My adventure with Aikido began in the early 60’s when the senior grade in the Rhondda at that time was a 1st Kyu. Later, in a local Adult Education Centre, I was taught by a Dan grade who came up from Cardiff, Mr Hywel Jenkins.
As a result, some of the class attended a Summer School, given by Sensei Williams. He saw the strength of commitment in Rhondda and eventually set up his own Dojo there. He built up a strong organisation, eventually containing many Dan Grades of excellent calibre, a testament to the quality of his teaching. When Sensei Williams placed himself with Master Koichi Tohei, those of us who stayed with him had the advantage of a completely new approach to Aikido.
The resulting change of emphasis was not to everyone’s taste but, for the first time, I began to understand what I had been striving for. Both Sensei Williams’ unequivocal support for Ki Aikido and my first hand contact with Master Tohei in the late 70’s made me realise the way that I have followed ever since.
Sadly, schisms abound in Aikido, despite the high ideals of the Founder, and in the late 80’s I found myself at the Head of what was to become the Welsh Aikido Society. It had never been my intention to be at the head of anything other than my business interests – the quotation regarding those who have …” greatness thrust upon them” is particularly appropriate in my case.
As a result, some of the class attended a Summer School, given by Sensei Williams. He saw the strength of commitment in Rhondda and eventually set up his own Dojo there. He built up a strong organisation, eventually containing many Dan Grades of excellent calibre, a testament to the quality of his teaching. When Sensei Williams placed himself with Master Koichi Tohei, those of us who stayed with him had the advantage of a completely new approach to Aikido.
The resulting change of emphasis was not to everyone’s taste but, for the first time, I began to understand what I had been striving for. Both Sensei Williams’ unequivocal support for Ki Aikido and my first hand contact with Master Tohei in the late 70’s made me realise the way that I have followed ever since.
Sadly, schisms abound in Aikido, despite the high ideals of the Founder, and in the late 80’s I found myself at the Head of what was to become the Welsh Aikido Society. It had never been my intention to be at the head of anything other than my business interests – the quotation regarding those who have …” greatness thrust upon them” is particularly appropriate in my case.
However I continue to develop my own Aikido and gain great satisfaction from seeing the advances in my own students.
