear. Actually, I traveled to a number of places in that Ford Transit; we once lost a spare wheel going round a roundabout somewhere in Leeds. I think it was Ken Marsden who ran the dojo there.

At the end of March, it will be 30 years since I left the UK.

Best wishes,

Peter G.

Mary Lou Watters [now in Quebec] , Murray &Sheila Walker,Andreas Teofanis, George Stavros , Margaret Suissman, Allan Burke, were in London as well.
In Liverpool Graham Morris [now in Oz] was knocking around.Bob Spence , Tom Moss were probably on the scene as well.
As I am now 71 and the memory cells are fading by the minute I just remember the old guys.
I have always thought the 60s /70s were the Golden Years of British Aikido.So many great Instructors visited the U.K.
Tamura, Sekiya, Saito, Yamaguchi, Yamada, Shibata, Kanai
Kitaura, Fujita, Fujimoto Senseis to name but a few.Happy Days!!! Cheers, Joe.

[Peter Goldsbury]

Hello again, Joe,

As for the splits within British Aikido, you should see the situation in Japan. Even in Hiroshima City alone, there are four different organizations affiliated to the Aikikai, plus all the others related to Yoshinkan, Ki Society etc. People think of aikido as harmony etc, but when you read the life of O Sensei and his teachers, you realize that it was never like that.

How are you spending your retirement? As you have gathered, I am writing history, but there is one other project that I am actively planning. This is an aikido murder thriller, on the lines of the Name of the Rose. Imagine the scene. A major residential training course, with Doshu and other high-ranking senseis. And then gruesomely murdered corpses are found in various locations and popular suspicion is leveled at some visitors from MMA, who really think that aikido is useless as a martial art anyway, because the attacks are not realistic enough. The problem is that the murders all follow a pattern, which would be completely unknown to MMA people unless they had read O Sensei's discourses etc etc etc. (Well, if Dan Brown can do it, so can I. :D )

Best wishes,

PAG

Hi Peter,
Thanks for the quick response.Nice to know you are well.
Reading all the names being mentioned is quite a sentimental journey for me.Maybe we should all hire a venue and do the Aikido equivalent of a 60's Pop revival?British Aikido has done more splits than a Chinese contortionist over the last 40 years.Wonder how Aikido would have been if we had all stuck together?Still, no harm in musing .Recently had a joint course with the U.K.A/Komyokan/ B.A.F.Went quite well.Good time had by all and the social side was fine.
Read your OSensei article.Well researched.I bet your fingers were aching after typing out the manuscript on the old laptop.
Cheers, Joe.

[sakumeikan]

Hello again, Joe,

As for the splits within British Aikido, you should see the situation in Japan. Even in Hiroshima City alone, there are four different organizations affiliated to the Aikikai, plus all the others related to Yoshinkan, Ki Society etc. People think of aikido as harmony etc, but when you read the life of O Sensei and his teachers, you realize that it was never like that.

How are you spending your retirement? As you have gathered, I am writing history, but there is one other project that I am actively planning. This is an aikido murder thriller, on the lines of the Name of the Rose. Imagine the scene. A major residential training course, with Doshu and other high-ranking senseis. And then gruesomely murdered corpses are found in various locations and popular suspicion is leveled at some visitors from MMA, who really think that aikido is useless as a martial art anyway, because the attacks are not realistic enough. The problem is that the murders all follow a pattern, which would be completely unknown to MMA people unless they had read O Sensei's discourses etc etc etc. (Well, if Dan Brown can do it, so can I. :D )

Best wishes,

PAG
Dear Peter,
I guess harmony can be translated into 'Lets jumpm this ship and start up our own little sideshow.Ill be Chief Instructor , you be Chief bottle washer.
As far as your novel is concerned if you use characters loosely based on some guys I know I could foresee a situation where the murdered guys were despatched to Nirvana in excruciating, long lingering deaths.May I suggest cyanide, dismemberment with blunt katana, and being forcibly killed by the wonderful practice of tying one;s knees together circa 1977.
Should this Dan Brown type novel sell in millions and in turn becomes a vehicle for Tom Hanks I am willing to forgo any royalties for my contribution to the story, as long as I have the pleasure of being the killer.As I am retired I can brush down my slightly tatty Butler outfit and enter rehearsals at a moments notice.
As possible co producer of said movie I will of course advise on casting.This should not cost you anything in fees since the actors /preferably real ,would in truth meet a grisly end thus saving millions.
This is perhaps wishful thinking on my part???
Cheers, Joe.

[sakumeikan]

Hi Joe

Don't forget Michael Narey who was also at the 50 years of Aikido bash in Crystal Palace.

I'm sure he'll have been involved with you wild young things in the 60's.

Regards

D

Hi All,
As I stated in a earlier thread I could possibly remember other names of aikidoka who might qualify as early Aikido pioneers.These names come to mind.Pat Stratford, Eddie Stratton , Tony Drinkwater Senseis. Stratford Sensei I believe did Yoshinkan, Stratton Sensei , founder? of Shudokan, and Tony [from Manchester] was active around the 60s /70s with Aikikai of Gt Britain.
Cheers, Joe.

[john.burn]

Hi Joe,

Pat Stratford is still around in Coventry but i'm pretty sure he's traditional as he was Tom Moss's first teacher. Some other names from the 70's might also be Ken Knapper, Frank McCall and Jim McCall as they all started a club along with Tom in 1970 or thereabouts.

[Peter Goldsbury]

Hello Joe,

My understanding is that Mr Stratton trained Yoshinkan, but Pat Stratford learned from Tanaka Shigeho, who used to teach at the dojo attached to the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, but received his dan ranks from Ueshiba Morihei and Kisshomaru Doshu.

When I first started aikido at Sussex University, my teacher Tao Norio affliated our club with Mr Stratford. When Tao returned to Japan, the club came under the direction of Chiba Sensei's students and eventually Chiba Sensei himself used to teach there.

Mr Tao and I are still good friends and we occasionally.

Best wishes,

PAG

Hi All,
As I stated in a earlier thread I could possibly remember other names of aikidoka who might qualify as early Aikido pioneers.These names come to mind.Pat Stratford, Eddie Stratton , Tony Drinkwater Senseis. Stratford Sensei I believe did Yoshinkan, Stratton Sensei , founder? of Shudokan, and Tony [from Manchester] was active around the 60s /70s with Aikikai of Gt Britain.
Cheers, Joe.

[Peter Goldsbury]

Edit:

Mr Tao and I are good friends and we occasionally meet for a talk over dinner.

PAG

[Hellis]

Joe Curran !!!

Hi Joe
I would like to add your name as you are too modest to do it youself :-) I have a photo of you on my www.British-Aikido.com photo gallery training as as dan grade Judoka with Abbe Sensei himself.
John Burn
Hi John
I am trying to find out more on Ken Webster ( or Webber ) I stayed at his home when teaching in Conventry. I will get back to you if I can engage my memory cells :-(
Henry

[sakumeikan]

Dear Henry,
I do appreciate your kind gesture.The photos of Gerry Mc Enroe and my ex Judo colleagues bring back memories of time spent with Abbe Sensei.He was a remarkable Judoka/Budoka.Around about the time the aforementioned pics were taken Abbe Sensei conducted a show in the St.Mungos Hall, in Gllasgow.Abbe Sensei lined up a group of Judoka [some big guys ] and flipped over without breaking sweat ii minutes.I think he bounced each man with a different technique.Abbe Sensei was very fluid in his movement, no jigotai [defense ] posture for him.Only man I ever thought was fluid like Abbe Sensei was Kisaburo Watanabe Sensei, , Asia Games champion in the early sixties.He was /is a delight to observe.I believe he is still alive .Watanabe Senseis Tai Otoshi /Tai otoshi renraku waza were wonderful to see.

[James Wyatt]

London. The start of Tomiki Aikido with Sensei John Cornish.

Henry Ellis

Actually John Cornish is aikikai and in his words "once aikikai always aikikai" as he was graded by O'Sensei. He was taught by Tomiki Sensei at the Kodokan and instructed in the judo katas and later wrote a book with their permission on Goshin Ju Jutsu.

Watanabe Sensei popped into the Budokwai recently to visit old friends (John Cornish and Tony Sweeney) and give a lesson.

I will create a new post, but John Cornish has just announced his imminent retirement having started boxing and judo under the late great Trevor Leggett around 1950-52.

All the best

James

[Tommo]

These men might qualify.
Pat Butler , Trevor Jones, Billy Coyle.Tom Pierce Tom Pickering . Stuart Appleby.Ron Myers.Lee Crow.John Hamilton.
In the 70s:George Girvan .Matt Holland, Arthur Lockyear.Dee Chen , .Peter Brady. Mick Holloway Bill Smith Terry Ezra.Paul Smith;John Emmerson.Keith Hayward.Eric Beake;Bob Lincoln.Tony Cassells . Chris Mooney. Alan Rowley,Ian McClarence.Alan Ruddock.

[Graham Farquhar]

These men might qualify.
Pat Butler , Trevor Jones, Billy Coyle.Tom Pierce Tom Pickering . Stuart Appleby.Ron Myers.Lee Crow.John Hamilton.
In the 70s:George Girvan .Matt Holland, Arthur Lockyear.Dee Chen , .Peter Brady. Mick Holloway Bill Smith Terry Ezra.Paul Smith;John Emmerson.Keith Hayward.Eric Beake;Bob Lincoln.Tony Cassells . Chris Mooney. Alan Rowley,Ian McClarence.Alan Ruddock.

You could add Matt Tennant in there with the Scots side too. I believe he is still teaching too. An excellent Aikidoka