British Aikido History - Honoured & Distinguished Guests

Honoured & Distinguished Guests who appeared at the The Kenshiro Abbe Sensei Jubilee Celebration.

Honoured & Distinguished Guests

On behalf of the Japanese Government -	Mr. Futao Motai Councillor & Director - Japan Information and Cultural Center Mr Motai joined the celebrations at approximately 12.30 and delivered a wonderful speech.

Listed alphabetically
On behalf of the National Aikido Federation of France -	Mr. Pierre Chassang Unfortunately unable to attend the seminar Pierre Chassang is the founder of the National Aikido Federation of France and the European section of the International Aikido federation. He was one of the first Aikido practitioners in Europe, being a direct student of Tadashi Abe Sensei in 1950.
On behalf of the British Aikido Federation and the Hong Kong Aikikai -	Mr. Ken Cottier Ken Cottier was a student of the Founder of Aikido, from the early 1960's and continued to live and train in Japan for almost 25 years. Mr. Cottier represents, the British Aikido Federation, the Superior Council of the International Aikido Federation and Hong Kong Aikikai. Mr. Cottier is one of a handful of Europeans to be conferred by Aikikai Hombu as Shihan.
On behalf of the British Aikikai -	Mr. Joe Curran Joe Curran is the Chairman of the British Aikikai, the Technical Director of whom is Kazuo Chiba Shihan USAF. Mr. Curran has trained in the United States with Prof Chiba completing the Kenshusei program at the San Diego Aikikai.
On behalf of the Bushido ZaZen Society -	Mr. Arnold Davies Arnold Davies is a founder of the Bushido ZaZen International Society. Through this organisation, the martial philosophy of Kyu Shin Do is studied through several martial disciplines.
Direct Student to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei -	Mr. Eric Dollimore Eric Dollimore was a student of Kenshiro Abbe in the early 1950's and was one of the first 12 Aikido Shodan to be graded here within the United Kingdom (Actually the second Shodan) carrying certification signed by the founder of Aikido.
On behalf of Sport England -	Mr. Philip Don Mr. Don represents Sport England as a member of the Governing Bodies Team. Mr. Don is involved with Martial Arts within his responsibilities.
	Mrs. Jenny Earl
On behalf of Te Shin Kai (UKA) -	Mr. & Mrs. Keith Hayward Keith Hayward is a Shidoin within the United Kingdom Aikikai and is the chief instructor within the Te Shin Kai house. Mr. and Mrs. Hayward are the special guests of David Humm.
On behalf of British Kendo Association -	Mr. Jeff Humm Jeff Humm is the chief instructor within Hizen Dojo of the British Kendo Association. As well as living and training extensively in Japan, Mr. Humm has held several senior positions within the BKA including Trainer to the National team & Manager. Mr. Humm also joins the demonstration teams for the seminar.
On behalf of the Abertillery Aikido Dojo-	Mr. Nigel Jones Nigel Jones is the principal instructor for Abertillery Aikido Club, under the Amateur Martial Association. Trained under Sensei Haydn Foster, & Sensei Ron Russell at the Hut Dojo. A dedicated practitioner of Traditional Aikido and long time student of Sensei Peter Thomas. Mr Jones is the special guest of Mr. Henry Ellis.
On behalf of the National Aikido Federation -	Mr. Michael Narey Michael Narey founded the National Aikido Federation in 1980 as a federation of Aikido clubs who wished to practise within the broad framework of Aikido developed in mainland Europe by Tamura Shihan. When the NAF was founded, Tamura Shihan agreed to become its Technical Director. However that role is now performed by Tamura's long time French disciple, Pierre Chassang.
On behalf of the British Judo Council -	Mr. Robin Otani Robin Otani is the President of the British Judo Council, and son of its founder, Matsutaro Otani who, was a leading figure in the development of Judo within the United Kingdom.
On behalf of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai -	Mr. Roger Payne Official UK Representative of Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (Greater Japan Martial Virtues Society) International Division. Also Kyoshi Rank holder and recipient of "Koro Sho" (Distinguished Service & Dedication Award) from Dai Nippon Butoku Kai presented to him personally at the 2nd World & 40th All Japan National Butoku Sai held in the historic Butokuden in Kyoto, Japan.
On behalf of the United Kingdom Aikikai -	Mr. & Mrs. William Smith MBE Unfortunately unable to attend the seminar William Smith MBE is the Principal instructor of the United Kingdom Aikikai; Mr. Smith was a founding member of the Aikikai of Great Britain and is one of a handful of Europeans to be conferred by Aikikai Hombu as Shihan.
On behalf of the Judo Association of Holland -	Mr. Gijs Schouten Mr. Schouten was one of the four first Shodan with in the Netherlands, and a student of Mr. Peter Beljaars. Mr. Beljaars was the first aikido teacher in Netherlands and founder of the N.A.B. Today Mr. Schouten is member of the Judo Bond Nederland, from within the Aikido section.
Aide to Matsutaro Otani Sensei from 1947 -	Mr. Bill Stopps Bill Stopps was Matsutaro Otani's personal aide from 1947 and played an instrumental role in the development of Judo within the United Kingdom.
On behalf of the British Aikido Board -	Mr. Vincent Sumpter Unfortunately unable to attend the seminar Unfortunately for reasons best explained in the BAB General Meeting minutes of 29th January 2005, The Chairman of the BAB has chosen not to support the event with his attendance. It is also unfortunate that despite the BAB being officially recognised as the Governing Body for British Aikido, the BAB themselves seem unable to find an Executive member to represent the Board during this British Aikido Event. If you wish to appraise yourself of Mr. Sumpter's decision, please follow this link to the online minutes <HERE>
On behalf of the International Federation of Seishin Kitaido -	Mr. Ken Waight Ken Waight started his practice in 1963. He apprenticed with Master Harada, became his chief assistant and in 1966 became the first black belt in Shotokai Karate in Great Britain and the second graded black belt in G.B. at that time. He then spent five years in Japan studying with Master Aoki, was appointed Head Instructor of Shintaido in Great Britain and helped propagate the practice throughout Europe. He also served on the international Technical committee.
Personal Aide to Kenshiro Abbe -	Mr. Bill Woods Bill Woods was Kenshiro Abbe's personal assistant. He began Judo in 1949, in 1958 was a founding member of the British Judo Council and later (1961) Was the first student of Abbe Sensei to be graded to Shodan in Kendo within the United Kingdom (Certificate # 1)


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