Each Yudansha after gaining (BAB) recognition has the opportunity to teach at their own Dojo.

Also a program is set up for them to instruct for 3/4 hour ona a Friday evening class on an alternating basis. This will allow Yudansha without their own Dojo to gather teaching experience.

Four Instructor/Kenshusei courses are set up throughout the year, two will be for the Instructors (with Kenshusei assisting). The format being:

  • a) To work on teaching methods
  • b) Information on running your own Dojo

Please bring paper and pens to these courses.

Antonis Pavlakis

Born in Athens, Greece, I came to England to pursue my studies. In 1997 I started Aikido in De Montfort University in Leicester, with sensei Dave Lenton, as part of cross-training between different martial arts.

I have tried a wide selection of martial arts, concentrating mainly on their principles instead of the art as a whole, the most influential being Fu Jow Pai Kung Fu, and Capoeira.

In 2000 I joined the UKA and started training regularly with sensei Terry Mickowski and sensei Peter Brown.

Being asked to join the Kenshusei program has been an honour, and has proven to be very educational.

Throughout the years I have trained around Europe and Switzerland, observing the different styles both cultural and instructional.

Aikido is a very personal art. In every training I learn something new. It is usually small things, that tend to make more sense over time.

It is an art that requires patience and perseverance, as do most things in life. I enjoy every session and I am thankful for being able to train with such experienced and helpful instructors and so friendly aikidoka.