I believe that the history is as follows.

The British Aikido Federation (and, I suspect, the UK Aikikai too) have been trying to arrange a visit by Doshu to the UK for a little while, as he has not been here for something like fifteen years now. The BAF particularly wanted him to come, as Kanetsuka Shihan will be 70 at the end of this year and wanted to mark the occasion. I have heard that the Aikikai (probably including Doshu himself) have become impatient and frustrated with the lack of harmony between various of the five Aikikai-recognised organisations in the UK, and at their suggestion a meeting was arranged last year at which all five groups signed a formal invitation for Doshu to visit and give a jointly-organised course here. The weekend in Cardiff next year is the result.

I have registered for the weekend - it should be a great course.

Alex