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.

David Mee

In 1975, a friend of mine joined a junior Aikido class held ad Judokwai dojo in Leicester. At the age of thirteen, I had no intention of taking up a martial art, but I was given the opportunity to go along with him as his father had a spare place in his car!

After a few weeks I bought my first Gi. As soon as I wore it I felt part of something special and it was not long before I was hooked. After a few years I progressed to the senior class under the instruction of Sensei Peter Brown.

My training continued (on and off) until I was 25. By this time I had achieved 3rd Kyu. It was around this time that Kyu Shin Kan was going through a transitional period, Sensei Peter Brown had been travelling to Birmingham to take instruction from Sensei William Smith and the club was soon to join the UKA.

I always intended to return to Aikido training and finally did so in November 1999. I thought that would pick up where I had left off - how wrong could I be! The Aikido practiced was more dynamic and the major emphasis was on body movement rather than technique. 12 years of little exercise had also taken its toll.

Since returning, I have been practicing regularly and was awarded Shodan at Winter school in March 2007. I am proud to wear my Hakama and still feel part of something special.