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tion through a unified format. InDecember 2009 both editors, DeeChen of London for Musubi andSuzanne Brunner of Lausanne forShiun met in London for its smoothtransition and to exchange plans forthe future. I would like to take thisopportunity to express my personalthanks to Norberto Chiesa the firsteditor of Shiun, which was initiallypublished from the town of Lussan,France in 2002, and to SuzanneBrunner as the second editor of Shiunfor the past two years. A specialthanks to Dee Chen as the editor ofMusubi since 1995 and whose workas the General Secretary has beeninstrumental in the steady growth ofBritish Aikikai and British Birankai,who has furthermore taken the chal-lenge as the editor of the new versionof Musubi of Birankai Europe. I wouldlike to ask the Shihankai Europe andthe leaders of the national organiza-tions to give their strong support andbackup for this new venture to besuccessful and meaningful to us all.☯

Shihan TK Chiba 8th DanApril 2010

Dissolving Birankai ContinentalEurope was somewhat painfulbut necessary for us to main-

tain focus on integrity. It was a ques-tion of our ability to self cleanse andto change with minimum sacrifice. Itsexistence has heavily shadowed theEuropean Union as an ideologicalmodel of ten years and has provedto be too ambitious in reality when theindividual member countries were stillstruggling to establish their own foot-ing as national organizations. Havingcarried out the dissolution does notnecessarily mean to deny the idea ofcreating a big family beyond thenational boundaries, but it should beand will be realized of its own accordwhile the member countries strive hardto establish their own identity asnational organizations.

From 4 February 2010, I have hadthree meetings at Hombu Dojo, Tokyo,Japan, two of which were with Doshuand with Mr Tani, the secretary of theInternational Department of HombuDojo. These meetings have resultedin the formal recognition from Hombufor the following member countries:Birankai Poland, Austria, Switzerland,Greece and Portugal. I decided towithdraw the request for recognitionfor France and Germany as I see thatthese two countries are not ready atthis stage. My only wish for this eventis that this could have been done with-out traveling to Japan in the middle ofwinter. (It was the coldest winter in 60years!)

Along with this major shift of dissolu-tion of Birankai Continental Europein the summer of 2009, the ShihankaiEurope decided to merge Musubi andShiun into one single publication,Birankai Europe Musubi, in orderto encourage the flow of communica-

CONTENTS1 Revamped Musubi

2 Inspiration in Musubi

2 Editorial

3 Dissolving BCE

4 Birankai Austria

5 Birankai France

9 Birankai Deutschland(Germany)

11 Hellenic Birankai

13 Birankai Israel

14 Birankai Polska (Poland)

16 Chiba Sensei in Europe

17 Birankai Portugal

18 Birankai CH (Switzerland)

19 British Birankai

27 Doshuʼs visit in Cardiff

BIRANKAI EUROPE NEWSLETTER

MMUUSSUUBBIIMMUUSSUUBBIIIssue 1 July 2010

Chiba Sensei

Photo

: Bea

ta Da

rows

ka

Chiba Sensei details the history of changeRevamped Musubi heraldsNew Order

Deadlinefor January 2011 issue:1 December 2010

Chiba Sensei, London October 08

Photo: Milena Kremakova

us guidelines and the underpinningpillars of centeredness, connected-ness, wholeness, liveliness andopenness. We should take careto cultivate these forms, as I haveobserved gaps in knowledge oftechniques during examinations andon tatami.The great strengths we have within

Europe are the diversity of our culturesand the diversity of students who hadentered the school via different organi-zations, but were all enthused andsincere in wanting to study within theBirankai group. The drive and energyof these people to come together tomake something very fresh and newis inspirational. There is no reason whythis cannot continue. Indeed, nowarmed with a little bit more knowledgeand experience, my spirit is optimistic.Perhaps I am still in danger of fallinginto idealism, but practical experienceshave given me a better sense of wherethe edge of the chasm lies.

Finally, I would like to thank themany people who were very support-ive during the period of time whenI was injured. I would also like toexpress my gratitude for the experi-ence of learning from you, your Dojoand your culture. ☯

Shihan Chris Mooney 6th Dan

�� BBEEBBEE MMUUSSUUBBIIMMUUSSUUBBII July 2010

culture, economic situation, politicalinstability, a country that is at peace,a country that is at war, the weather,language, etc. This requires activelyacquiring intelligence coupled witha martial awareness. This I wouldconsider is one form of musubi.

On my travels, one of the key ques-tions which was often asked of me is“what is the teacher-student relation-ship?” In my experience, from theearliest days when I entered the Dojo,we were taught a form: to sit in seiza,to bow to the kamiza and then to say‘onegaeshimasu’ and at the end ofclass ‘domo arigato gozaimashita’.This is said by both the teacher andthe student, and therein begins oneform of musubi. The concept of theteacher and student as being separateand opposite is a product of dualisticthinking. In my view, the essence ofthe teacher-student relationship iswhere we experience the benefits ofboth teacher and student at once.

From my viewpoint, there are threethings on which is it important to focus.

☯ The first thing is our own person-al daily practice. A key part to thisstudy is regular practice with ourteacher in our Dojo.☯ The second thing is a healthy

teacher-student relationship, whichis an education in the principle ofki-musubi.☯ Thirdly, Chiba Sensei has given

Ifeel privileged towrite for the first

pan-EuropeanBirankai maga-zine.

Despite the tur-moil of our recenthistory inBirankai Europe,and with the developing autonomieswithin our respective countries, I thinkit appropriate to talk about musubi.

What is musubi? A translation ofmusubi is connection, unification,blending, harmonious interaction.

As most of you will be aware, I havebeen travelling throughout Europesince the early 1980s, when I gainedmy first insight into teaching Aikido inanother culture, in Athens, Greece.Armed with limited knowledge andexperience, but an enthusiastic spirit,and with a touch of idealism (a chasmI continually fell into) I taught whatI knew. Subsequently, I found myselfin Bern, Switzerland, whose culturewould appear to be diametricallyopposed to that of Greece. In boththese cases and in the many othercases to follow, I understood that I wasin the process of a student, developingan awareness which I would build onin teaching within other cultures.

As a teacher you acquire sensitivityto factors which can impact on Aikidotraining in each country, such as

Shihan Chris Mooney finds inspiration inMusubi and the diversity of European culture

Shihan Chris Mooney

Editorial

Producingthis firstissue of

BE Musubi hasbeen made somuch easier withthe cooperationof a smallcoterie of dedi-cated workers. Suzanne Brunner hasbeen busy collecting the data from thecontinental Dojos and ensuring that allsubmissions are both in French andEnglish. In the UK the response toChris Howlin’s request for information

has not been as successful. In the endhe had the job of extracting Dojo infor-mation from the websites. Our thanksto all our translators Norberto Chiesa,Lucienne Suter, and of courseSuzanne and Christophe Brunner forproofreading the French articles.Thanks also to Davinder Bath andFranco Chen.

Photographs taken at the course inCardiff on 18-20 June 2010 conductedby the Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba and hisson Waka Sensei Mitsuteru Ueshibaare included. This was the Doshu’sfirst visit to the UK since he becameDoshu in 1999. Both were wellreceived with around 800 practitionersin attendance. This event was coordi-

nated by the five Aikikai organizations:British Birankai, British AikidoFederation, Scottish Aikido Federation,United Kingdom Aikikai and KomyokanAikido Association.

Our next issue is due in January2011 and we welcome submissionsbefore 1 December 2010. ☯

Editor: Dee Chen [email protected] Editor: Suzanne [email protected] Editor: Chris Howlin [email protected]

DeeDee Chen

July 2010 BBEEBBEE MMUUSSUUBBII MMUUSSUUBBII ��

It certainly hasbeen an event-ful year within

the EuropeanBirankai. As mostof you know,a decision wastaken in Polandduring the 2009Summer School to dissolve theBirankai Continental Europe (BCE)and focus our energies on the estab-lishment and maintenance of healthyNational Organizations. Of course,a decision of this magnitude resultedin a significant amount of work for theofficers of the BCE, as there wereinnumerable administrative and legalissues to resolve before the wishesof the membership could be fulfilled.

As you will recall, upon voting todissolve the BCE, it was the decisionof the voting membership to electa Liquidator, and a DissolutionCommittee to assist and oversee theliquidator in this task. Furthermore,with regard to finances, it was agreedthat after all expenses to BCE wererealised, the remaining balance offunds would be given to Chiba Senseiin support of his work in Europe.

As you can see below in thesequence of events that have takenplace leading up to and following thedecision to dissolve the BCE, the offi-cers of the BCE threw themselves intothe task with great commitment. What

is depicted below is the completesequence of key events which inessence concluded in February ofthis year.

On behalf of the Shihankai, I wouldlike to thank the President of BCE,Joël Bertrand, all officers of the BCE,and the members of the DissolutionCommittee, for their work. Their self-less contributions in support of thegrowth of Birankai over many yearscan not be understated. Our sincerestgratitude to all of you.

1 General Meeting in Poland on19 August 2009

At this meeting, the members ofBCE had:☯ voted unanimously in favour of

the dissolution of BCE,☯ nominated the President, Joël

Bertrand, as Liquidator of the BCE,in order to fulfil the legal procedureof dissolution,☯ nominated a Dissolution

Committee to assist the Liquidatorin his task (Dannie Jost as GeneralSecretary of BCE, Anne Ducouret,Jacques Pictet, Patrick Barthélémy,Norberto Chiesa, Daniel Brunner),☯ asked the Liquidator to finalize the

current affairs (BCE summer camp2009; financial support to ChibaSensei’s trip in Japan),☯ asked the Liquidator to transfer

the balance of the bank account ofBCE after dissolution to British

Birankai to be used exclusively byChiba Sensei in support of his workin developing Aikido in ContinentalEurope.

2 BCE summer camp 2009 inPoland

The expenses for this camp totalized17,999.21€.

BCE has covered a loss of2,409.21€, as follows:☯ the sum of 1,053.21€ (£957.37)

has been paid back on 24 September2009 by BCE to British Birankai as itsshare to the cost of Chiba Sensei’sairfare San Diego–London–Wroclaw☯ the sum of 1,356€ has been trans-

ferred by BCE to Birankai Poland on24 September 2009.

3 Legal procedure of dissolutionof BCE

This has been completed by theliquidator as follows:☯ on the basis of the minutes of

the General Meeting, the Tribunald’Instance de Strasbourg hasregistered the dissolution of BCEon 18 February 2010,☯ the official publication of the

dissolution was done in the newspaper‘L’Ami Hebdo’ on 24 February 2010,☯ on 24 February 2011, after a legal

period of one year following thispublication, the Tribunal d’Instancede Strasbourg will finally register theliquidation of BCE.

4 Transfer of the balance after dis-solution of BCE to British Birankai

The sum of 6,334€ (£5,534.78) hasbeen transferred by BCE to BritishBirankai on 23 March 2010 to be usedexclusively by Chiba Sensei in supportof his work in developing Aikido inContinental Europe.

Part of this sum will cover the shareof BCE for the trip of Chiba Sensei toJapan, as voted at the DissolutionGeneral Meeting. ☯

Shihan Mike Flynn 6th DanChairman, British Birankai

Dissolving Birankai Continental EuropeShihan Mike Flynn reports on the legal and financial hurdles completed

Shihan Flynn and Jenny Flower (uke), Hellenic Birankai Autumn Seminar, Oct 2009

Shihan Mike Flynn

Aikikai Dornbirn – O Sen Kan

Chief InstructorJürgen Schwendinger 3rd Dan,

Fukushidoin

Other InstructorsWolfgang Petter 2nd Dan, Fukushidoin Michael Schwendinger 2nd Dan,

Fukushidoin

Address Heilenberg 56850 DornbirnAustria

Website: [email protected]: +43 (0)5572 398 465Training daysMonday to Friday

Our Dojo was founded in 2003and is located in a beautifulold gym built in 1910, featuring

a sprung wooden floor. The nicewooden ceiling also contributes tocreating a special atmosphere for ourdaily practice. The following disciplinesare taught: weapons (Bokken, Jo andTanto), body art, as well as Iaido.Our Dojo has about 20 registeredmembers. Our Sensei and teacheris Jürgen Schwendinger 3rd Dan,Fukushidoin assisted by WolfgangPetter and Michael Schwendinger both2nd Dan, Fukushidoin. They instructten classes a week.

In the summer of 2008, Shihan TKChiba taught our Summer Camp andnamed our Dojo ‘O Sen Kan’ whichmeans ‘the Elite house’ of Austria. We,the students of Aikikai Dornbirn, seethis privilege in our excellent teachers,and in the opportunity of following

O-Sensei’s path.In the spirit of our Birankai teachers,

Shihan TK Chiba and Shihan TonyCassells, we strive to keep a friendlyrelationship in training. This way, trustcan be built on the mat, which in turnallows for both an effective and inten-sive practice on the mat.

We host three seminars a year,Spring Course, Summer Camp andAutumn Course. We have some fre-quent guests from the neighbouringand overseas countries. These guestsreturn regularly, as they appreciate thehigh quality of our seminars and alsobecause they feel ‘at home’ in ourDojo. Our British friends especially,led by Shihan Tony Cassells and MarkPickering, have made themselves athome over the past eight years.

Our teacher Jürgen Schwendingertransmits the spirit of martial arts in itshighest form – the same way as hereceives it from his teacher ShihanTony Cassells.

Within our Dojo, Shihan TonyCassells calls for an intensive discus-sion and exchange on the essenceof Aikido. Our seminars prove to bespecial experiences. ☯

Sylvia Taraba 1st DanDornbirn 27 May 2010

BIRANKAI AUSTRIA Technical Director: Shihan Tony Cassells 6th DanChairman: Mark Pickering 5th Dan



Dai Jyo Kan, Aikikai deBagnols

Chief InstructorPatrick Barthélémy 5th Dan, [email protected]

Senior Instructor Shihan Norberto Chiesa 6th Dan [email protected]

Address5, avenue Charrier30200 Bagnols sur Cèze

Website: www.aikido-bagnols.frTel: 04 66 82 70 16 Training daysTuesday to Saturday

Bagnols sur Cèze, at the cross-road of the Rhodanian Valleyand the mountain hills of the

Cévennes, owes its prosperity to thecreation of the Nuclear Center ofMarcoule.

Towards the end of 1969 a dentalsurgeon, an old student of MasterMochizuki, together with a group ofyoung people created an associationdedicated to the practice of Aikido. InJanuary 1970 our first class, a curiousmixture of karate and Aikido, markedthe birth of our Adventure.

From then on and until 1975, otherteachers brought to us a kind of prac-tice much closer to what we knowtoday. They were followers of theteachings of Tamura Sensei, includingour dear friend Roberto Arnulfo.

In 1975 a young Argentinean,student of TK Chiba Sensei, took resi-dence in our region and agreed to take

on the technicaldirection of theDojo. In 1978,Norberto Chiesa,expert in tangoand Latin dances,joined forces withone of the origi-nal-foundingmembers of the1969 Association,thus generatingan enduring com-plicity betweenArgentinean

tango and the mountains of theArdeche. From then on, PatrickBarthélémy and Norberto Chiesa havedispensed their teaching at the Dojo.

Another youngster, Thierry Moulinet,took charge of the children courses in1986 (and still does to this day. . .),courses that were created three yearsbefore by Patrick Barthélémy.

Two mayor events took place in thatyear that were capital to our practice.We gained independence from munici-pal structures by renting our ownpremises, and at the outcome of awonderful ceremony the Dojo receivedfrom TK Chiba Sensei its name:DAI JYO KAN*.

In the year 2000 we lived throughthe last major event of our Adventure:we bought our own Dojo. A consider-able investment from all the membersand an unfailing solidarity have result-ed in the home we now have.

All of you, Birankai friends that maybe passing nearby, come share ourpractice and enjoy our hospitality**. ☯

Patrick Barthélémy 5th Dan

*Dai Jyo Kan: the commonly understoodmeaning is that of a large ship whereeverybody rows in the same direction.Others, we know not why, make referenceto a galley. . .

**Hospitality: to join us call PatrickBarthélémy at 04 66 82 70 16 andby e-mail to [email protected]

Dai Jyo Kan, 40 years of Human Adventure. . .

Aikikai de Strasbourg

Chief InstructorShihan Gabriel Valibouze 6th Dan

Other InstructorsDidier Hatton 4th Dan, ShidoinSadek Khettab 4th Dan, ShidoinJoël Bertrand 4th Dan, ShidoinPaule Helmbacher 3rd Dan,

FukushidoinAlexandre Pigeollot 2nd Dan,

Fukushidoin

BIRANKAI FRANCETechnical Directors: Shihan Norberto Chiesa 6th Dan and Shihan Gabriel Valibouze 6th Dan (on leave of absence)Chairman: Didier Hatton 4th Dan

Address234 Route des Romains, 67200 Strasbourg, KoenigshoffenWebsite: www.aikido-strasbourg.comEmail: [email protected]: 03 88 28 10 98Fax: 03 88 30 96 16Training days Monday to Saturday


Ann Jyou Kan Chief InstructorAnne Ducouret 4th Dan, Shidoin

Other InstructorsCyrille Benoоt Jean-Gabriel MassardierStйphane DuclotJйrфme LebrunIvan Peyron

Address93, rue Pelleport, 75020 ParisMetro station: Pelleport

Website: www.aikido-paris-cap.orgEmail: [email protected]: 01 40 31 50 03 Mobile: 06 10 07 84 74 Training daysMonday to Saturday

The Ann Jyou Kan Dojo openedits doors in April 2006 in the 20thward of Paris. Many events have

marked its development.In 1986 the original group started in

the 5th ward. 1998 not only brings amove to the district of the ‘high 20thward’ but we also came under theinfluence of Chiba Sensei school. This‘Birankai’ connection is decisivebecause it allows us to restart as agroup. We then moved to 93 PelleportStreet. Two years later the managerwas asked to leave, so were we!!!After a year of hard times we movedback to the place and transformed itinto a ‘Dojo-School of the ParisianEast’. Our initial project is announcedin the following manner: “The solepurpose of this traditional martial artsschool is to benefit the community.The Dojo is the environment forpersonal development where onestudies the Way. Through the martial,energetic and cultural activities, thehuman being grows steadily anddevelops harmoniously. The relation-ship to others and to oneself is enact-ed under the rules that govern the lifein the Dojo and from this sharingemerges a collective project”.

The Deputy-Mayor of the 20th wardopens the Dojo at a special ceremonyin September 2006. Then TK ChibaSensei gives it the name of ‘Ann Jyou

Kan’ which translates as ‘House ofpeace and prosperity’. Today we stillmaintain strong links with Birankai. Wehave more than twelve hours of Aikidoclasses in our Dojo with an additionaleight classes in another place.

Membership includes 155 membersmade up of 90 adults and 65 children,with the following officers: ReynaldDeroche as President, ThierryLecomte as Treasurer and ChristianMathieu as General Secretary. Theteaching is under the direction of AnneDucouret 4th Dan, Shidoin assisted byCyrille Benoоt, Jean-GabrielMassardier, Stйphane Duclot, JйrфmeLebrun and Ivan Peyron. The Dojowelcomes all ages to numerousevents.

This year, we had the honour ofwelcoming the seminar for advancedteachers and students directed by theBirankai Europe Shihankai.

The summer school in Paris in Julywill be directed by Shihans andShidoins. ☯

Anne Ducouret 4th DanTranslated by Lucienne Suter

Ann Jyou Kan, a Birankai Dojo in Paris


Aikikai de Cronenbourg

Chief InstructorSadek Khetab 4th Dan, Shidoin

Other instructorsPaule Helmbacher 3rd Dan,

Fukushidoin Yannick Uguet 3rd Dan (assistant)

Address56 Rue Du Rieth 67000 Strasbourg France

Email: [email protected]: 0698772997Training daysTuesday, Thursday and Saturday

The Dojo was founded by SadekKhetab and Paule Helmbacher in2005 as a Birankai Dojo. It has

a membership of 13 adults.The practice takes place in a public

social and cultural centre which alsooffers judo classes. There is no rentto pay.

The teachers are notpaid and the members paytheir fees through thesocial and cultural centre.

The teachers are SadekKhetab 4th Dan, Shidoinand Paule Helmbacher 3rdDan, Fukushidoin, and anassistant.

In order to allow thispublic social and culturalcentre to pay the Aikidoteachers for their classes,

it would require a greater investmentby the teachers to get more studentsand fees, to develop children classes,and also the teachers should be certi-fied by the state. ☯

Sadek Khetab 4th Dan

Gen Rei Kan, Uzès Aikikai

InstructorsMichel Neumann 3rd Dan,

Fukushidoin†Fabrice Mahieux 2nd Dan,

Fukushidoin

AddressImpasse du Redounet30700 UzèsEmail: [email protected]

members.In 2009 Chiba Sensei baptized the

Dojo with the name ‘Gen Rei Kan’ andin so doing he affirmed our identityinfusing the Dojo with a strong andbeautiful energy. It is our responsibilitynow to persevere in our way througha rigorous and sincere practice. ☯

Fabrice Mahieux 2nd Dan

†Since this article was submittedwe are sad to report that MichelNeumann passed away on 20 May2010 due to ill health. WithFabrice Mahieux he had directedthis Dojo for over 20 years. Heleaves us with the memory ofa sensitive man, full of humour,a generous spirit and a lastingfriendship.

Created in February 1982 theDojo of Uzès has enjoyed aclose working relationship with

Dai Jyo Kan, the Dojo of Bagnols surCèze.

From the beginning, several teach-ers took the leadership of the group insuccession. A time came when theDojo found itself without a teacher.

It was at our request that NorbertoChiesa Sensei and Patrick BarthélémySensei generously accepted to dis-pense their teachings at our Dojo.Their engagement revitalized our Dojoand gave direction to our practice.

The commitment of the membersgrew in depth and the instructorsadvanced in their practice. Today,Michel Neumann and Fabrice Mahieuxare holders of Fukushidoin rank andassume the teaching in the Dojo.The membership stands at about 30Michel Neumann


Directed by Thierry Moulinet, 4thDan, Fukushidoin

The Dojo of Saint-Marcel-de-Careiretwas created in 1998, with the approvalof Shihan Norberto Chiesa and PatrickBarthélémy, Shidoin.

There is a class for about 30 childrenon Wednesday from 1800 to 1900.Then a class from 1915 to 2100 for ourgroup of adults. In 1998, there wereabout 6 to 8 adults.

Twelve years has passed. NowAikido is very well known in our cityand in the surrouding villages. The

Nashi Yane DojoSaint-Marcel-de-Careiret

Chief InstructorThierry Moulinet 4th Dan, Fukushidoin [email protected]

Other InstructorsDaniel Roussel 1st Dan

[email protected] CalegariMichele Calegari

Email [email protected] (chez Daniel)Training dayWednesday

Nashi Yane Dojo organized and partic-ipated in several seminars in Bagnols-sur-Céze, Uzès, St-Marcel-de-Careiret,and St-Martin d’Ardèche.

The children who are now teenagershave joined the adult class. We arenow about twenty and practisingsteadily; the children’s group is stable.

The classes are directed by ThierryMoulinet, assisted by Daniel Roussel,Brigitte and Michele Calegari. ☯

Thierry Moulinet 4th Dan

Located in the coun-tryside in Mialet,southern France

(Gard), in the Cévennes,the Dojo is about onehour by car north ofNîmes. It was founded in2007 by Joël Bertrandand Ghislaine Soulet inthe old sheepfold ofMalbosc (a farmhouse ofthe 17th century) andofficially opened byChiba Sensei in July2007 under the nameGEN NEI KAN.

Two Birankai certified teachers JoëlBertrand (4th Dan, Shidoin, technicaldirector) and Ghislaine Soulet (3rdDan, Fukushidoin), both students ofGabriel Valibouze Shihan, teach eighthours weekly (Aikido, boken, jo, Iaido)and one hour of Zazen, to about tenstudents.

Several seminars are organized dur-ing the year among which is an annual

summer camp in July in Saint-Jean-du-Gard. The Dojo also offers a hous-ing capacity to accommodate allthrough the year practitioners whodesire to join the practice at Gen NeiKan in a natural environmentfavourable to concentration.

Welcome to Gen Nei Kan! ☯

Joël Bertrand 4th Dan

Gen Nei Kan DojoAikikai Saint-Jean-du-GardChief InstructorJoël Bertrand 4th Dan, Shidoin

Other InstructorGhislaine Soulet 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin

AddressMalboscF-30140 Mialet

Website www.aikido-saint-jean-du-gard.comEmail: [email protected]: +33 (0)4 66 85 00 82Training daysWednesday to Saturday


Gen Ei Kan, Landau

Chief Instructor Alexander Broll 4th Dan, Shidoin

AddressRaimund-Huber-Str 1176829 Landau

Website: www.aikido-landau.deEmail: [email protected]: +49 (0) 6341 55 900 98Training daysMonday, Thursday and Saturday

The Dojo is situated in a formerfortress town in the south-westof Germany and has 44,000

inhabitants surrounded by vineyardsand forest areas of the Pfalz.

In 1998 our Dojo was founded byAlexander Broll and in 2001 ShihanTK Chiba gave us the name ‘Gen EiKan’, which translates to ’The Housethat reflects the Essence’.

What is important to us are the holis-tic values. These require discipline(physically and mentally), acceptingeach other and, moreover, embarkingon a voyage of discovery that neverseems to end. When learning AI-KI-DO you deal not only with the oppo-nent but also with your own self.

We are now offering Aikido trainingto children from the age of eightupwards. Currently, we are involvedwith exchange training programmeswith neighbouring Dojos in Paris,Strasbourg and Colmar. The mainissues are the intensive Aikido trainingof children and adolescents, the

exchange of teachers as well asexchanging European cultures witheach other.

In Spring and Autumn, we regularlyorganize Aikido training courses withinternational Birankai teachers (Shihanand Shidoin) for young people andadults. We also host a social eventannually for the Landau AikidoCommunity.

As part of our publicity campaign, weparticipated in the ‘Day of the child’ inLandau and also at the ‘Global day ofthe child’. We take part in anti-violenceprogrammes in schools and are knownto organizations in Landau offeringholiday schemes.

The Dojo is an aspect of life embrac-ing the confidence, the space and theorder that are contained in the spirit ofthe five pillars: centeredness, connect-edness, liveliness, openness andwholeness. This constitutes a realchallenge, on and off the tatami. ☯

Alexander Broll 4th Dan

BIRANKAI DEUTSCHLAND (GERMANY)Technical Director: Shihan Chris Mooney (Acting) and Shihan Gabriel Valibouze 6th Dan (on leave of absence)

Chairman: Alexander Broll 4th Dan


University of Muenster AikidoDojo

Chief Instructor Hans-Peter Hoepp 3rd Dan,

Fukushidoin

Address Horstmarer Landweg, Fechtraum

Website: aikido-uni-ms.piranho.deEmail: [email protected] day Tuesday

Founded in2002 byHans-Peter

Hoepp, University ofMuenster AikidoDojo has ever sincebeen an assemblypoint for universitystudents and affili-ates taking refugeto strict martialpractice of bodymanagement, com-posure and couragein an otherwisehighly intellectual-ized and efficiency-directed academicenvironment.Inevitably, as part ofa university sportsprogramme,Birankai Aikidostruggled to makeits way among theother physical disci-plines and to successfully compete forpractice time and space in the univer-sity sports facilities. Not surprisingly,external and internal influences callinginto question ‘that weird marital art’that seemed to ‘accomplish little in aforeseeable time span’ were endlessover the first years. Growing supportcame when more and more newsspread via the academic grapevinethat the university Dojo was trulyproviding a programme contrastingand complementing academic strainsthrough vigorous martial exerciseresulting in composure of body, mindand social interaction. Only with timethe very obstacles that the Dojo hadmet in the beginning turned into its

basic strength: people increasinglycame because ‘the other kind of sport’now held a special attraction. At pres-ent, the number of people ‘just havinga snoop around’ still continues to belarge at the beginning of each termwhereas the number of those outlast-ing the initial disillusionment seemsminute in comparison. Over the years,however, the slowly growing core oftruly committed members becameincreasingly known for its radiance ofphysical, mental and social excellence.☯

Hans-Peter Hoepp 3rd Dan


Athens Aikido

Chief InstructorJenny Flower 4th Dan, Shidoin

AddressXanthipou 3 HolargosAthensGreece

Website: athensaikido.gr Email: [email protected] Tel: +30 6977303823Training daysMonday to Friday

After a yearof search-ing and a

month of gruelingwork AthensAikido opened thedoors of its newhome on 12 April2010! Our Dojo islocated close tothe centre ofAthens and beingon the metro linedirect from the air-port it is ideal forvisitors fromabroad too.

Chief instructoris Jenny Flower,4th Dan, Shidoinand we offer afull-time trainingprogram includingIaido and Zazen.We have a matspace of 43 mats and comfortable uchideshi facilities. ☯

Jenny Flower 4th Dan

HELLENIC BIRANKAI (GREECE)Technical Director: Shihan Mike Flynn 6th DanChairman: Matt Teale 4th Dan

Athens Aikikai

Chief InstructorAri Sinavelis 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin

18 Omirou St Halandri 15232Greece

Website: www.athens-aikikai.grEmail: [email protected]: +30 6944542729Training daysMonday to Saturday

year 2000. At the moment we rent thegymnasium in the primary school,where we train daily.

We have 12 active members and wealso have children classes with tenchildren.

We usually have an annual GreekBirankai seminar and we hope in thefuture to make it an international eventas this is an ideal location for people tobring their family and combine trainingand holidays on an unspoilt beautifulGreek island. ☯Kiros Tzannes 3rd Dan


Kithira Aikido

InstructorKiros Tzannes 3rd Dan

AddressSpiliesKalamosKithira 80100Greece

Email: [email protected]: 0030 27360 34038 Training daysAdults: Monday to SaturdayChildren: Tuesday and Friday

Istarted Aikido in 1990 in Athenswith Eamonn Devlin Sensei, alsoI have trained under the guidence

of Juba Nour Sensei when he was inAthens in 1994 for a year. After thatI visited Juba Nour in his New YorkDojo a couple of times for a fewmonths at a time. In 1996 I starteda restaurant on the island of Kithirajust for the summer season and duringthe winter I used to go back to Athensand continued training with EamonDevlin until 2000 when I decided tomove permanently to Kithira. This iswhen I started my own Dojo primarilyto be able to continue training.

Also I have attended numerous sem-inars with Chris Mooney Sensei andmany other Birankai Senseis and ofcourse Chiba Sensei‘s seminars.

Kithira Aikido is located on a smallGreek island, Kithira, in the main towncalled Hora. It was established in the

Thursday as well as two hours onSaturday midday. The classes aretaught either by Matt Teale or one ofthe senior Dojo members. Includingweapons and Iaido there are a total of15 hours training available as well asZazen 4 times per week. The kids’class is for one hour on Wednesdaysand one hour on Saturday mornings.

We currently have 130 squaremetres mat space in a light, airyspace. We are in the process of order-ing some more mats. So hopefullysoon we’ll have 200 sq metres matspace.

Since we are so lucky to have sucha large space, we hold seminars hereregularly including some of theHellenic Birankai seminars. In Octoberwe had a great seminar with theHellenic Birankai’s technical directorShihan Mike Flynn and RenataBohdanowicz 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin.In March we were very happy to havea very successful seminar by ShihanChris Mooney where there was a totalof 80 attendees over the course of theweekend. In these busy seminars wecan take advantage of a large openroof-top space for split classes withweapons on the roof and body art inthe Dojo.

It is very early days for our Dojo butso far we are very happy with howthings are progressing. ☯

Matt Teale 4th Dan

The Aikido Dojo at Kolonos hasonly been open since September2009. The chief instructor is

Matt Teale (4th Dan, Shidoin). He isassisted by Achilleas Label (3rd Dan),Giannis Papagyris (1st Dan), LouisAbeshi (1st Dan), AngelikiChrisanthakopoulou (1st Dan) andAngelos Tsantilas (1st Dan). Originallywe started at Panellinios Sports centrebut the decision was taken to opena permanent Aikido Dojo becausewe had outgrown the limitations ofa shared Sports centre.

Kolonos is in central Athens, fairlyclose to the historical centre (Acropolisetc) and we are very lucky to be on thetop floor of the tallest building around(5th floor). So there’s a great view ofthe Acropolis and the other hills in cen-tral Athens as well as the mountainssurrounding Athens.

The Dojo has around 30 activemembers now, including 6 Dan grades(not including the chief instructor). Wealso have a small kids’ class that start-ed in September with 8 kids. There are

also classes for TaiChi and probably we’llbe introducing WuShu after the summer.

There are morningclasses (taught byMatt Teale Monday toFriday) and eveningclasses on Monday,Tuesday and

Kolonos

Chief InstructorMatt Teale 4th Dan, Shidoin

Other InstructorsAchilleas Label 3rd DanGiannis Papagyris 1st DanLouis Abeshi 1st DanAngeliki Chrisanthakopoulou 1st DanAngelos Tsantilas 1st Dan

AddressLenorman 114, KolonosCentral Athens Greece 10444

Website: www.aikido-dojo.grEmail: [email protected]: 6974 022012Training daysMonday to Saturday


A Mon Kan Dojo

Chief InstructorAmnon Tzechovoy 4th Dan,

Fukushidoin

AddressSport CentreTel-Aviv UniversityChaim Lebanon Street

Website: www.tau-aikido.comEmail: [email protected] Tel: 03 5474633 Training daysMonday, Wednesday, Thursday andFriday

Located at the Sport Centre ofTel Aviv University, theTel AvivAikikai Dojo began in 1993.

During this period Aikido in Israel wasinspired by Iwama School. In 2001,following attendance at a seminar withChris Mooney Sensei, on a visit toIsrael, I was exposed for the first timeto Sensei’s school. Ever since thisencounter I have been practising withChris Mooney Sensei, in particular,and later on with Chiba Sensei, when-ever I got the opportunity to participatein his seminars.

In 2005 my Dojo was recognized asa Birankai Dojo and I was accepted asa teacher in our school. NowadaysBirankai Israel is composed of twoDojos, the main Dojo operating in

Tel Aviv University Sports Centre andanother in a neighbouring town calledGanei Tikva. Altogether there are 30students, including two Shodans.

Each year there are at least twoseminars in Israel conducted byShihan Chris Mooney, as well as otherteachers. My students often join withme to attend seminars around Europe.

This year we expect the first timeever visit of Chiba Sensei to Israel inJuly. ☯

Amnon Tzechovoy 4th Dan

BIRANKAI ISRAELTechnical Director: Shihan Chris Mooney 6th DanChairman: Amnon Techovoy 4th Dan


Wroclaw Aikikai

Chief InstructorPiotr Masztalerz 4th Dan, Shidoin

Other InstructorsJacek Kochaniec 3rd Dan, FukushidoinMichal Orlik 2nd Dan, Fukushidoin,

runs Aikikai Trzebnica Arkadiusz Bartys 1st Dan - kids’ and

teenagers’ groupsMaciej Tomaszewski 1st Dan -

teenagers’ groupsMichal Karbowski 1st Kyu - kids’

groupsUrszula Gryniewicz 1st Kyu - kids’

groups

Address279 Grabiszynska Street Wrocław, Poland

Website: www.wsaikido.wroc.plEmail: [email protected]: +48 507580656Training days Monday to Friday

Gdanska Sekcja Aikido

Chief Instructor Tomasz Sarnatowicz 1st Dan

Dojo address ul. Na Zaspe 31a80-546 Gdansk Poland

Mailing address Tomasz Sarnatowicz ul. Czestochowska 35/10 80-180 Gdansk

Website: www.gsaikido.gda.plEmail: [email protected]: +48 880 90 23 86Training daysTuesday and Thursday

Was created by Piotr Masztalerz4th Dan, Shidoin and Jacek

Kochaniec 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin in1997.

Over 100 students practise in threeadult groups. The Dojo runs threemornings, and 11 evening classes foradults weekly.

Over 100 children practise in six agegroups (up to 6 years, 7-9, 10-12).There are 20 kids classes weekly.Beside regular classes we run summercamps for kids and teenagers, week-end workshops and demonstrations.

Piotr Masztalerz teaches Aikido atthe Wroclaw Technical University.Every six months 80 new students areintroduced to Aikido basics and havea chance to practise in Wroclaw AikikaiDojo.

The Dojo runs Kenshusei teachers’programme, with special classes forthis group. ☯

Piotr Masztalerz 4th Dan

BIRANKAI POLSKA (POLAND)Technical Director: Shihan Daniel Brunner 6th DanChairman: Andrzej Sobolewski 4th Dan

Under the direction of ShihanDaniel Brunner the Dojo wasfounded in September 2007.

The founder, Tomasz Sarnatowicz 1stDan has been practising Aikido since1991 – at first with the Polish AikidoFederation. In 2003 the final decisionwas made to choose Brunner Senseias the leading teacher. In 2006 theidea of founding a Dojo first appearedand after one year of preparation, thefirst class was taught in Gdansk.

The Dojo was initially located in anold judo club, which gave us a greatBudo atmosphere. In 2010 the cityauthorities decided to close the venueand we had to look for another loca-tion. The first members of the Dojowere about five who decided to leaveour old Dojo and practise together.New members were gradually appear-ing and in June 2008 we werehonoured with the visit of BrunnerSensei. Currently the Dojo has about15 members varying from beginners

to 1st Kyu.Since the Dojo lacks a certified

Birankai teacher, we have decided tofoster close relationship with WroclawAikikai, especially with Piotr MasztalerzSensei 4th Dan and Jacek KochaniecSensei 3rd Dan. Both visit the dojo 2-3times a year for weekend seminarsand exams. ☯

Tomasz Sarnatowicz 1st Dan

Tomasz Sarnatowicz


Trzebnica Aikikai

Chief Instructor Michal Orlik 2nd Dan, [email protected]

Address Trzebnica, Poland

Website: aikidotrzebnica.comEmail: [email protected]: +48 693 461 364Training daysMonday, Wednesday and Friday

Creation of Trzebnica AikikaiDojo on 15 February 2010 isconnected with two events that

have recently occured in my life. Thefirst event was moving from Wroclawto Trzebnica (a town of 12,000 inhabi-tants located 20km to the north ofWroclaw): Trzebnica did not have anyAikido Dojo, so I thought it was a goodplace to estabilish one. The secondevent - passing a Fukushidoin exam -was more of a trigger which openedthe door not onlyto propagateAikido further butalso to bring myown training to anew level.

Currently class-es in the Dojo areheld three timesa week: twice(Monday andWednesday) twohours in theevening in a publicschool (we lay themats each time

before the class and store them after)and Friday morning weapons classoutdoors on top of a local hill. SinceFebruary 15th the Dojo has seven newparticipants.

The Dojo’s website address isaikidotrzebnica.com and its content willbe soon be translated into English. ☯

Michal Orlik 2nd Dan

Oimp Dojo, Wroclaw

Chief InstructorRenata Bohdanowicz 3rd Dan,

Fukushidoin

Other Instructors Darek Machalski 3rd Dan Andrzej Sobolewski 4th Dan (Advisor)

Website: www.aikiolimp.plEmail: [email protected]: +48 600 41 35 36

The Dojo was founded in 2000at Olimpic Stadion in Wroclaw.It is located on Paderewskiego

Street. The teachers are RenataBohdanowicz (3rd Dan, chief instruc-tor, Fukushidoin), assistant DarekMachalski 3rd Dan and AndrzejSobolewski 4th Dan (Advisor). RenataBohdanowicz has been a student ofShihan Daniel Brunner for four yearsand is a professional teacher workingat the Olimpic Stadion (one adult andtwo children’s groups), at the

University of Wroclaw (four adultgroups) and at the School near 113Zemska street, Wroclaw (two groupsof children), which makes a total ofabout 180 Aikido students in a year.

At the Oimp Dojo we have an adultgroup with 25 students practising oneand a half hours 3 times a week. Agesrange from 14 years to 70 years. Wehave extended families like father anddaughter or grandfather and grandsonwhich makes for a friendly atmos-phere. There are many university stu-dents. The group is mixed - advancedand beginners working together - twicea week body art and once a weekweapon. Students participate fully inthe Dojo activities.

Four children groups about 15 ineach group from ages 5-13 practisetwice a week for one hour. Once ayear children have an examination forkyu grades (12-6 kyu).

We hope to eventually have a per-manent Dojo in one place for all thegroups. ☯

Renata Bohdanowicz 3rd Dan

Michal Orlik


Wroclaw Aikido Club

Chief InstructorZbigniew Dudzic 3rd Dan, [email protected]

Other InstructorJanusz Pyrcz 3rd [email protected]: 501 370 661

Website: www.wkaikido.plTel: 609 025 090

The Wroclaw Aikido Club (WKA)originated from Sen Nen SugiAiki Dojo in November 2001 and

is a member of Birankai Poland. Wetrain under the direction of ShihanDaniel Brunner, holder of the rank of6th Dan.

The club was founded by ZbigniewDudzic, the main instructor, holder of a3rd Dan and a Fukushidoin in BirankaiPoland. Zbigniew has been practisingAikido since October 1989.

The second instructor in our clubis Janusz Pyrcz, holder of a 3rd Dan,practising Aikido since October 1979.

Our club belongs to Sen Nen SugiAiki Dojo family, a group of Wroclaw

Dojos created by instructors originallytrained in the first Aikido Dojo inWroclaw. The Dojos stay in close con-tact and support each other organizingannual summer schools, seminars andcourses. We all train with the kindsupport of Daniel Brunner Sensei.

Instructors and members of our clubregularly take part in international andlocal classes, seminars and summerschools.

Training sessions are conducted foradults in different levels of advance-ment, as well as for children in differ-ent age groups. ☯

Zbigniew Dudzic 3rd Dan

CHIBA SENSEI: 2010 SUMMER COURSES IN EUROPE22-24 July 2010Summer Seminar 2010 with Shihan TK Chiba 8th Dan and Shihan Chris Mooney 6th DanKibutz Shfaim Sport Center, Tel Aviv, Israel Website: www.tau-aikido.com Email: [email protected] Mobile: +97254-55450833

31 July-6 August 2010British Birankai Summer School 2010 with Shihan TK Chiba 8th Dan and Shihan T Miyamoto 7th Dan (Hombu,Japan) assisted by BB Shihan and ShidoinUniversity of Worcester, Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ, WorcesterWebsite: www.britishbirankai.comEmail: [email protected]: Paul Robinson, Course organiserMobile: +44 (0) 7989 359898

14-21 August 2010Birankai Poland Summer Camp with Shihan TK Chiba Sensei 8th Dan, Shihan Daniel Brunner 6th Dan, Shihan Norberto Chiesa 6th Dan and Birankai InstructorsWroclaw, Poland Website: www.aikidowroclaw.com/en/2,aikido_summer_camp.htmlEmail: [email protected]


Sanjukan - Lisbon

Chief Instructor Christophe Peytier 4th Dan, Shidoin

Website: www.sanjukan.comEmail: [email protected]: +351 916169040Training days Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

With the advent of the 21stcentury, I felt the urge toleave California and return

to the old continent, and ended upchosing Lisbon, Portugal.

After a few weeks in the country,I attended some Aikido lessons in ageneral-purpose gym club, taught bya Nidan in his late twenties, but afterabout six months, fate had it that thisteacher vanished with no prior notice,leaving the school with no trainers.After seeing my credentials, the man-agement of the gym gave me that jobimmediately.

This fortunate event clearly helpedus to jumpstart our development in2001 as the representatives ofBirankai in Portugal. After arriving inPortugal, I was struck to see palm,pine and eucalyptus trees growingtogether. These are my three favouritetrees and it is rare to see them togeth-er since each requires a differentgrowing climate. At the summer campin Méjannes, France in 2001, I askedChiba Sensei what would be a goodname for ‘school of three trees’, andnot only did he articulated theJapanese name ‘Sanjukan’, but on thenext day he handed me a beautifulcalligraphy with the three characters.How could I have dreamed about abetter outcome of what was just adeep intuition?

Nine years later, and with muchwater under the bridge, we now havean established training place, with 60mats, in the historical center of Lisbon.We operate a regular schedule of fivehours per week, on Tuesday,Thursday and Friday. Our group is still

small, about fifteen members, whichmeans about six to twelve people onthe mat. This Spring of 2010, wasgood. We have had, within two weeksin April, the occurrence of three gratify-ing events. Firstly, our two most seniorstudents passed their shodan test,under the guidance of Shihan MikeFlynn. Secondly, we received ourofficial recognition from Hombu, andthirdly, we had our first class with amajority of female practitioners, repre-senting roughly 30%, which is the goalI had in mind.

At this point, when I look back, I amquite happy to see a group in constantevolution, with a core of students thatare developing well. The mere fact ofhaving some people who continue tocome several times a week, despite abusy modern life, is extremely gratify-ing, and is a strong motivation for meto continue in this direction.

Looking into the future of Sanjukan,our top two priorities are to increasethe membership to twenty five mem-bers, and to start preparing for thefuture by training some students tobecome assistant teachers.

As a conclusion, taking a step backprompts the question: “What does itmean to found and develop a martialart school?”

The first answer is that we have topreserve the link of the chain of Budotransmission. As teachers, we aregiven the responsibility by both ourown teachers and our students. Thesecond answer is that Aikido, as a toolfor personal development, is helpingpractitioners to be better humanbeings. Thus, as the founder of theschool, I feel that I am contributing tothis growth and this provides me ananswer to this fundamental question:“How am I contributing to make thisworld a better place?” ☯

Christophe Peytier 4th Dan29 May 2010

BIRANKAI PORTUGALTechnical Advisor: Shihan Mike Flynn 6th DanChairman: Christophe Peytier 4th Dan


Ryu Seki Kai, Lausanne

Chief InstructorShihan Daniel Brunner 6th Dan

Other InstructorsAndré Perretten 4rd DanUrsula Schaffner 4rd Dan, Fukushidoin Carl Schmitt, 4rd DanChristophe Brunner 3rd Dan,

FukushidoinMarcel Golay 1st Dan (importantchildren’s group)

Address Chemin du Couchant 4CH-1022 Chavannes

Website: www.ryusekikai.chEmail: [email protected]: 021 323 51 08Training daysMonday, Wednesday and Thursday

The Ryu Seki Kai Dojo was foundedin 1986.

First located in Morges, a little town10 km from Lausanne, it has nowrelocated to the suburb of Lausannein 1995.

The Dojo has now found a homein an old furniture factory, which wasrecently refurbished. It consists of tworooms; one 144 sq metres and theother 80 sq metres, separated bysliding panels that, once removed,constitutes a Dojo large enoughto accommodate large number ofstudents and hold important courses.

The technical director is ShihanDaniel Brunner 6th Dan.

In 1986, after 24 years of practice,

I decided at last to leave the Dojowhere I was brought up, and, with thehelp of some faithful students, I foundmy own Dojo. I was following at thistime the teachings of Tamura Senseiand Chiba Sensei.

After many years without contactwith Chiba Sensei, I renewed this rela-tionship which became even strongerthan when I had met him in 1969. Thiswas made possible through the effortsof Shihan Norberto Chiesa. Sincethen, the Ryu Seki Kai has rejoinedthe Birankaï. ☯

Shihan Daniel Brunner 6th Dan

BIRANKAI CH (SWITZERLAND)Technical Director: Shihan Chris Mooney 6th Dan Chairman: Shihan Daniel Brunner 6th Dan

Sakura Dojo, Bern

Chief InstructorBarbara Imboden 4th Dan, Shidoin

Other InstructorsMichèle Pauli 1st DanIvo Sonderegger 1st Dan

AddressFreiburgstrasse 111b 3008 Bern, Switzerland

Website: www.sakura-dojo.chEmail: [email protected]: +41 79 295 76 68Training days Monday, Wednesday, Thursday andFriday

Founded in 1995.Chiba Sensei gives the name‘Sho Gi Kan’ in 1998 – ‘House ofthe Supreme Principle’.Teachers: Barbara Imboden 4thDan, Shidoin, Michèle Pauli 1stDan and Ivo Sonderegger 1stDan.Supervised by Shihan ChrisMooney. Practices: two regular Mixedclasses per week, one weeklyBasic training, one Advancedtraining and one Weapons class.One Children’s class. ☯

Barbara Imboden 4th Dan


the years, and how it has helped methrough my early years. I am nowa member of the British BirankaiTeaching Committee and hold the rankof 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin.

The Dojo has now been going since2003 and is achieving its goal.

The Dojo was started to bring thesame quality of practice at CocksMoors Woods Dojo to the Solihull areaat a beginner stage. It has been goingfor seven years now and the core ofstudents is building well with gradesfrom novice to 3rd Kyu. The juniorclass was started last year and isgoing from strength to strength. ☯

Stuart Lovering 3rd Dan

Tudor Grange Central AikidoDojo (Associate of CocksMoors Woods Dojo)

Chief InstructorStuart Lovering 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin

AddressTudor Grange Sports Centre Tudor Grange Park Blossomfield Road Solihull Birmingham B91 1NB

Website: [email protected] Tel: 0775 971 1370Training dayMonday (except Bank Holiday)

Iwasonly ajunior

when I firststarted in1989 afterfinding thecalmingside of itassistedme in thecompeti-tions I used to compete in in Karate,which I used to do. Noticing the differ-ence Aikido was doing for me, I contin-ued to follow, even though the reasonshave changed over the years.

I started Aikido due to the interest inmartial arts and I have continued dueto the enjoyment of giving other peoplethe same experience I have had over

CENTRAL ENGLAND

Arrowvale Aikido (Genpu Kan)Chief Instructor: Paul Robinson 5th Dan, ShidoinAddress: Arrowvale Leisure Centre, Green Sward Lane, Redditch, B98 0ENWebsite: learnaikido.co.ukEmail: [email protected]: 07989 359898Training days: Monday and Thursday

Mei Jyu Kan (Albrighton and Wolverhampton Aikido)Chief Instructor: Ian Grubb 5th Dan, ShidoinAddresses: ☯ Den, Shaw Lane, Albrighton, Nr Wolverhampton☯ Compton Youth Centre, Henwood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8PGEmail: [email protected]: 0774 280 0116Training days: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

BRITISH BIRANKAIShihan Tony Cassells 6th Dan ☯ Shihan Dee Chen 6th Dan Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan ☯ Shihan Chris Mooney 6th DanChairman: Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan

Stuart Lovering


Cocks Moors Woods,Fox Hollies,Birmingham University

Chief InstructorMark Pickering 5th Dan, Shidoin

Other InstructorsAndy Colclough 2nd Dan, FukushidoinMichelle Eagles 2nd Dan Laura Anderson 1st DanPaul Hull 1st Dan Jonathon Thomas 1st Dan

AddressesCocks Moors Woods Leisure CentreAlcester Rd South, Kings HeathBirmingham B14 6ERWebsite: www.cocksmoorsaikido.co.ukTel: 0121 459 8830Training days Wednesday and Thursday

Fox Hollies Leisure CentreShirley Road, Acocks GreenBirmingham B27 7NSWebsite: www.foxholliesaikido.co.ukTraining dayMonday

Munrow Sports CentreUniversity of BirminghamEdgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TTTel: 0121 414 4117Training dayWednesday (term time only)

My first experienceas a martial artistwas in Judo as a

junior. I followed on fromthat with boxing, where alot of my experience wasgained on the street. Afterboxing, I worked interna-tionally as a close protec-tion bodyguard to diplo-mats. During this time Istarted Aikido (1985) withShihan Tony Cassells 6thDan as my instructor. Bythe time I reached Shodanin 1988, I had attendedmany courses led by anumber of Japanese mas-ters including: KisshomaruUeshiba (then Doshu),Waka Sensei (currentDoshu), Chiba Sensei,Shibata Sensei, Miyamoto Sensei andmany others.

Over the past 20 years I havetravelled to Japan, the USA andEurope, where I have taught at variousseminars.

I have been teaching at CocksMoors Woods Leisure Centre for19 years and have many adult andjunior students. My senior yudanshastudents, who have also travelledextensively for Aikido, have their ownDojos.

I believe weapons training should beas strong as body art, and have

always taught and practised weapons,including Iai Batto Ho, with the samevigour and enthusiasm.

I am currently 5th Dan, Shidoin anda member of the British BirankaiTeaching Committee. I am also theChairman of Birankai Austria. ☯

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 RoadBirmingham, B25 8JFWebsite: www.eiohkan.org.ukTel: 0121 707 4197Training days: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

I Shin Juku

Chief Instructor: Richard Edmunds 4th Dan, Shidoin

Address Tatenhill Village Hall, Main Street Tatenhill, Burton-On-Trent Derbyshire, DE13 9SDEmail: [email protected]: 01283 845950

Mark Pickering

Shihan Tony Cassells


Ei Mei Kan

Chief Instructor Shihan Chris Mooney 6th Dan

Assistant Instructor Iona Mooney 2nd, Fukushidoin

Children’s Instructor Szevone Chin 1st Kyu

Address The Dojo, Barnt Green Road Cofton Hackett, BirminghamB45 8NB

Website: www.eimeikan.org.ukEmail: [email protected]: +44 (0)7932 666 801

Training daysEi Mei KanMonday, Thursday and Saturday

Gen Sen Jyuku (Warwick Aikido)Wednesday and Friday

Chris Mooney started Aikidotraining in 1973. He first beganteaching Aikido at Aston

University in 1981.In 1987 he started his first Dojo in

Bearwood, Birmingham. He receivedthe name, Ei Mei Kan, for his Dojofrom Chiba Sensei. Its meaning is‘England bright house’. He set up hisfirst permanent Dojo in centralBirmingham in 1994, with the assis-tance of six students: Matt Teale,Pauline Wilson, Ian Grubb, Andy Bassand Paul Clusker.

Ei Mei Kan has evolved and is nowhoused in a former church inthe outskirts of Birmingham. Thisbuilding, complete with facilities,is dedicated to the practice of training

in Aikido, Zazen, Iai Batto-Ho andcalligraphy. Over the last 10 months,there has been much hard work frommany current and former students whodedicated their time and energy tobuild the Dojo, in particular ChrisMooney’s son who was greatlyinvolved in the construction. OnAugust 7th this year, Chiba Sensei willconduct an opening ceremony of thenew Dojo building.

Chris Mooney is also the ChiefInstructor of Gen Sen Jyuku(Warwick Aikido), whose name wasgiven by Chiba Sensei. There is aclose connection between the twogroups of students. ☯

Shihan Chris Mooney 6th Dan

Ji Myo Kan

Chief Instructor: Steve Branagan 2nd Dan, FukushidoinAddress: Ledbury Leisure Centre, Mabels Furlong, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2HFEmail: [email protected]: 0121 458 1572

EASTERN ENGLAND

Meishokan

Chief Instructor: Alan Stevens 3rd Dan, FukushidoinAddress: County High Sports Centre, Copperfields, Saffron Walden, Cambridgeshire, CB11 3DPWebsite: www.meishokan.org.ukEmail: [email protected]: 07837 948219Training days: Monday and Wednesday

Chelmsford Aikikai

Chief Instructor: Henry Rayner 2nd DanAddress: Dovedales Sports Centre, Vicarage Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9PGWebsite: www.chelmsfordaikikai.comEmail: [email protected]: 07879 636477Training day: Thursday


LONDONLondon Aikikai,Shinmei-kan Dojo

Chief InstructorShihan Dee Chen 6th Dan (on leave of absence)

Senior Instructors Eric Beake 5th Dan, ShidoinDavinder Bath 5th Dan, Shidoin

Address The Maida Centre 221 Lanark Road Maida Vale London W9 1NX

Website: www.londonaikikai.comEmail: [email protected]: 07736 771076Training days Adults: Tuesday to Saturday Children: Wednesday and Saturday

Chiba Sensei was first sent toSunderland in North EastEngland by O-Sensei in 1966.

He soon relocated to London, estab-lishing his headquarters Dojo, theLondon Aikikai in 1967. Following hisreturn to Japan in 1976 London Aikikaihas remained Chiba Sensei’s Dojo inLondon and in 1985 Shihan Dee Chenand Eric Beake Sensei took responsi-bility for the Dojo which was namedShinmei-kan - ‘House of New Light’ -by Chiba Sensei. Following severalmoves we settled in our present loca-tion in Maida Vale in 1990. Throughoutthis period we have maintained theclosest of relationship with ChibaSensei receiving regular visits fromhim and his many senior instructorsfrom the USA where he relocated to

Davinder Bath Sensei was born in Punjab, India andmigrated to the UK at age 13. He started Aikido train-ing aged 18 in August 1982, achieving Shodan rank in April1985 with the Aikido Fellowship of Great Britain. He gaineda Batchelors Degree in Mathematics in 1987. He met ChibaSensei in 1987 and re-tested successfully for Shodan withhim the same year, followed by Nidan in 1988. In 1989,1990 and 1991 Bath Sensei ‘had the privilege and pleasure’of looking after Chiba Sensei during the UKA SummerSchools. 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 andevery year since. He travelled to San Diego, USA on two occasions in 1995 and1996 each time living in Chiba Sensei’s Dojo as uchi deshi. From 2003 he ‘hashad the unique privilege’ of accompanying Chiba Sensei on all his European tripsto Aikido seminars as well as personal visits, sometimes attending 4 summerschools with him in one year. He has taken ukemi for Chiba Sensei almost everyyear since 1987. In 2007 Chiba Sensei declared Davinder Bath Sensei as hisdisciple.

Davinder Bath Sensei joined London Aikikai when he moved to London inSeptember 2002. He has taught Aikido internationally in Poland, Switzerland,Israel, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, France, Austria and Greece. He was selectedto teach at the British Aikido Board (BAB) National Course in 2008. He is a seniorinstructor and Dojo-cho at London Aikikai. He is the BAB Representative forBritish Birankai and a member of the British Birankai Teaching Committee. ☯

Davinder Bath 5th Dan

Eric Beake Sensei started Aikido in 1970 with the TomikiAikido Group organized by London taxicab drivers and prac-tised with them for 3 years.

He joined the British Aikido Federation after seeing one ofChiba Sensei’s class and was graded Shodan by YamadaSensei in 1978 in Bridgenorth. He was promoted Shidoin inAugust 1999 and awarded 5th Dan in January 2002.

Beake Sensei has been teaching at London Aikikai,Shinmei-kan Dojo since its inception in 1985. ☯

San Diego in 1981. DavinderBath Sensei and Eric Beake Senseiare both senior instructors now incharge of running the Dojo.

There are adults classes fromTuesday to Saturday including bodyarts, weapons, Iai Batto-Ho andZazen. Children classes areon Wednesdays and Saturdays.London Aikikai has a popular andvibrant website atwww.londonaikikai.com. ☯

Eric Beake

Davinder Bath


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.ukEmail: [email protected]: 07838 387057Training daysAt The Village Drop In:Tuesday and Friday

At Fitness First:Thursday and Saturday

NORTH EAST ENGLAND

Abbey Aikido Club

Chief Instructor Malcolm Blackwood 3rd Dan,

[email protected] Tel: 0191 3864179

Other InstructorAnthony Fairbairn 1st Dan

Address Abbey Sports Centre, Abbey RoadPity Me, Co Durham DH1 5DQ

Email [email protected]: 0191 3862831Training days Tuesday and Thursday

Chief Instructor: Malcolm Blackwood.Sandan and Fukushidoin awarded2007. Coach Level 2. British Birankai

Coaching Liaison Officer.I started Aikido in 1984 in Durham.

Member of British Aikikai since it was estab-lished and thus into the British Birankai.

I have been teaching since 1990 andestablished Abbey Aikido Club as anindependent Dojo in 1998. Abbey AikidoClub has worked closely with DurhamUniversity and Teikyo Japanese College.The Dojo regularly hosts British BirankaiSpring and Autumn courses and local areacourses in Durham.

Abbey Aikido Club welcomes all students and visitors. ☯

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]: 07754 663678Training daysThursday and Friday

Malcolm Blackwood

Stephen Beecham

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Rainbow Aikido Club

Chief Instructor Eddie Hodgson 3rd Dan, Fukushidoin

Other Instructors Joe Curran 6th Dan, ShidoinAnn Hunter 2nd Dan

AddressThornaby Pavilion ThornabyStockton-on-TeesCleveland TS17 9EW

Email: [email protected]: 01642 318 038Training dayMonday

Eddie Hodgson started Aikido inOctober 1966 at the SunderlandEducation Authority, just after

Chiba Sensei had ceased teachingthere. He started teaching one of theclasses there in 1972.

Without Chiba Sensei’s influence,affiliation then turned to Pat StratfordSensei and, through him, to masterAndre Nocquet of France, one of thefirst European students of O-Sensei.In April 1979 Eddie gained his 1st Danfrom Yves Pielot Sensei of Belgium.

In February 1988 Eddie gained2nd Dan from John Emmerson Senseiand, in July 1990 he gained 3rd Danfrom André Beru Sensei (France) atthe summer school in Gujan-Mestras,France. In March 1993 Eddie gainedhis coaching certificate from the BritishAikido Board. In July 1993 Eddiegained 4th Dan from Master Nocquet,again at the summer school inGujan-Mestras.

In 1995 Eddie decided on a commit-ted change of direction and joined theBritish Birankai (then called the BritishAikikai upon its inception). He began

working under the direction of SteveMagson Sensei.

Deciding to re-grade with the Aikikai,Eddie was awarded 1st Dan in August2004 and 2nd Dan in October 2006.He then gained Fukushidoin in July2007. In April 2008 Eddie wasawarded 3rd Dan.

From summer 2004 onwards hebegan to work very closely with JoeCurran Sensei. Over time Eddie hasalso been influenced by ArthurLockyear Sensei, Tony CassellsSensei, Chris Mooney Sensei, IanGrubb Sensei and Mike Flynn Sensei.

Eddie continues to be the chiefinstructor at the Rainbow Aikido Cluband trains and teaches regularly atother northeast Aikikai clubs.

Dojo Biography: During 1979 EddieHodgson started teaching Aikido atwhat was then Teesside Polytechnic,which later transferred to ThornabyPavilion. The club is now known as theRainbow Aikido Club. ☯

Eddie Hodgson 3rd Dan

Eddie Hodgson and Melissa Barnet (uke), Durham March 2008

Sakumei Kan

Chief Instructor: Joe Curran 6th Dan, Shidoin

AddressUniversity of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Kings Walk, Main Gym, Newcastle Upon TyneEmail: [email protected]: 0191 237 2908

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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.ukEmail: [email protected]: 07982 452909Training 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.ukEmail: [email protected]: 01275 859 216Training days: Monday and Wednesday

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.ukEmail: [email protected]: 0191 373 2035Training 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.ukEmail: [email protected]: 0191 5290709 Mobile: 07754 035159Training days: Wednesday and Sunday


SCOTLAND

Saku Mei Kan

Chief Instructor: Mark Anderson 1st Dan

AddressThe Beach Leisure Centre, Beach Promenade, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB24 5NR

Website: www.aberdeenaikido.co.ukEmail: [email protected]: Martina Swainson 07801 493180Training days: Monday and Wednesday

SakuYou Kan (Wishaw Aikikai)

Chief InstructorStevie Boyle 5th Dan, Shidoin

Address Wishaw Sports Centre, Alexander Street, Wishaw, Nr Glasgow, Scotland, ML2 0HQ

Website: www.wishawaikikai.comEmail: [email protected]: 01236 615500 Mobile 07904 066555Training days Wednesday and Sunday

of both Hellenic Birankai and BirankaiPortugal.

Thistle Aikikai was established inJanuary 2006 and offers beginnerthrough to advanced classes in Aikidoand weapons. All are welcome.Instruction in Iai Batto Ho, the art ofdrawing the sword and striking a killingblow, is also offered at Thistle Aikikai.☯

Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan

Thistle Aikikai

Chief InstructorShihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan

AddressIain Nicolson Recreation Centre147 Chryston Way, ChrystonNr Glasgow Scotland G69 9LE

Website: www.thistleaikikai.comEmail: [email protected]: 01236 631465Training daysAdults: Tuesday and Thursday Children: Tuesday and Thursday

Shihan Michael Flynn began hisstudy of Aikido in 1982 at SanDiego Aikikai under the direction

of Shihan TK Chiba. He was promotedto 6th Dan in 2001, and named Shihanin June 2005. He was formallyawarded his Shihan Certificate ina ceremony at Aikikai Hombu Dojo inTokyo in November 2006 by thesecond Doshu, Ueshiba Moriteru. Hehas also received Iaido Shihan titlefrom Mitsuzuka Sensei. He is theChairman of the British Birankai, andalso serves as the Technical Director


Aikido Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba,along with his son, Waka Sensei(Young Master) visited the

United Kingdom to instruct a coursefrom 18-20 June 2010. Sponsored bythe Joint Aikikai Council (the five UKbased organizations affiliated toHombu Dojo), the course was conduct-ed in Cardiff and was attended bymore than 800 people. During thecourse, we were treated to an incredi-ble demonstration of pure Aikido byboth Doshu and Waka Sensei, inan atmosphere of harmony andenjoyment. Doshu’s dynamic teachingserved to bring the entire group

together in a spirit of unity.Ever accessible, both Doshu and

Waka Sensei were engaging on andoff the mat, providing many opportuni-ties for introductions and photographs.

Also of significance was the recogni-tion of Senseis Haydn William Foster,Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman, whowere promoted by Doshu to 6th Danin recognition of their lifelong studyand teaching of Aikido and asPioneers of Aikido in the UnitedKingdom.

On Sunday, the senior studentsof Birankai were asked to performa demonstration for Doshu, through

which they were able to convey thehigh technical standard of our group.I want to thank all the members of theBirankai community who supported theevent, and while I realize that theopportunity for serious, hard practicewas impossible due to the numbers,I hope that, like me, you were able totake something from this uniqueexperience. ☯

Shihan Mike Flynn 6th Dan

Joint Aikikai Council invitesDoshu Moriteru Ueshiba and his son Waka SenseiMitsuteru Ueshiba to Cardiff 18-20 June 2010

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)

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(l-r) Mark Pickering, Waka Sensei, Doshu, Ian Grubb and Paul Robinson (Members of BB Teaching Committee)

(l-r) Senseis Derek Eastman, Doshu, Henry Ellis and Haydn Foster: Presentation of Hombu 6th Dan certficates on 19 June 2010

Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba and Waka Sensei MitsuteruUeshiba, Cardiff 18-20 June 2010

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Doshu and Shihan Norberto Chiesa (France) Waka Sensei, Doshu and Davinder Bath (BB Teaching Committee member)

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(l-r) Jonathan Morris,Tan Chin Soon, Doshu,Marcel Santiko, TomTam(in front) Hana Otsuka(Members of Ei Mei KanDojo)

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