RICHARD MELODY

Like many people, I first heard of Aikido after reading about the actor Steven Seagal. At that time looking for a dynamic and practical quick fix. A way to learn how to get the edge over anyone that should cross me.

Little could I have known the profound effect that Aikido was to have on my life. I first started to practise Aikido in the summer of 1997. Shortly after I began to attend Sensei Brown's classes, where I continue to practise as his student. Aikido has never come easy to me and for this reason I have constantly strived to better myself, persistently battling to overcome my aggressive nature and use of strength contrary to the principles of Aikido and not just my physical limitations whatever they might be.

I believe that I have been fortunate to have had the continued guidance of Sensei Brown over the years and I would have little doubt in recommending the practise of Aikido at Kyu Shin Kan dojo to anyone of strong chracter that is not just searching for status or a quick fix in martial arts.

As there is no status to be gained in true martial arts, only self-improvement and the respect of other practitioners and that can take many years to achieve and a lifetime to maintain. As there are no quick fixes in true martial arts and Aikido has unique elements of both old ways and the refined training of the modern practise of Aikido that so many enjoy.

Over the years I have been extremely fortunate to attend seminars by some of the best aikidoka in the world today. This has given me great motication to get back to the dojo and continue learning with my training. But the driving force has always been Sensei Brown with him constantly refining and improving his own Aikido, and therefore setting the standard before me.

ADRIAN MUNTEANU

4th Dan

DAWN SHERRINGHAM

2nd Dan

JASON HUNT

2nd Dan

RICHARD MELODY

2nd Dan

GERALD TUCKWOOD

2nd Dan

STEVE ROBERTS

Shodan