BIRANKAI EUROPE NEWSLETTER MMUUSSUUBBII Issue 1 July 2010
Chiba Sensei details the history of change CONTENTS
1 Revamped Musubi Revamped Musubi heralds
2 Inspiration in Musubi New Order issolving Birankai Continental 2 Editorial Europe was somewhat painful but necessary for us to main- 3 Dissolving BCE Dtain focus on integrity. It was a ques- tion of our ability to self cleanse and 4 Birankai Austria to change with minimum sacrifice. Its existence has heavily shadowed the 5 Birankai France European Union as an ideological model of ten years and has proved 9 Birankai Deutschland to be too ambitious in reality when the (Germany) individual member countries were still struggling to establish their own foot- 11 Hellenic Birankai ing as national organizations. Having carried out the dissolution does not Photo: Beata Darowska 13 Birankai Israel necessarily mean to deny the idea of Chiba Sensei creating a big family beyond the 14 Birankai Polska (Poland) national boundaries, but it should be tion through a unified format. In and will be realized of its own accord December 2009 both editors, Dee 16 Chiba Sensei in Europe while the member countries strive hard Chen of London for Musubi and to establish their own identity as Suzanne Brunner of Lausanne for 17 Birankai Portugal national organizations. Shiun met in London for its smooth From 4 February 2010, I have had transition and to exchange plans for 18 Birankai CH (Switzerland) three meetings at Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, the future. I would like to take this Japan, two of which were with Doshu opportunity to express my personal 19 British Birankai and with Mr Tani, the secretary of the thanks to Norberto Chiesa the first International Department of Hombu editor of Shiun, which was initially 27 Doshuʼs visit in Cardiff Dojo. These meetings have resulted published from the town of Lussan, in the formal recognition from Hombu France in 2002, and to Suzanne for the following member countries: Brunner as the second editor of Shiun Deadline Birankai Poland, Austria, Switzerland, for the past two years. A special for January 2011 issue: Greece and Portugal. I decided to thanks to Dee Chen as the editor of 1 December 2010 withdraw the request for recognition Musubi since 1995 and whose work for France and Germany as I see that as the General Secretary has been these two countries are not ready at instrumental in the steady growth of this stage. My only wish for this event British Aikikai and British Birankai, is that this could have been done with- who has furthermore taken the chal- out traveling to Japan in the middle of lenge as the editor of the new version Photo: Milena Kremakova winter. (It was the coldest winter in 60 of Musubi of Birankai Europe. I would years!) like to ask the Shihankai Europe and Along with this major shift of dissolu- the leaders of the national organiza- tion of Birankai Continental Europe tions to give their strong support and in the summer of 2009, the Shihankai backup for this new venture to be Europe decided to merge Musubi and successful and meaningful to us all. ☯ Shiun into one single publication, Chiba Sensei, London October 08 Birankai Europe Musubi, in order Shihan TK Chiba 8th Dan to encourage the flow of communica- April 2010 Shihan Chris Mooney finds inspiration in Musubi and the diversity of European culture
feel privileged to culture, economic situation, political us guidelines and the underpinning write for the first instability, a country that is at peace, pillars of centeredness, connected- pan-EuropeanI a country that is at war, the weather, ness, wholeness, liveliness and Birankai maga- language, etc. This requires actively openness. We should take care zine. acquiring intelligence coupled with to cultivate these forms, as I have Despite the tur- a martial awareness. This I would observed gaps in knowledge of moil of our recent consider is one form of musubi. techniques during examinations and history in Shihan Chris Mooney On my travels, one of the key ques- on tatami. Birankai Europe, tions which was often asked of me is The great strengths we have within and with the developing autonomies “what is the teacher-student relation- Europe are the diversity of our cultures within our respective countries, I think ship?” In my experience, from the and the diversity of students who had it appropriate to talk about musubi. earliest days when I entered the Dojo, entered the school via different organi- What is musubi? A translation of we were taught a form: to sit in seiza, zations, but were all enthused and musubi is connection, unification, to bow to the kamiza and then to say sincere in wanting to study within the blending, harmonious interaction. ‘onegaeshimasu’ and at the end of Birankai group. The drive and energy As most of you will be aware, I have class ‘domo arigato gozaimashita’. of these people to come together to been travelling throughout Europe This is said by both the teacher and make something very fresh and new since the early 1980s, when I gained the student, and therein begins one is inspirational. There is no reason why my first insight into teaching Aikido in form of musubi. The concept of the this cannot continue. Indeed, now another culture, in Athens, Greece. teacher and student as being separate armed with a little bit more knowledge Armed with limited knowledge and and opposite is a product of dualistic and experience, my spirit is optimistic. experience, but an enthusiastic spirit, thinking. In my view, the essence of Perhaps I am still in danger of falling and with a touch of idealism (a chasm the teacher-student relationship is into idealism, but practical experiences I continually fell into) I taught what where we experience the benefits of have given me a better sense of where I knew. Subsequently, I found myself both teacher and student at once. the edge of the chasm lies. in Bern, Switzerland, whose culture From my viewpoint, there are three Finally, I would like to thank the would appear to be diametrically things on which is it important to focus. many people who were very support- opposed to that of Greece. In both ☯ The first thing is our own person- ive during the period of time when these cases and in the many other al daily practice. A key part to this I was injured. I would also like to cases to follow, I understood that I was study is regular practice with our express my gratitude for the experi- in the process of a student, developing teacher in our Dojo. ence of learning from you, your Dojo an awareness which I would build on ☯ The second thing is a healthy and your culture. ☯ in teaching within other cultures. teacher-student relationship, which As a teacher you acquire sensitivity is an education in the principle of to factors which can impact on Aikido ki-musubi. training in each country, such as ☯ Thirdly, Chiba Sensei has given Shihan Chris Mooney 6th Dan
Editorial has not been as successful. In the end nated by the five Aikikai organizations: he had the job of extracting Dojo infor- British Birankai, British Aikido mation from the websites. Our thanks Federation, Scottish Aikido Federation, roducing to all our translators Norberto Chiesa, United Kingdom Aikikai and Komyokan this first Lucienne Suter, and of course Aikido Association. issue of Suzanne and Christophe Brunner for Our next issue is due in January BEP Musubi has proofreading the French articles. 2011 and we welcome submissions been made so Thanks also to Davinder Bath and before 1 December 2010. ☯ much easier with Franco Chen. the cooperation Photographs taken at the course in of a small Dee Chen Cardiff on 18-20 June 2010 conducted Dee coterie of dedi- by the Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba and his cated workers. Suzanne Brunner has son Waka Sensei Mitsuteru Ueshiba been busy collecting the data from the are included. This was the Doshu’s Editor: Dee Chen [email protected] continental Dojos and ensuring that all first visit to the UK since he became Assistant Editor: Suzanne Brunner submissions are both in French and Doshu in 1999. Both were well [email protected] English. In the UK the response to received with around 800 practitioners Sub Editor: Chris Howlin Chris Howlin’s request for information in attendance. This event was coordi- [email protected]
BE MUSUBI July 2010 Dissolving Birankai Continental Europe Shihan Mike Flynn reports on the legal and financial hurdles completed
t certainly has is depicted below is the complete Birankai to be used exclusively by been an event- sequence of key events which in Chiba Sensei in support of his work ful year within essence concluded in February of in developing Aikido in Continental theI European this year. Europe. Birankai. As most On behalf of the Shihankai, I would of you know, like to thank the President of BCE, 2 BCE summer camp 2009 in a decision was Joël Bertrand, all officers of the BCE, Poland taken in Poland and the members of the Dissolution The expenses for this camp totalized Shihan Mike Flynn during the 2009 Committee, for their work. Their self- 17,999.21€. Summer School to dissolve the less contributions in support of the BCE has covered a loss of Birankai Continental Europe (BCE) growth of Birankai over many years 2,409.21€, as follows: and focus our energies on the estab- can not be understated. Our sincerest ☯ the sum of 1,053.21€ (£957.37) lishment and maintenance of healthy gratitude to all of you. has been paid back on 24 September National Organizations. Of course, 2009 by BCE to British Birankai as its a decision of this magnitude resulted 1 General Meeting in Poland on share to the cost of Chiba Sensei’s in a significant amount of work for the 19 August 2009 airfare San Diego–London–Wroclaw officers of the BCE, as there were At this meeting, the members of ☯ the sum of 1,356€ has been trans- innumerable administrative and legal BCE had: ferred by BCE to Birankai Poland on issues to resolve before the wishes ☯ voted unanimously in favour of 24 September 2009. of the membership could be fulfilled. the dissolution of BCE, As you will recall, upon voting to ☯ nominated the President, Joël 3 Legal procedure of dissolution dissolve the BCE, it was the decision Bertrand, as Liquidator of the BCE, of BCE of the voting membership to elect in order to fulfil the legal procedure This has been completed by the a Liquidator, and a Dissolution of dissolution, liquidator as follows: Committee to assist and oversee the ☯ nominated a Dissolution ☯ on the basis of the minutes of liquidator in this task. Furthermore, Committee to assist the Liquidator the General Meeting, the Tribunal with regard to finances, it was agreed in his task (Dannie Jost as General d’Instance de Strasbourg has that after all expenses to BCE were Secretary of BCE, Anne Ducouret, registered the dissolution of BCE realised, the remaining balance of Jacques Pictet, Patrick Barthélémy, on 18 February 2010, funds would be given to Chiba Sensei Norberto Chiesa, Daniel Brunner), ☯ the official publication of the in support of his work in Europe. ☯ asked the Liquidator to finalize the dissolution was done in the newspaper As you can see below in the current affairs (BCE summer camp ‘L’Ami Hebdo’ on 24 February 2010, sequence of events that have taken 2009; financial support to Chiba ☯ on 24 February 2011, after a legal place leading up to and following the Sensei’s trip in Japan), period of one year following this decision to dissolve the BCE, the offi- ☯ asked the Liquidator to transfer publication, the Tribunal d’Instance cers of the BCE threw themselves into the balance of the bank account of de Strasbourg will finally register the the task with great commitment. What BCE after dissolution to British liquidation of BCE.
4 Transfer of the balance after dis- solution of BCE to British Birankai The sum of 6,334€ (£5,534.78) has been transferred by BCE to British Birankai on 23 March 2010 to be used exclusively by Chiba Sensei in support of his work in developing Aikido in Continental Europe. Part of this sum will cover the share of BCE for the trip of Chiba Sensei to Japan, as voted at the Dissolution General Meeting. ☯
Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan Shihan Flynn and Jenny Flower (uke), Hellenic Birankai Autumn Seminar, Oct 2009 Chairman, British Birankai July 2010 BE MUSUBI BIRANKAI AUSTRIA Technical Director: Shihan Tony Cassells 6th Dan Chairman: Mark Pickering 5th Dan
Aikikai Dornbirn – O Sen Kan ur Dojo was founded in 2003 O-Sensei’s path. and is located in a beautiful In the spirit of our Birankai teachers, Chief Instructor old gym built in 1910, featuring Shihan TK Chiba and Shihan Tony Jürgen Schwendinger 3rd Dan, Oa sprung wooden floor. The nice Cassells, we strive to keep a friendly Fukushidoin wooden ceiling also contributes to relationship in training. This way, trust creating a special atmosphere for our can be built on the mat, which in turn Other Instructors daily practice. The following disciplines allows for both an effective and inten- Wolfgang Petter 2nd Dan, Fukushidoin are taught: weapons (Bokken, Jo and sive practice on the mat. Michael Schwendinger 2nd Dan, Tanto), body art, as well as Iaido. We host three seminars a year, Fukushidoin Our Dojo has about 20 registered Spring Course, Summer Camp and members. Our Sensei and teacher Autumn Course. We have some fre- Address is Jürgen Schwendinger 3rd Dan, quent guests from the neighbouring Heilenberg 5 Fukushidoin assisted by Wolfgang and overseas countries. These guests 6850 Dornbirn Petter and Michael Schwendinger both return regularly, as they appreciate the Austria 2nd Dan, Fukushidoin. They instruct high quality of our seminars and also ten classes a week. because they feel ‘at home’ in our Website: www.aikikaidornbirn.at In the summer of 2008, Shihan TK Dojo. Our British friends especially, Email Chiba taught our Summer Camp and led by Shihan Tony Cassells and Mark [email protected] named our Dojo ‘O Sen Kan’ which Pickering, have made themselves at Tel: +43 (0)5572 398 465 means ‘the Elite house’ of Austria. We, home over the past eight years. Training days the students of Aikikai Dornbirn, see Our teacher Jürgen Schwendinger Monday to Friday this privilege in our excellent teachers, transmits the spirit of martial arts in its and in the opportunity of following highest form – the same way as he receives it from his teacher Shihan Tony Cassells. Within our Dojo, Shihan Tony Cassells calls for an intensive discus- sion and exchange on the essence of Aikido. Our seminars prove to be special experiences. ☯
Sylvia Taraba 1st Dan Dornbirn 27 May 2010 BE MUSUBI July 2010 BIRANKAI FRANCE Technical Directors: Shihan Norberto Chiesa 6th Dan and Shihan Gabriel Valibouze 6th Dan (on leave of absence) Chairman: Didier Hatton 4th Dan
Dai Jyo Kan, Aikikai de Dai Jyo Kan, 40 years of Human Adventure. . . Bagnols agnols sur Cèze, at the cross- tango and the mountains of the Chief Instructor road of the Rhodanian Valley Ardeche. From then on, Patrick Patrick Barthélémy 5th Dan, Shidoin and the mountain hills of the Barthélémy and Norberto Chiesa have [email protected] BCévennes, owes its prosperity to the dispensed their teaching at the Dojo. creation of the Nuclear Center of Another youngster, Thierry Moulinet, Senior Instructor Marcoule. took charge of the children courses in Shihan Norberto Chiesa 6th Dan Towards the end of 1969 a dental 1986 (and still does to this day. . .), [email protected] surgeon, an old student of Master courses that were created three years Mochizuki, together with a group of before by Patrick Barthélémy. Address young people created an association Two mayor events took place in that 5, avenue Charrier dedicated to the practice of Aikido. In year that were capital to our practice. 30200 Bagnols sur Cèze January 1970 our first class, a curious We gained independence from munici- mixture of karate and Aikido, marked pal structures by renting our own Website: www.aikido-bagnols.fr the birth of our Adventure. premises, and at the outcome of a Tel: 04 66 82 70 16 From then on and until 1975, other wonderful ceremony the Dojo received Training days teachers brought to us a kind of prac- from TK Chiba Sensei its name: Tuesday to Saturday tice much closer to what we know DAI JYO KAN*. today. They were followers of the In the year 2000 we lived through teachings of Tamura Sensei, including the last major event of our Adventure: our dear friend Roberto Arnulfo. we bought our own Dojo. A consider- In 1975 a young Argentinean, able investment from all the members student of TK Chiba Sensei, took resi- and an unfailing solidarity have result- dence in our region and agreed to take ed in the home we now have. on the technical All of you, Birankai friends that may direction of the be passing nearby, come share our Dojo. In 1978, practice and enjoy our hospitality**. ☯ Norberto Chiesa, expert in tango Patrick Barthélémy 5th Dan and Latin dances, joined forces with *Dai Jyo Kan: the commonly understood one of the origi- meaning is that of a large ship where nal-founding everybody rows in the same direction. members of the Others, we know not why, make reference 1969 Association, to a galley. . . thus generating an enduring com- **Hospitality: to join us call Patrick plicity between Barthélémy at 04 66 82 70 16 and Argentinean by e-mail to [email protected]
Aikikai de Strasbourg Address 234 Route des Romains, 67200 Strasbourg, Koenigshoffen Chief Instructor Website: www.aikido-strasbourg.com Shihan Gabriel Valibouze 6th Dan Email: [email protected] Tel: 03 88 28 10 98 Other Instructors Fax: 03 88 30 96 16 Didier Hatton 4th Dan, Shidoin Training days Sadek Khettab 4th Dan, Shidoin Monday to Saturday Joël Bertrand 4th Dan, Shidoin Paule Helmbacher 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin Alexandre Pigeollot 2nd Dan, Fukushidoin July 2010 BE MUSUBI Ann Jyou Kan Ann Jyou Kan, a Birankai Dojo in Paris Chief Instructor he Ann Jyou Kan Dojo opened Kan’ which translates as ‘House of Anne Ducouret 4th Dan, Shidoin its doors in April 2006 in the 20th peace and prosperity’. Today we still ward of Paris. Many events have maintain strong links with Birankai. We Other Instructors markedT its development. have more than twelve hours of Aikido Cyrille Benoоt In 1986 the original group started in classes in our Dojo with an additional Jean-Gabriel Massardier the 5th ward. 1998 not only brings a eight classes in another place. Stйphane Duclot move to the district of the ‘high 20th Membership includes 155 members Jйrфme Lebrun ward’ but we also came under the made up of 90 adults and 65 children, Ivan Peyron influence of Chiba Sensei school. This with the following officers: Reynald ‘Birankai’ connection is decisive Deroche as President, Thierry Address because it allows us to restart as a Lecomte as Treasurer and Christian 93, rue Pelleport, 75020 Paris group. We then moved to 93 Pelleport Mathieu as General Secretary. The Metro station: Pelleport Street. Two years later the manager teaching is under the direction of Anne was asked to leave, so were we!!! Ducouret 4th Dan, Shidoin assisted by Website: www.aikido-paris-cap.org After a year of hard times we moved Cyrille Benoоt, Jean-Gabriel Email: [email protected] back to the place and transformed it Massardier, Stйphane Duclot, Jйrфme Tel: 01 40 31 50 03 into a ‘Dojo-School of the Parisian Lebrun and Ivan Peyron. The Dojo Mobile: 06 10 07 84 74 East’. Our initial project is announced welcomes all ages to numerous Training days in the following manner: “The sole events. Monday to Saturday purpose of this traditional martial arts This year, we had the honour of school is to benefit the community. welcoming the seminar for advanced The Dojo is the environment for teachers and students directed by the personal development where one Birankai Europe Shihankai. studies the Way. Through the martial, The summer school in Paris in July energetic and cultural activities, the will be directed by Shihans and human being grows steadily and Shidoins. ☯ develops harmoniously. The relation- ship to others and to oneself is enact- ed under the rules that govern the life in the Dojo and from this sharing emerges a collective project”. The Deputy-Mayor of the 20th ward opens the Dojo at a special ceremony in September 2006. Then TK Chiba Anne Ducouret 4th Dan Sensei gives it the name of ‘Ann Jyou Translated by Lucienne Suter
BE MUSUBI July 2010 Aikikai de Cronenbourg he Dojo was founded by Sadek it would require a greater investment Khetab and Paule Helmbacher in by the teachers to get more students Chief Instructor 2005 as a Birankai Dojo. It has and fees, to develop children classes, Sadek Khetab 4th Dan, Shidoin Ta membership of 13 adults. and also the teachers should be certi- The practice takes place in a public fied by the state. ☯ Other instructors social and cultural centre which also Paule Helmbacher 3rd Dan, offers judo classes. There is no rent Sadek Khetab 4th Dan Fukushidoin to pay. Yannick Uguet 3rd Dan (assistant) The teachers are not paid and the members pay Address their fees through the 56 Rue Du Rieth social and cultural centre. 67000 Strasbourg The teachers are Sadek France Khetab 4th Dan, Shidoin and Paule Helmbacher 3rd Email: [email protected] Dan, Fukushidoin, and an Tel: 0698772997 assistant. Training days In order to allow this Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday public social and cultural centre to pay the Aikido teachers for their classes,
Gen Rei Kan, Uzès Aikikai reated in February 1982 the members. Dojo of Uzès has enjoyed a In 2009 Chiba Sensei baptized the Instructors close working relationship with Dojo with the name ‘Gen Rei Kan’ and Michel Neumann 3rd Dan, CDai Jyo Kan, the Dojo of Bagnols sur in so doing he affirmed our identity Fukushidoin† Cèze. infusing the Dojo with a strong and Fabrice Mahieux 2nd Dan, From the beginning, several teach- beautiful energy. It is our responsibility Fukushidoin ers took the leadership of the group in now to persevere in our way through succession. A time came when the a rigorous and sincere practice. ☯ Address Dojo found itself without a teacher. Impasse du Redounet It was at our request that Norberto Fabrice Mahieux 2nd Dan 30700 Uzès Chiesa Sensei and Patrick Barthélémy Email: [email protected] Sensei generously accepted to dis- pense their teachings at our Dojo. †Since this article was submitted Their engagement revitalized our Dojo we are sad to report that Michel and gave direction to our practice. Neumann passed away on 20 May The commitment of the members 2010 due to ill health. With grew in depth and the instructors Fabrice Mahieux he had directed advanced in their practice. Today, this Dojo for over 20 years. He Michel Neumann and Fabrice Mahieux leaves us with the memory of are holders of Fukushidoin rank and a sensitive man, full of humour, assume the teaching in the Dojo. a generous spirit and a lasting Michel Neumann The membership stands at about 30 friendship.
July 2010 BE MUSUBI Nashi Yane Dojo irected by Thierry Moulinet, 4th Nashi Yane Dojo organized and partic- Saint-Marcel-de-Careiret Dan, Fukushidoin ipated in several seminars in Bagnols- DThe Dojo of Saint-Marcel-de-Careiret sur-Céze, Uzès, St-Marcel-de-Careiret, Chief Instructor was created in 1998, with the approval and St-Martin d’Ardèche. Thierry Moulinet 4th Dan, Fukushidoin of Shihan Norberto Chiesa and Patrick The children who are now teenagers [email protected] Barthélémy, Shidoin. have joined the adult class. We are There is a class for about 30 children now about twenty and practising Other Instructors on Wednesday from 1800 to 1900. steadily; the children’s group is stable. Daniel Roussel 1st Dan Then a class from 1915 to 2100 for our The classes are directed by Thierry [email protected] group of adults. In 1998, there were Moulinet, assisted by Daniel Roussel, Brigitte Calegari about 6 to 8 adults. Brigitte and Michele Calegari. ☯ Michele Calegari Twelve years has passed. Now Aikido is very well known in our city Email Dojo and in the surrouding villages. The Thierry Moulinet 4th Dan [email protected] (chez Daniel) Training day Wednesday
Gen Nei Kan Dojo ocated in the coun- Aikikai Saint-Jean-du-Gard tryside in Mialet, southern France Chief Instructor L(Gard), in the Cévennes, Joël Bertrand 4th Dan, Shidoin the Dojo is about one hour by car north of Other Instructor Nîmes. It was founded in Ghislaine Soulet 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin 2007 by Joël Bertrand and Ghislaine Soulet in Address the old sheepfold of Malbosc Malbosc (a farmhouse of F-30140 Mialet the 17th century) and officially opened by Website Chiba Sensei in July www.aikido-saint-jean-du-gard.com 2007 under the name Email: [email protected] GEN NEI KAN. summer camp in July in Saint-Jean- Tel: +33 (0)4 66 85 00 82 Two Birankai certified teachers Joël du-Gard. The Dojo also offers a hous- Training days Bertrand (4th Dan, Shidoin, technical ing capacity to accommodate all Wednesday to Saturday director) and Ghislaine Soulet (3rd through the year practitioners who Dan, Fukushidoin), both students of desire to join the practice at Gen Nei Gabriel Valibouze Shihan, teach eight Kan in a natural environment hours weekly (Aikido, boken, jo, Iaido) favourable to concentration. and one hour of Zazen, to about ten Welcome to Gen Nei Kan! ☯ students. Several seminars are organized dur- ing the year among which is an annual Joël Bertrand 4th Dan
BE MUSUBI July 2010 BIRANKAI DEUTSCHLAND (GERMANY) Technical Director: Shihan Chris Mooney (Acting) and Shihan Gabriel Valibouze 6th Dan (on leave of absence) Chairman: Alexander Broll 4th Dan
Gen Ei Kan, Landau he Dojo is situated in a former exchange of teachers as well as fortress town in the south-west exchanging European cultures with Chief Instructor of Germany and has 44,000 each other. Alexander Broll 4th Dan, Shidoin Tinhabitants surrounded by vineyards In Spring and Autumn, we regularly and forest areas of the Pfalz. organize Aikido training courses with Address In 1998 our Dojo was founded by international Birankai teachers (Shihan Raimund-Huber-Str 11 Alexander Broll and in 2001 Shihan and Shidoin) for young people and 76829 Landau TK Chiba gave us the name ‘Gen Ei adults. We also host a social event Kan’, which translates to ’The House annually for the Landau Aikido Website: www.aikido-landau.de that reflects the Essence’. Community. Email: [email protected] What is important to us are the holis- As part of our publicity campaign, we Tel: +49 (0) 6341 55 900 98 tic values. These require discipline participated in the ‘Day of the child’ in Training days (physically and mentally), accepting Landau and also at the ‘Global day of Monday, Thursday and Saturday each other and, moreover, embarking the child’. We take part in anti-violence on a voyage of discovery that never programmes in schools and are known seems to end. When learning AI-KI- to organizations in Landau offering DO you deal not only with the oppo- holiday schemes. nent but also with your own self. The Dojo is an aspect of life embrac- We are now offering Aikido training ing the confidence, the space and the to children from the age of eight order that are contained in the spirit of upwards. Currently, we are involved the five pillars: centeredness, connect- with exchange training programmes edness, liveliness, openness and with neighbouring Dojos in Paris, wholeness. This constitutes a real Strasbourg and Colmar. The main challenge, on and off the tatami. ☯ issues are the intensive Aikido training of children and adolescents, the Alexander Broll 4th Dan
July 2010 BE MUSUBI University of Muenster Aikido ounded in Dojo 2002 by Hans-Peter Chief Instructor FHoepp, University of Hans-Peter Hoepp 3rd Dan, Muenster Aikido Fukushidoin Dojo has ever since been an assembly Address point for university Horstmarer Landweg, Fechtraum students and affili- ates taking refuge Website: aikido-uni-ms.piranho.de to strict martial Email: [email protected] practice of body Training day management, com- Tuesday posure and courage in an otherwise highly intellectual- ized and efficiency- directed academic environment. Inevitably, as part of a university sports programme, Birankai Aikido struggled to make its way among the other physical disci- plines and to successfully compete for basic strength: people increasingly practice time and space in the univer- came because ‘the other kind of sport’ sity sports facilities. Not surprisingly, now held a special attraction. At pres- external and internal influences calling ent, the number of people ‘just having into question ‘that weird marital art’ a snoop around’ still continues to be that seemed to ‘accomplish little in a large at the beginning of each term foreseeable time span’ were endless whereas the number of those outlast- over the first years. Growing support ing the initial disillusionment seems came when more and more news minute in comparison. Over the years, spread via the academic grapevine however, the slowly growing core of that the university Dojo was truly truly committed members became providing a programme contrasting increasingly known for its radiance of and complementing academic strains physical, mental and social excellence. through vigorous martial exercise ☯ resulting in composure of body, mind and social interaction. Only with time the very obstacles that the Dojo had met in the beginning turned into its Hans-Peter Hoepp 3rd Dan
BE MUSUBI July 2010 HELLENIC BIRANKAI (GREECE) Technical Director: Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan Chairman: Matt Teale 4th Dan
Athens Aikido fter a year of search- Chief Instructor ing and a Jenny Flower 4th Dan, Shidoin monthA of grueling work Athens Address Aikido opened the Xanthipou 3 doors of its new Holargos home on 12 April Athens 2010! Our Dojo is Greece located close to the centre of Website: athensaikido.gr Athens and being Email: [email protected] on the metro line Tel: +30 6977303823 direct from the air- Training days port it is ideal for Monday to Friday visitors from abroad too. Chief instructor is Jenny Flower, 4th Dan, Shidoin and we offer a full-time training program including Iaido and Zazen. We have a mat space of 43 mats and comfortable uchideshi facilities. ☯
Jenny Flower 4th Dan
Athens Aikikai
Chief Instructor Ari Sinavelis 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin
18 Omirou St Halandri 15232 Greece
Website: www.athens-aikikai.gr Email: [email protected] Tel: +30 6944542729 Training days Monday to Saturday
July 2010 BE MUSUBI Kithira Aikido started Aikido in 1990 in Athens with Eamonn Devlin Sensei, also Instructor I have trained under the guidence Kiros Tzannes 3rd Dan Iof Juba Nour Sensei when he was in Athens in 1994 for a year. After that Address I visited Juba Nour in his New York Spilies Dojo a couple of times for a few Kalamos months at a time. In 1996 I started Kithira 80100 a restaurant on the island of Kithira Greece just for the summer season and during year 2000. At the moment we rent the the winter I used to go back to Athens gymnasium in the primary school, Email: [email protected] and continued training with Eamon where we train daily. Tel: 0030 27360 34038 Devlin until 2000 when I decided to We have 12 active members and we Training days move permanently to Kithira. This is also have children classes with ten Adults: Monday to Saturday when I started my own Dojo primarily children. Children: Tuesday and Friday to be able to continue training. We usually have an annual Greek Also I have attended numerous sem- Birankai seminar and we hope in the inars with Chris Mooney Sensei and future to make it an international event many other Birankai Senseis and of as this is an ideal location for people to course Chiba Sensei‘s seminars. bring their family and combine training Kithira Aikido is located on a small and holidays on an unspoilt beautiful Greek island, Kithira, in the main town Greek island. ☯ called Hora. It was established in the Kiros Tzannes 3rd Dan
Kolonos he Aikido Dojo at Kolonos has Thursday as well as two hours on only been open since September Saturday midday. The classes are Chief Instructor 2009. The chief instructor is taught either by Matt Teale or one of Matt Teale 4th Dan, Shidoin TMatt Teale (4th Dan, Shidoin). He is the senior Dojo members. Including assisted by Achilleas Label (3rd Dan), weapons and Iaido there are a total of Other Instructors Giannis Papagyris (1st Dan), Louis 15 hours training available as well as Achilleas Label 3rd Dan Abeshi (1st Dan), Angeliki Zazen 4 times per week. The kids’ Giannis Papagyris 1st Dan Chrisanthakopoulou (1st Dan) and class is for one hour on Wednesdays Louis Abeshi 1st Dan Angelos Tsantilas (1st Dan). Originally and one hour on Saturday mornings. Angeliki Chrisanthakopoulou 1st Dan we started at Panellinios Sports centre We currently have 130 square Angelos Tsantilas 1st Dan but the decision was taken to open metres mat space in a light, airy a permanent Aikido Dojo because space. We are in the process of order- Address we had outgrown the limitations of ing some more mats. So hopefully Lenorman 114, Kolonos a shared Sports centre. soon we’ll have 200 sq metres mat Central Athens Kolonos is in central Athens, fairly space. Greece 10444 close to the historical centre (Acropolis Since we are so lucky to have such etc) and we are very lucky to be on the a large space, we hold seminars here Website: www.aikido-dojo.gr top floor of the tallest building around regularly including some of the Email: [email protected] (5th floor). So there’s a great view of Hellenic Birankai seminars. In October Tel: 6974 022012 the Acropolis and the other hills in cen- we had a great seminar with the Training days tral Athens as well as the mountains Hellenic Birankai’s technical director Monday to Saturday surrounding Athens. Shihan Mike Flynn and Renata The Dojo has around 30 active Bohdanowicz 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin. members now, including 6 Dan grades In March we were very happy to have (not including the chief instructor). We a very successful seminar by Shihan also have a small kids’ class that start- Chris Mooney where there was a total ed in September with 8 kids. There are of 80 attendees over the course of the also classes for Tai weekend. In these busy seminars we Chi and probably we’ll can take advantage of a large open be introducing Wu roof-top space for split classes with Shu after the summer. weapons on the roof and body art in There are morning the Dojo. classes (taught by It is very early days for our Dojo but Matt Teale Monday to so far we are very happy with how Friday) and evening things are progressing. ☯ classes on Monday, Tuesday and Matt Teale 4th Dan
BE MUSUBI July 2010 BIRANKAI ISRAEL Technical Director: Shihan Chris Mooney 6th Dan Chairman: Amnon Techovoy 4th Dan
A Mon Kan Dojo ocated at the Sport Centre of Tel Aviv University Sports Centre and Tel Aviv University, theTel Aviv another in a neighbouring town called Chief Instructor Aikikai Dojo began in 1993. Ganei Tikva. Altogether there are 30 Amnon Tzechovoy 4th Dan, LDuring this period Aikido in Israel was students, including two Shodans. Fukushidoin inspired by Iwama School. In 2001, Each year there are at least two following attendance at a seminar with seminars in Israel conducted by Address Chris Mooney Sensei, on a visit to Shihan Chris Mooney, as well as other Sport Centre Israel, I was exposed for the first time teachers. My students often join with Tel-Aviv University to Sensei’s school. Ever since this me to attend seminars around Europe. Chaim Lebanon Street encounter I have been practising with This year we expect the first time Chris Mooney Sensei, in particular, ever visit of Chiba Sensei to Israel in Website: www.tau-aikido.com and later on with Chiba Sensei, when- July. ☯ Email: [email protected] ever I got the opportunity to participate Tel: 03 5474633 in his seminars. Training days In 2005 my Dojo was recognized as Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and a Birankai Dojo and I was accepted as Friday a teacher in our school. Nowadays Birankai Israel is composed of two Dojos, the main Dojo operating in Amnon Tzechovoy 4th Dan
July 2010 BE MUSUBI BIRANKAI POLSKA (POLAND) Technical Director: Shihan Daniel Brunner 6th Dan Chairman: Andrzej Sobolewski 4th Dan
Wroclaw Aikikai as created by Piotr Masztalerz Piotr Masztalerz teaches Aikido at 4th Dan, Shidoin and Jacek the Wroclaw Technical University. Chief Instructor WKochaniec 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin in Every six months 80 new students are Piotr Masztalerz 4th Dan, Shidoin 1997. introduced to Aikido basics and have Over 100 students practise in three a chance to practise in Wroclaw Aikikai Other Instructors adult groups. The Dojo runs three Dojo. Jacek Kochaniec 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin mornings, and 11 evening classes for The Dojo runs Kenshusei teachers’ Michal Orlik 2nd Dan, Fukushidoin, adults weekly. programme, with special classes for runs Aikikai Trzebnica Over 100 children practise in six age this group. ☯ Arkadiusz Bartys 1st Dan - kids’ and groups (up to 6 years, 7-9, 10-12). teenagers’ groups There are 20 kids classes weekly. Maciej Tomaszewski 1st Dan - Beside regular classes we run summer teenagers’ groups camps for kids and teenagers, week- Michal Karbowski 1st Kyu - kids’ end workshops and demonstrations. Piotr Masztalerz 4th Dan groups Urszula Gryniewicz 1st Kyu - kids’ groups
Address 279 Grabiszynska Street Wrocław, Poland
Website: www.wsaikido.wroc.pl Email: [email protected] Tel: +48 507580656 Training days Monday to Friday
Gdanska Sekcja Aikido nder the direction of Shihan Daniel Brunner the Dojo was Chief Instructor founded in September 2007. Tomasz Sarnatowicz 1st Dan UThe founder, Tomasz Sarnatowicz 1st Dan has been practising Aikido since Dojo address 1991 – at first with the Polish Aikido ul. Na Zaspe 31a Federation. In 2003 the final decision 80-546 Gdansk was made to choose Brunner Sensei Poland as the leading teacher. In 2006 the idea of founding a Dojo first appeared Mailing address and after one year of preparation, the Tomasz Sarnatowicz first class was taught in Gdansk. ul. Czestochowska 35/10 The Dojo was initially located in an Tomasz Sarnatowicz 80-180 Gdansk old judo club, which gave us a great Budo atmosphere. In 2010 the city to 1st Kyu. Website: www.gsaikido.gda.pl authorities decided to close the venue Since the Dojo lacks a certified Email: [email protected] and we had to look for another loca- Birankai teacher, we have decided to Tel: +48 880 90 23 86 tion. The first members of the Dojo foster close relationship with Wroclaw Training days were about five who decided to leave Aikikai, especially with Piotr Masztalerz Tuesday and Thursday our old Dojo and practise together. Sensei 4th Dan and Jacek Kochaniec New members were gradually appear- Sensei 3rd Dan. Both visit the dojo 2-3 ing and in June 2008 we were times a year for weekend seminars honoured with the visit of Brunner and exams. ☯ Sensei. Currently the Dojo has about 15 members varying from beginners Tomasz Sarnatowicz 1st Dan
BE MUSUBI July 2010 Trzebnica Aikikai reation of Trzebnica Aikikai before the class and store them after) Dojo on 15 February 2010 is and Friday morning weapons class Chief Instructor connected with two events that outdoors on top of a local hill. Since Michal Orlik 2nd Dan, Fukushidon Chave recently occured in my life. The February 15th the Dojo has seven new [email protected] first event was moving from Wroclaw participants. to Trzebnica (a town of 12,000 inhabi- The Dojo’s website address is Address tants located 20km to the north of aikidotrzebnica.com and its content will Trzebnica, Poland Wroclaw): Trzebnica did not have any be soon be translated into English. ☯ Aikido Dojo, so I thought it was a good Website: aikidotrzebnica.com place to estabilish one. The second Email: [email protected] event - passing a Fukushidoin exam - Tel: +48 693 461 364 was more of a trigger which opened Michal Orlik 2nd Dan Training days the door not only Monday, Wednesday and Friday to propagate Aikido further but also to bring my own training to a new level. Currently class- es in the Dojo are held three times a week: twice (Monday and Wednesday) two hours in the evening in a public school (we lay the mats each time Michal Orlik
Oimp Dojo, Wroclaw he Dojo was founded in 2000 University of Wroclaw (four adult at Olimpic Stadion in Wroclaw. groups) and at the School near 113 Chief Instructor It is located on Paderewskiego Zemska street, Wroclaw (two groups Renata Bohdanowicz 3rd Dan, TStreet. The teachers are Renata of children), which makes a total of Fukushidoin Bohdanowicz (3rd Dan, chief instruc- about 180 Aikido students in a year. tor, Fukushidoin), assistant Darek At the Oimp Dojo we have an adult Other Instructors Machalski 3rd Dan and Andrzej group with 25 students practising one Darek Machalski 3rd Dan Sobolewski 4th Dan (Advisor). Renata and a half hours 3 times a week. Ages Andrzej Sobolewski 4th Dan (Advisor) Bohdanowicz has been a student of range from 14 years to 70 years. We Shihan Daniel Brunner for four years have extended families like father and Website: www.aikiolimp.pl and is a professional teacher working daughter or grandfather and grandson Email: irimi@poczta.onet.pl at the Olimpic Stadion (one adult and which makes for a friendly atmos- Tel: +48 600 41 35 36 two children’s groups), at the phere. There are many university stu- dents. The group is mixed - advanced and beginners working together - twice a week body art and once a week weapon. Students participate fully in the Dojo activities. Four children groups about 15 in each group from ages 5-13 practise twice a week for one hour. Once a year children have an examination for kyu grades (12-6 kyu). We hope to eventually have a per- manent Dojo in one place for all the groups. ☯
Renata Bohdanowicz 3rd Dan July 2010 BE MUSUBI Wroclaw Aikido Club he Wroclaw Aikido Club (WKA) Dojos created by instructors originally originated from Sen Nen Sugi trained in the first Aikido Dojo in Chief Instructor Aiki Dojo in November 2001 and Wroclaw. The Dojos stay in close con- Zbigniew Dudzic 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin isT a member of Birankai Poland. We tact and support each other organizing [email protected] train under the direction of Shihan annual summer schools, seminars and Daniel Brunner, holder of the rank of courses. We all train with the kind Other Instructor 6th Dan. support of Daniel Brunner Sensei. Janusz Pyrcz 3rd Dan The club was founded by Zbigniew Instructors and members of our club [email protected] Dudzic, the main instructor, holder of a regularly take part in international and Tel: 501 370 661 3rd Dan and a Fukushidoin in Birankai local classes, seminars and summer Poland. Zbigniew has been practising schools. Website: www.wkaikido.pl Aikido since October 1989. Training sessions are conducted for Tel: 609 025 090 The second instructor in our club adults in different levels of advance- is Janusz Pyrcz, holder of a 3rd Dan, ment, as well as for children in differ- practising Aikido since October 1979. ent age groups. ☯ Our club belongs to Sen Nen Sugi Aiki Dojo family, a group of Wroclaw Zbigniew Dudzic 3rd Dan
CHIBA SENSEI: 2010 SUMMER COURSES IN EUROPE
22-24 July 2010 Summer Seminar 2010 with Shihan TK Chiba 8th Dan and Shihan Chris Mooney 6th Dan Kibutz Shfaim Sport Center, Tel Aviv, Israel Website: www.tau-aikido.com Email: [email protected] Mobile: +97254-55450833
31 July-6 August 2010 British Birankai Summer School 2010 with Shihan TK Chiba 8th Dan and Shihan T Miyamoto 7th Dan (Hombu, Japan) assisted by BB Shihan and Shidoin University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, Worcester Website: www.britishbirankai.com Email: [email protected] Enquiries: Paul Robinson, Course organiser Mobile: +44 (0) 7989 359898
14-21 August 2010 Birankai Poland Summer Camp with Shihan TK Chiba Sensei 8th Dan, Shihan Daniel Brunner 6th Dan, Shihan Norberto Chiesa 6th Dan and Birankai Instructors Wroclaw, Poland Website: www.aikidowroclaw.com/en/2,aikido_summer_camp.html Email: [email protected]
BE MUSUBI July 2010 BIRANKAI PORTUGAL Technical Advisor: Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan Chairman: Christophe Peytier 4th Dan
Sanjukan - Lisbon ith the advent of the 21st small, about fifteen members, which century, I felt the urge to means about six to twelve people on Chief Instructor leave California and return the mat. This Spring of 2010, was Christophe Peytier 4th Dan, Shidoin Wto the old continent, and ended up good. We have had, within two weeks chosing Lisbon, Portugal. in April, the occurrence of three gratify- Website: www.sanjukan.com After a few weeks in the country, ing events. Firstly, our two most senior Email: [email protected] I attended some Aikido lessons in a students passed their shodan test, Tel: +351 916169040 general-purpose gym club, taught by under the guidance of Shihan Mike Training days a Nidan in his late twenties, but after Flynn. Secondly, we received our Tuesday, Thursday and Friday about six months, fate had it that this official recognition from Hombu, and teacher vanished with no prior notice, thirdly, we had our first class with a leaving the school with no trainers. majority of female practitioners, repre- After seeing my credentials, the man- senting roughly 30%, which is the goal agement of the gym gave me that job I had in mind. immediately. At this point, when I look back, I am This fortunate event clearly helped quite happy to see a group in constant us to jumpstart our development in evolution, with a core of students that 2001 as the representatives of are developing well. The mere fact of Birankai in Portugal. After arriving in having some people who continue to Portugal, I was struck to see palm, come several times a week, despite a pine and eucalyptus trees growing busy modern life, is extremely gratify- together. These are my three favourite ing, and is a strong motivation for me trees and it is rare to see them togeth- to continue in this direction. er since each requires a different Looking into the future of Sanjukan, growing climate. At the summer camp our top two priorities are to increase in Méjannes, France in 2001, I asked the membership to twenty five mem- Chiba Sensei what would be a good bers, and to start preparing for the name for ‘school of three trees’, and future by training some students to not only did he articulated the become assistant teachers. Japanese name ‘Sanjukan’, but on the As a conclusion, taking a step back next day he handed me a beautiful prompts the question: “What does it calligraphy with the three characters. mean to found and develop a martial How could I have dreamed about a art school?” better outcome of what was just a The first answer is that we have to deep intuition? preserve the link of the chain of Budo Nine years later, and with much transmission. As teachers, we are water under the bridge, we now have given the responsibility by both our an established training place, with 60 own teachers and our students. The mats, in the historical center of Lisbon. second answer is that Aikido, as a tool We operate a regular schedule of five for personal development, is helping hours per week, on Tuesday, practitioners to be better human Thursday and Friday. Our group is still beings. Thus, as the founder of the school, I feel that I am contributing to this growth and this provides me an answer to this fundamental question: “How am I contributing to make this world a better place?” ☯
Christophe Peytier 4th Dan 29 May 2010 July 2010 BE MUSUBI BIRANKAI CH (SWITZERLAND) Technical Director: Shihan Chris Mooney 6th Dan Chairman: Shihan Daniel Brunner 6th Dan
Ryu Seki Kai, Lausanne he Ryu Seki Kai Dojo was founded I decided at last to leave the Dojo in 1986. where I was brought up, and, with the Chief Instructor TFirst located in Morges, a little town help of some faithful students, I found Shihan Daniel Brunner 6th Dan 10 km from Lausanne, it has now my own Dojo. I was following at this relocated to the suburb of Lausanne time the teachings of Tamura Sensei Other Instructors in 1995. and Chiba Sensei. André Perretten 4rd Dan The Dojo has now found a home After many years without contact Ursula Schaffner 4rd Dan, Fukushidoin in an old furniture factory, which was with Chiba Sensei, I renewed this rela- Carl Schmitt, 4rd Dan recently refurbished. It consists of two tionship which became even stronger Christophe Brunner 3rd Dan, rooms; one 144 sq metres and the than when I had met him in 1969. This Fukushidoin other 80 sq metres, separated by was made possible through the efforts Marcel Golay 1st Dan (important sliding panels that, once removed, of Shihan Norberto Chiesa. Since children’s group) constitutes a Dojo large enough then, the Ryu Seki Kai has rejoined to accommodate large number of the Birankaï. ☯ Address students and hold important courses. Chemin du Couchant 4 The technical director is Shihan CH-1022 Chavannes Daniel Brunner 6th Dan. In 1986, after 24 years of practice, Shihan Daniel Brunner 6th Dan Website: www.ryusekikai.ch Email: [email protected] Tel: 021 323 51 08 Training days Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Sakura Dojo, Bern Founded in 1995. Chiba Sensei gives the name Chief Instructor ‘Sho Gi Kan’ in 1998 – ‘House of Barbara Imboden 4th Dan, Shidoin the Supreme Principle’. Teachers: Barbara Imboden 4th Other Instructors Dan, Shidoin, Michèle Pauli 1st Michèle Pauli 1st Dan Dan and Ivo Sonderegger 1st Ivo Sonderegger 1st Dan Dan. Supervised by Shihan Chris Address Mooney. Freiburgstrasse 111b Practices: two regular Mixed 3008 Bern, Switzerland classes per week, one weekly Basic training, one Advanced Website: www.sakura-dojo.ch training and one Weapons class. Email: [email protected] One Children’s class. ☯ Tel: +41 79 295 76 68 Training days Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Barbara Imboden 4th Dan
BE MUSUBI July 2010 BRITISH BIRANKAI Shihan Tony Cassells 6th Dan ☯ Shihan Dee Chen 6th Dan Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan ☯ Shihan Chris Mooney 6th Dan Chairman: Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan
CENTRAL ENGLAND
Arrowvale Aikido (Genpu Kan) Chief Instructor: Paul Robinson 5th Dan, Shidoin Address: Arrowvale Leisure Centre, Green Sward Lane, Redditch, B98 0EN Website: learnaikido.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 07989 359898 Training days: Monday and Thursday
Mei Jyu Kan (Albrighton and Wolverhampton Aikido) Chief Instructor: Ian Grubb 5th Dan, Shidoin Addresses: ☯ Den, Shaw Lane, Albrighton, Nr Wolverhampton ☯ Compton Youth Centre, Henwood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8PG Email: [email protected] Tel: 0774 280 0116 Training days: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Tudor Grange Central Aikido was the years, and how it has helped me Dojo (Associate of Cocks only a through my early years. I am now Moors Woods Dojo) junior a member of the British Birankai Iwhen I first Teaching Committee and hold the rank Chief Instructor started in of 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin. Stuart Lovering 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin 1989 after The Dojo has now been going since finding the 2003 and is achieving its goal. Address calming The Dojo was started to bring the Tudor Grange Sports Centre side of it same quality of practice at Cocks Tudor Grange Park assisted Moors Woods Dojo to the Solihull area Blossomfield Road me in the Stuart Lovering at a beginner stage. It has been going Solihull competi- for seven years now and the core of Birmingham B91 1NB tions I used to compete in in Karate, students is building well with grades which I used to do. Noticing the differ- from novice to 3rd Kyu. The junior Website: tudorgrangeaikido.co.uk ence Aikido was doing for me, I contin- class was started last year and is Email ued to follow, even though the reasons going from strength to strength. ☯ [email protected] have changed over the years. Tel: 0775 971 1370 I started Aikido due to the interest in Training day martial arts and I have continued due Monday (except Bank Holiday) to the enjoyment of giving other people the same experience I have had over Stuart Lovering 3rd Dan
July 2010 BE MUSUBI Cocks Moors Woods, y first experience Fox Hollies, as a martial artist Birmingham University was in Judo as a junior.M I followed on from Chief Instructor that with boxing, where a Mark Pickering 5th Dan, Shidoin lot of my experience was gained on the street. After Other Instructors boxing, I worked interna- Andy Colclough 2nd Dan, Fukushidoin tionally as a close protec- Michelle Eagles 2nd Dan tion bodyguard to diplo- Laura Anderson 1st Dan mats. During this time I Paul Hull 1st Dan started Aikido (1985) with Jonathon Thomas 1st Dan Shihan Tony Cassells 6th Dan as my instructor. By Addresses the time I reached Shodan Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre in 1988, I had attended Alcester Rd South, Kings Heath many courses led by a Birmingham B14 6ER number of Japanese mas- Website: www.cocksmoorsaikido.co.uk ters including: Kisshomaru Tel: 0121 459 8830 Ueshiba (then Doshu), Training days Waka Sensei (current Mark Pickering Wednesday and Thursday Doshu), Chiba Sensei, Shibata Sensei, Miyamoto Sensei and always taught and practised weapons, Fox Hollies Leisure Centre many others. including Iai Batto Ho, with the same Shirley Road, Acocks Green Over the past 20 years I have vigour and enthusiasm. Birmingham B27 7NS travelled to Japan, the USA and I am currently 5th Dan, Shidoin and Website: www.foxholliesaikido.co.uk Europe, where I have taught at various a member of the British Birankai Training day seminars. Teaching Committee. I am also the Monday I have been teaching at Cocks Chairman of Birankai Austria. ☯ Moors Woods Leisure Centre for Munrow Sports Centre 19 years and have many adult and University of Birmingham junior students. My senior yudansha Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT students, who have also travelled Tel: 0121 414 4117 extensively for Aikido, have their own Training day Dojos. Wednesday (term time only) I believe weapons training should be as strong as body art, and have Mark Pickering 5th Dan
Ei Oh Kan
Chief Instructor: Shihan Tony Cassells 6th Dan Other Instructor: Steve Woodward 2nd Dan
Address: South Yardley Methodist Church, Broadyates Road Birmingham, B25 8JF Website: www.eiohkan.org.uk Tel: 0121 707 4197 Training days: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday Shihan Tony Cassells
I Shin Juku
Chief Instructor: Richard Edmunds 4th Dan, Shidoin
Address Tatenhill Village Hall, Main Street Tatenhill, Burton-On-Trent Derbyshire, DE13 9SD Email: [email protected] Tel: 01283 845950
BE MUSUBI July 2010 Ei Mei Kan hris Mooney started Aikido in Aikido, Zazen, Iai Batto-Ho and training in 1973. He first began calligraphy. Over the last 10 months, Chief Instructor teaching Aikido at Aston there has been much hard work from Shihan Chris Mooney 6th Dan UniversityC in 1981. many current and former students who In 1987 he started his first Dojo in dedicated their time and energy to Assistant Instructor Bearwood, Birmingham. He received build the Dojo, in particular Chris Iona Mooney 2nd, Fukushidoin the name, Ei Mei Kan, for his Dojo Mooney’s son who was greatly from Chiba Sensei. Its meaning is involved in the construction. On Children’s Instructor ‘England bright house’. He set up his August 7th this year, Chiba Sensei will Szevone Chin 1st Kyu first permanent Dojo in central conduct an opening ceremony of the Birmingham in 1994, with the assis- new Dojo building. Address tance of six students: Matt Teale, Chris Mooney is also the Chief The Dojo, Barnt Green Road Pauline Wilson, Ian Grubb, Andy Bass Instructor of Gen Sen Jyuku Cofton Hackett, Birmingham and Paul Clusker. (Warwick Aikido), whose name was B45 8NB Ei Mei Kan has evolved and is now given by Chiba Sensei. There is a housed in a former church in close connection between the two Website: www.eimeikan.org.uk the outskirts of Birmingham. This groups of students. ☯ Email: [email protected] building, complete with facilities, Tel: +44 (0)7932 666 801 is dedicated to the practice of training Shihan Chris Mooney 6th Dan
Training days Ei Mei Kan Monday, Thursday and Saturday
Gen Sen Jyuku (Warwick Aikido) Wednesday and Friday
Ji Myo Kan
Chief Instructor: Steve Branagan 2nd Dan, Fukushidoin Address: Ledbury Leisure Centre, Mabels Furlong, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2HF Email: [email protected] Tel: 0121 458 1572
EASTERN ENGLAND
Meishokan
Chief Instructor: Alan Stevens 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin Address: County High Sports Centre, Copperfields, Saffron Walden, Cambridgeshire, CB11 3DP Website: www.meishokan.org.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 07837 948219 Training days: Monday and Wednesday
Chelmsford Aikikai
Chief Instructor: Henry Rayner 2nd Dan Address: Dovedales Sports Centre, Vicarage Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9PG Website: www.chelmsfordaikikai.com Email: [email protected] Tel: 07879 636477 Training day: Thursday
July 2010 BE MUSUBI LONDON London Aikikai, hiba Sensei was first sent to Shinmei-kan Dojo Sunderland in North East England by O-Sensei in 1966. Chief Instructor CHe soon relocated to London, estab- Shihan Dee Chen 6th Dan lishing his headquarters Dojo, the (on leave of absence) London Aikikai in 1967. Following his return to Japan in 1976 London Aikikai Senior Instructors has remained Chiba Sensei’s Dojo in Eric Beake 5th Dan, Shidoin London and in 1985 Shihan Dee Chen San Diego in 1981. Davinder Davinder Bath 5th Dan, Shidoin and Eric Beake Sensei took responsi- Bath Sensei and Eric Beake Sensei bility for the Dojo which was named are both senior instructors now in Address Shinmei-kan - ‘House of New Light’ - charge of running the Dojo. The Maida Centre by Chiba Sensei. Following several There are adults classes from 221 Lanark Road moves we settled in our present loca- Tuesday to Saturday including body Maida Vale tion in Maida Vale in 1990. Throughout arts, weapons, Iai Batto-Ho and London W9 1NX this period we have maintained the Zazen. Children classes are closest of relationship with Chiba on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Website: www.londonaikikai.com Sensei receiving regular visits from London Aikikai has a popular and Email: [email protected] him and his many senior instructors vibrant website at Tel: 07736 771076 from the USA where he relocated to www.londonaikikai.com. ☯ Training days Adults: Tuesday to Saturday Children: Wednesday and Saturday Eric Beake Sensei started Aikido in 1970 with the Tomiki Aikido Group organized by London taxicab drivers and prac- tised with them for 3 years. He joined the British Aikido Federation after seeing one of Chiba Sensei’s class and was graded Shodan by Yamada Sensei in 1978 in Bridgenorth. He was promoted Shidoin in August 1999 and awarded 5th Dan in January 2002. Beake Sensei has been teaching at London Aikikai, Eric Beake Shinmei-kan Dojo since its inception in 1985. ☯
Davinder Bath Sensei was born in Punjab, India and migrated to the UK at age 13. He started Aikido train- ing aged 18 in August 1982, achieving Shodan rank in April 1985 with the Aikido Fellowship of Great Britain. He gained a Batchelors Degree in Mathematics in 1987. He met Chiba Sensei in 1987 and re-tested successfully for Shodan with him the same year, followed by Nidan in 1988. In 1989, 1990 and 1991 Bath Sensei ‘had the privilege and pleasure’ Davinder Bath of looking after Chiba Sensei during the UKA Summer Schools. He was ranked Sandan in 1992, Yondan in 1998 and Godan in 2005. He was certified Fukushidoin in 1997 and Shidoin in 2004. He has followed Chiba Sensei’s teachings since meeting him in 1987 and every year since. He travelled to San Diego, USA on two occasions in 1995 and 1996 each time living in Chiba Sensei’s Dojo as uchi deshi. From 2003 he ‘has had the unique privilege’ of accompanying Chiba Sensei on all his European trips to Aikido seminars as well as personal visits, sometimes attending 4 summer schools with him in one year. He has taken ukemi for Chiba Sensei almost every year since 1987. In 2007 Chiba Sensei declared Davinder Bath Sensei as his disciple. Davinder Bath Sensei joined London Aikikai when he moved to London in September 2002. He has taught Aikido internationally in Poland, Switzerland, Israel, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, France, Austria and Greece. He was selected to teach at the British Aikido Board (BAB) National Course in 2008. He is a senior instructor and Dojo-cho at London Aikikai. He is the BAB Representative for British Birankai and a member of the British Birankai Teaching Committee. ☯
Davinder Bath 5th Dan
BE MUSUBI July 2010 London East Aikikai (Gen Pu Kan)
Chief Instructor Stephen Beecham 5th Dan, Shidoin
Addresses ☯ The Village Drop In, West Avenue, London, E17 9QY ☯ Fitness First, Festival Leisure Park, Cranes Farm Road, Basildon SS14 2WB
Website: www.londoneastaikikai.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 07838 387057 Training days At The Village Drop In: Tuesday and Friday Stephen Beecham
At Fitness First: Thursday and Saturday
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
Abbey Aikido Club
Chief Instructor hief Instructor: Malcolm Blackwood. Malcolm Blackwood 3rd Dan, Sandan and Fukushidoin awarded Fukushidoin 2007. Coach Level 2. British Birankai [email protected] CCoaching Liaison Officer. Tel: 0191 3864179 I started Aikido in 1984 in Durham. Member of British Aikikai since it was estab- Other Instructor lished and thus into the British Birankai. Anthony Fairbairn 1st Dan I have been teaching since 1990 and established Abbey Aikido Club as an Address independent Dojo in 1998. Abbey Aikido Abbey Sports Centre, Abbey Road Club has worked closely with Durham Pity Me, Co Durham DH1 5DQ University and Teikyo Japanese College. The Dojo regularly hosts British Birankai Photo: K Vlatko Email Spring and Autumn courses and local area Malcolm Blackwood [email protected] courses in Durham. Secretary: 0191 3862831 Abbey Aikido Club welcomes all students and visitors. ☯ Training days Tuesday and Thursday Malcolm Blackwood 3rd Dan
Shibudokan Dojo
Chief Instructor: Paul Milburn
Address: McMillan Academy Leisure Centre, McMillan Academy, Stockton Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS5 4AG
Email: [email protected] Tel: 07754 663678 Training days Thursday and Friday
July 2010 BE MUSUBI Rainbow Aikido Club ddie Hodgson started Aikido in working under the direction of Steve October 1966 at the Sunderland Magson Sensei. Chief Instructor Education Authority, just after Deciding to re-grade with the Aikikai, Eddie Hodgson 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin EChiba Sensei had ceased teaching Eddie was awarded 1st Dan in August there. He started teaching one of the 2004 and 2nd Dan in October 2006. Other Instructors classes there in 1972. He then gained Fukushidoin in July Joe Curran 6th Dan, Shidoin Without Chiba Sensei’s influence, 2007. In April 2008 Eddie was Ann Hunter 2nd Dan affiliation then turned to Pat Stratford awarded 3rd Dan. Sensei and, through him, to master From summer 2004 onwards he Address Andre Nocquet of France, one of the began to work very closely with Joe Thornaby Pavilion first European students of O-Sensei. Curran Sensei. Over time Eddie has Thornaby In April 1979 Eddie gained his 1st Dan also been influenced by Arthur Stockton-on-Tees from Yves Pielot Sensei of Belgium. Lockyear Sensei, Tony Cassells Cleveland In February 1988 Eddie gained Sensei, Chris Mooney Sensei, Ian TS17 9EW 2nd Dan from John Emmerson Sensei Grubb Sensei and Mike Flynn Sensei. and, in July 1990 he gained 3rd Dan Eddie continues to be the chief Email: [email protected] from André Beru Sensei (France) at instructor at the Rainbow Aikido Club Tel: 01642 318 038 the summer school in Gujan-Mestras, and trains and teaches regularly at Training day France. In March 1993 Eddie gained other northeast Aikikai clubs. Monday his coaching certificate from the British Dojo Biography: During 1979 Eddie Aikido Board. In July 1993 Eddie Hodgson started teaching Aikido at gained 4th Dan from Master Nocquet, what was then Teesside Polytechnic, again at the summer school in which later transferred to Thornaby Gujan-Mestras. Pavilion. The club is now known as the In 1995 Eddie decided on a commit- Rainbow Aikido Club. ☯ ted change of direction and joined the British Birankai (then called the British Aikikai upon its inception). He began Eddie Hodgson 3rd Dan Photo: Ken Pearson Eddie Hodgson and Melissa Barnet (uke), Durham March 2008
Sakumei Kan
Chief Instructor: Joe Curran 6th Dan, Shidoin
Address University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Kings Walk, Main Gym, Newcastle Upon Tyne Email: [email protected] Tel: 0191 237 2908
BE MUSUBI July 2010 Shi Sei Kan (Durham City Aikikai)
Chief Instructor: Arthur Lockyear 4th Dan, Shidoin
Address: Vane Tempest Hall, Maynards Row, Durham City DH1 1QF
Website: www.gilesgate.freeserve.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 0191 373 2035 Training days: Tuesday and Thursday
Tempest Aikido Club
Chief Instructor: Paul Kitson 3rd Dan
Address: Fulwell Community Centre, Chapman Street, Fulwell, Sunderland, SR6 8HS
Website: www.aikidonortheast.org.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 0191 5290709 Mobile: 07754 035159 Training days: Wednesday and Sunday
NORTH WEST ENGLAND
South Manchester Aikido
Chief Instructor (Cadishead): Wellington Tsang 2nd Dan, Fukushidoin
Chief Instructor (Sale): Kevin Hudson 2nd Dan
Addresses: ☯ Sale Scout Hut, Woodbourne Road, Sale, Cheshire M33 3TQ ☯ Fit City Cadishead, Lords Street, Cadishead, Salford M44 5EH
Website: www.southmanchesteraikido.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 07982 452909 Training days: Wednesday (in Caldishead) and Thursday (in Sale)
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Shoyukan (Backwell Aikido Club)
Chief Instructor: Simon Williams 1st Dan
Address: Budokan, Backwell Judo Club, off Rodney Road, Backwell, Bristol BS48 3HL
Website: www.shoyukan.org.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01275 859 216 Training days: Monday and Wednesday
July 2010 BE MUSUBI SCOTLAND
Saku Mei Kan
Chief Instructor: Mark Anderson 1st Dan
Address The Beach Leisure Centre, Beach Promenade, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB24 5NR
Website: www.aberdeenaikido.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: Martina Swainson 07801 493180 Training days: Monday and Wednesday
SakuYou Kan (Wishaw Aikikai)
Chief Instructor Stevie Boyle 5th Dan, Shidoin
Address Wishaw Sports Centre, Alexander Street, Wishaw, Nr Glasgow, Scotland, ML2 0HQ
Website: www.wishawaikikai.com Email: [email protected] Tel: 01236 615500 Mobile 07904 066555 Training days Wednesday and Sunday
Thistle Aikikai hihan Michael Flynn began his of both Hellenic Birankai and Birankai study of Aikido in 1982 at San Portugal. Chief Instructor Diego Aikikai under the direction Thistle Aikikai was established in Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan Sof Shihan TK Chiba. He was promoted January 2006 and offers beginner to 6th Dan in 2001, and named Shihan through to advanced classes in Aikido Address in June 2005. He was formally and weapons. All are welcome. Iain Nicolson Recreation Centre awarded his Shihan Certificate in Instruction in Iai Batto Ho, the art of 147 Chryston Way, Chryston a ceremony at Aikikai Hombu Dojo in drawing the sword and striking a killing Nr Glasgow Tokyo in November 2006 by the blow, is also offered at Thistle Aikikai. Scotland second Doshu, Ueshiba Moriteru. He ☯ G69 9LE has also received Iaido Shihan title from Mitsuzuka Sensei. He is the Website: www.thistleaikikai.com Chairman of the British Birankai, and Email: [email protected] also serves as the Technical Director Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan Tel: 01236 631465 Training days Adults: Tuesday and Thursday Children: Tuesday and Thursday
BE MUSUBI July 2010 Joint Aikikai Council invites Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba and his son Waka Sensei Mitsuteru Ueshiba to Cardiff 18-20 June 2010
ikido Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, together in a spirit of unity. which they were able to convey the along with his son, Waka Sensei Ever accessible, both Doshu and high technical standard of our group. (Young Master) visited the Waka Sensei were engaging on and I want to thank all the members of the UnitedA Kingdom to instruct a course off the mat, providing many opportuni- Birankai community who supported the from 18-20 June 2010. Sponsored by ties for introductions and photographs. event, and while I realize that the the Joint Aikikai Council (the five UK Also of significance was the recogni- opportunity for serious, hard practice based organizations affiliated to tion of Senseis Haydn William Foster, was impossible due to the numbers, Hombu Dojo), the course was conduct- Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman, who I hope that, like me, you were able to ed in Cardiff and was attended by were promoted by Doshu to 6th Dan take something from this unique more than 800 people. During the in recognition of their lifelong study experience. ☯ course, we were treated to an incredi- and teaching of Aikido and as ble demonstration of pure Aikido by Pioneers of Aikido in the United both Doshu and Waka Sensei, in Kingdom. an atmosphere of harmony and On Sunday, the senior students enjoyment. Doshu’s dynamic teaching of Birankai were asked to perform served to bring the entire group a demonstration for Doshu, through Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan
Seated (l-r) Susan Yates, David Yates (BAF), Doshu, Waka Sensei, Jean Pasley (interpreter) and Peter Gillard (BAF Chair) Standing (l-r) Shihan Gordon Jones (UKA), Mr Kodani (Hombu Shidoin), Shihan Matt Holland (SAF), Shihan Terry Ezra (KAA) and Shihan Mike Flynn (BB) Photos on this page: Guy Needler (l-r) Mark Pickering, Waka Sensei, Doshu, Ian Grubb and Paul Robinson (Members of BB Teaching Committee)
July 2010 BE MUSUBI Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba and Waka Sensei Mitsuteru Ueshiba, Cardiff 18-20 June 2010 Photo: Guy Needler Photo: Guy Needler Doshu and Shihan Norberto Chiesa (France) Waka Sensei, Doshu and Davinder Bath (BB Teaching Committee member) Photo: Davinder Bath (l-r) Senseis Derek Eastman, Doshu, Henry Ellis and Haydn Foster: Presentation of Hombu 6th Dan certficates on 19 June 2010
(l-r) Jonathan Morris, Tan Chin Soon, Doshu, Marcel Santiko, Tom Tam (in front) Hana Otsuka (Members of Ei Mei Kan Dojo) Photo: Asif Afsar
BE MUSUBI July 2010