Fitness

The Budo Masters

The Budo Masters

The memory of the senses Henry Ellis – 1957 – 2007

Over the past 50 years, I was very fortunate to not only meet but the study with many great Budo master who visited the United Kingdom and Europe. I would like place on record my memories in the hope they might one day be of interest to others in the Martial Arts.

Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 1915 – 1985: I started my martial arts journey in 1956 in the now famous Hut Dojo. I started judo in the by Ken Williams Sensei. Abbe Sensei arrived in the United Kingdom in 1955 at the invitation of the London Judo Society (LJS). It was soon become disillusioned by the LJS and join forces with Otani Sensei Matsutaro which would eventually lead to the formation of the British Judo Council (BJC) – British Kendo Council (BKC)
British Aikido Board (LAC). Sensei Williams was there with Abbot Sensie at the beginning of this exciting time in British history martial arts. The new association with Abbe Sensei Otani Sensie would a regular visitor to the Hut Dojo. Soon to be renamed The School Abbot of Budo. I first saw the Abbe Sensei when he attended a ranking in the cabin. I realized, even in this first opportunity I have been in the presence of someone very special. Abbe Sensei appeared to be an impressive man. I would later know much better sensei and engage in a conversation, although his English was very poor. Many now claim people to have friends of the Abbe Sensei, I've never met anyone who was a friend of Sensei, we were all students privileged. I will soon begin Aikido Sensei and would both Aikido and Judo classes. I also became a regular at Abbe Sensei Dojo own Sandwich Street in Kings Cross. London.
At that time the Abbe Sensei was in his early 40s and still a force to be treated in randori or competition. I was not at the LJS when the following events, Sensei thought that has not received the respect due a man of his lineage and stature, he lined up all the 31 grades dan judo and marched along the line and told them individually what technique he used on them and if it is right or left handed, he did exactly that, it all went down the line and beat each dan grade.
One day we students were all in the changing room dojo and Abbe Sensei was changing, he stood there, talking to students naked belt, although in his 40's he looked very fit.

All young players around him were also very shape with large shoulders with the usual narrowing at the waist, not with Abbe Sensei, it seems to a vertical line of her hips his shoulders, his body was almost box shaped like a refrigerator and there was the appearance of a very powerful man.

I later became the personal assistant to Williams Sensei and I would be invited to visit the house of Stuart Road Otani
Acton, London, where Father Sensei had his own room. My visits would be for various reasons and, sometimes, Sensei at the airport or a seminar. Derek Eastman and I have become Visitor regular that we had become good friends with Tomio Otani Sensei. It was on one of these visits I knocked on door Sensei and he called for me to enter, I entered I was surprised to see several wild birds in the room, there was Pigeons – Sparrows – a blackbird and a Robin, there were more birds on the windowsill, the birds seemed totally at ease and were not even disturbed by my arrival, usually with wild birds at the slightest noise or movement and they left, I've always loved wild birds and had the chance to see this several times.

At On another occasion, when I went to see the Abbe Sensei, I went in his room, he watched the World Series Cricket, although I have always been an athlete and sports crazy, I do not really like cricket, I'd rather watch grass grow. I was not best pleased to see the man I admired so much watching cricket, I politely asked, "Sensei, you like cricket? "He replied" NO! STUPID GAME! I look at all day to try to understand stupid game, will never understand, they call the World Series, not the world, only countries that were colonized by the British Empire "… … .. Very deep … … … …

Kenshiro Abbe Sensie was 8th Dan Judo – 6th dan Kendo – 6th Dan Aikido – 6th Dan Kyudo – 6th dan in karate.
To see Abbe Sensei demonstrating any of the aforementioned arts has always been a great experience. There is an incident which I forget ever it took place during the Championships at BJC Acton Town Hall, London in the early 1960s, Abbe Sensei and Tomio Otani BKC's National Coach came on stage to demonstrate sword technique, Derek Eastman and I were sitting in the front row, like the sword face to face, After a few technical Abbot Sensei made a cut to his head, flashing Tomio, I swear that never blinked Tomio as I and the public thought Sensei had made a fatal mistake that the blade appeared to make contact with the front Tomio, Tomio never flinched like a big piece of thick black bangs fell to the ground. Back in the dressing room I asked him if he was afraid, he replied: "Why should I fear I am with my teacher" … … … .. This is probably one of the most amazing things I've ever seen in martial arts.
Kenshiro Abbe Sensei as I indicated previously was a powerful man and awesome, presence and appearance on and off the tatami (mat). I assure you it is much more awesome being on the receiving end of his technique, you always knew that any technique that you were totally under the control of the Abbe Sensei yet it seemed to do so easily. Judo Abbe Sensei had become legendary, his Aikido was very tight and direct, judoka who wish to use Aikido body contact their technical, Abbe Sensei has never been a major movement that flows we see in modern Aikido. I never experienced this feeling of total power with another teacher.

Tadashi Abe Sensei. 1926 – 1984 ..
Tadashi Abe Sensei was a small man and totally positive. We hear from time to time a Japanese teacher should have been born in the era Samurai If I never met such a man, he was Abe Sensei. During WWII he completed pilot training a suicide of a torpedo man, before he was called to die for his country, the end of the war is something he will regret for all his life he felt he had been deprived of her destiny. It was a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba in the 1940s and a great exponent of Aikido. After several years in France, he returned to Japan. And in 1967, visited the Aikikai Hombu dojo, he was very upset at the aikido he realized then be taught. He watched the class for a while before getting up and draw attention to himself when he had all the attention, he spoke loudly, "I apologize to all the ladies present, it is not Aikido is for Women ", then put his degree Aikido Hombu on the carpet and left. Abe Sensei said that to fight against a man with fists just is not true challenge to all but a fight against an unarmed man with a knife was a real challenge, I understand that he often carried a knife and in case of dispute, it would offer this to his opponent by saying "if you like is for you. "

Matsutaro Sensie Otani. 1901 – 1977 (?)
I have not studied with Otani Sensei although I do not respond and talk with him many times during the visit Abbe Sensei and Tomio his son. Sensei was a very low about 5 ft 2Insert who had left Japan I think at the age of 20 years. I was told that someone insults his father and he challenged the man with a sword, his father did not appreciate that and Sensei had to leave home for a while. He boarded a ship going "anywhere" and has worked its way through the world until it reaches Britain. He studied martial arts and met the famous professor Yukio Tani from that point, he led a life of Budo. He was a 7th dan in judo and wrestling should be on anyone, including once on the ground, it was impossible to restrain his opponent thought he had an expectation and the next thing that Sensei "sneak" in and smother him. Considering that most Japanese do seem to have a look austere prohibiting you get close to them, not with Otani Sensei, he always seemed happy with a smile and willing to ease with himself and everything around him. He was affectionately known by most as "Smiler" with my upbringing I could not bring myself to call well. I was asked to Abbe Sensei Aikido to demonstrate to the BJC National Championships on the BBC London Lime Grove site. I was in backstage waiting to be called on stage with Derek Eastman, a few yards away was Otani Sensei and then Japanese Ambassadto the United Kingdom, both in conversation, while they spoke a judoka walked past and called Otani Sensei "Smiler Hi" and is entered the locker room, I must be honest and admit I was furious at this blatant display of disrespect in front of the ambassador. I followed the judoka who I did not know in the locker room, I told him what I thought his lack of respect, he in turn was very explicit in his thoughts about me.

I gave her a slap which unfortunately ended its participation in the event. My turn, I took my anger just a few minutes later on the scene where Derek and I gave a demonstration of Aikido very difficult. Lady Baden-Powell who was sitting in the front row was heard to say Abbe Sensei in our demonstration was to show the worst of the violence she had ever seen.
On the other hand Ambassador of Japan came to me and told me it was the best display of Aikido I've ever seen.
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Tomio Otani Sensei: 1939 – 1991 National Coach of the British Kendo Council: has any one character and good company to be with. I always remember that we Tomio have traveled with the London Underground between Acton and Abbe Sensei dojo in Sandwich Street in Kings Cross, the train rocked and rolled through the tunnels we're all competing to see who keep their balance as long before catching the safety straps. Tomio still won …. Derek and I studied Kendo Tomio and it would turn to study aikido, to my knowledge has never taken Tomio classification aikido. I am surprised when I see people who claim to have been classified in Aikido by Tomio Otani?? . Derek Eastman and I would courses Kendo Tomio Acton, Tomio was so fast that when we had competition, it hits you repeatedly with the shinai while you thought to beat. One night, Derek was some serious practice with Tomio, he was very determined to beat
it just once, Derek was Full Armor Kendo, Tomio Derek hit on the head with a shinai (bamboo sword) to Shomen (head center) Derek has just collapsed and was removed for the account. Derek said when he recovered he felt like he was not wearing his Men (head guard), he also said he felt like if he had been bludgeoned, I agreed with Derek that we both realized we could never hit someone with a shinai, though this is true, Derek felt it and I've seen it happen.
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Mikoto Nakazono Sensei Masahilo :1918-1994 0.8 dan Aikido. 6th dan in judo. 6th dan Kendo.
Nakazono Sensei was sent to Europe by OSensei Ueshiba in 1962, it was Europe and North Africa Aikikai representative. Sensei came to the United Kingdom at the invitation of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. Nakazono Sensei was a teacher and very hard very demanding, it became a favorite of all the Japanese teachers in all grades dan Hut, he still remembers with respect and affection. Nakazono Sensei paid his first visit to the United Kingdom and the Hut Dojo in 1963. We've all been told that the abbot had asked Sensei Nakazono Sensei to reclassify all 8 Hut Dan grades to meet modern standards of AC Hombu.

After the ranking was a second dan demoted to the rank of first dan, Sensei said, "Necessary sell your gi while prices are high," we could not understand why it was one of the best dan grades at the hut, he became very disillusioned and left after a few months, perhaps the reason was that he was too young?. Sensei said that we could all go to the Aikikai and practice on an equal footing with the best there.
As we got to know Sensei better, I asked sensei if I had to aske, would it give me a letter to visit the Hombu Dojo? It looked at me and asked: "Why," I thought my request did not need an explanation, so I tried to say that I want to study there. Nakazono Sensei said: "There is no good teachers left at the Hombu Dojo, they are all teaching in the West."
Nakazono Sensei attended the Grange Farm Summer School 1963. I thought we trained hard at the Hut Dojo, it was nothing compared to what we have lived with Sensie Nakazono. In some ways the problems were ours, we taught and trained hard, Abbe Sensei told us not to "go" sensei because it would be disrespectful. Sensei does not see any like that, his impression was that we were "all" test. Abbe Sensie allowed it to continue for a full week before explaining to Nakazono Sensei. I'm sure soon when he had great respect for us. One day I was asked to punch sensei, I thought I had cleverly pulled my punches I did not want him hurt, he was very angry, I think he had enough now, he told me to hit 100%, I did, I ended with my head up the chimney of a large fireplace in English with my gi sooty course grades dan others found this more fun.
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Masahilo Nakazono Sensei.
There are too many stories of Nakazono Sensei, I said a lot in other articles. The only thing we learned was very quicly he was a most powerful and talented master of Aikido. In Dojo Hut there were many who were either hard Bouncers or market traders. At the Summer School Grange Farm there was one guy in particular that was not so sure of the real power of sense, his name was Morris. In the pub that evening he turned to Big Tony was the guy the strongest and greater on the ground and said: "Tony, I think you're all you respect rather than by subjecting the power of technology, I do not think he could Tony you take if you do not want to go? "Tony laughed at Morris and said," Look here Morris, I know what I feel and I'm not stupid enough to try resist Nakazono Sensei, NOW! if you want to try? so why not try "..
The next morning, Nakazono was teaching and he was looking for a big guy, for whatever reason, it ignord great Tony Morris and picked on, everyone was aware of the feelings of Morris as Nakazono Sensei took him in Sankyo, true to his own stupidity Morris fully resisted and amid cries of Morris was the sound of every bone in his hand right break, there was no sympathy for Morris as he was transported to hospital. It was also the end of the course for Morris. I always said that the best teachers of Aikido Judo come from a background that has Kenshiro Abbe sensei Nakazono was a 6th dan Kodokan Judo.

Masamichi Noro Sensei
Noro Sensei visited the UK in 1964 as a 5th dan. He was young and very friendly with aikido flowing very dynamic, we had never seen this kind of Aikido with a large circular motion. This was very different from what we saw with older teachers. Noro Sensei was to make several visits to the UK and we in turn visited his dojo in Paris, where Derek Eastman had receiving his second dan Noro Sensei in 1964 on one of these visits. Noro Sensei was not as inaccessible as many teachers and older had a good sense of humor. We've now had two Noro and Nakazono Hut visiting at different times, Nakazono Sensei teaches his techniques and Noro would teach his style, that everyone has visited they would both ask the same question: "Why do you that way! "I did not teach you that," we have not had the courage to say that we did the style of other teachers. I was on stage in 1963 at the Royal Albert Hall in both Noro and Nakazono Sensei Nakazono Sensei Noro in a knife attack, as he locked Noro and took the knife from him and raised the knife above his body, as if at the end of his opponent off for any reason Noro is very angry and said it was wrong to do this to another high-grade, it must be said that much was Nakazono above Noro Sensei. I liked a lot Noro Sensei, but found it difficult to change such fluid motion, I much prefer the style of Abbe Sensei and Nakazono Sensei. While the style Noro was very pleasant to watch, I found the technique of the abbot and Nakazono to be effective on the carpet and you knew it would be equally effective in the street, his was something I've never really sure of the style that flows from Noro Sensei.
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Mutsusuke Harada Sensei
I first met Harada Sensei when he arrived at the Hut Dojo with Kenshiro Abbe Sensie in 1963.
It was agreed that it would immediately begin classes at the karate dojo Hut. Initially Classes are small to Derek Eastman and I joined the training. Harada also liked that he had seen Aikido dojo Hut and add some movement Aikido at his karate. Harada Sensei was ranked 5th dan in 1957 by the Grand Master Funakoshi Sensei Ginshin. 50 years later he is still 5th dan, indicating that any score above 5th dan is "totally unnecessary". At a time when the classes in the martial arts are devalued was a statement both refreshing and Henry Ellis Derek Eastman in agreement with this line of thought and they made the highest grade in the fifth ESTA dan. I knew Harada Sensei continuously from 1963 and met with him again recently at the TK Chiba 40 Celebration in October 2006 when we were both guests of Chiba Sensei at the dinner event.
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H Kobayashi Sensei Osaka Hombu.
I have a copy of a letter sent by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei Ueshiba Kisshomaru in 1966 to inform the findings of a visit by the representative Official Hombu for the United Kingdom and Europe, Mr H Kobayashi of Osaka Hombu. The Aikikai were surprised by the rapid growth of aikido in the West. During his tour Koybayashi Sensei had visited the Hut Dojo with Abbe Sensei.

We had never met the man before and since he stepped on the mat, he never smiled or gave any indication that he was happy to be there. He seemed to sit there stony faced which then appeared in a lifetime, as I sat there and aged with legs that was now also Koybayashi spoke, it was difficult to understand and to be honest, I do not think we were much wiser for the visit. He seemed to be a very strong man. He was now standing up and showing for one of the Hut dan grades to attack him with a bokken, the shack would never attack half of the lips, and with the look of this Sensei it is better to be positive. I'm sure he does not expect a strong attack and was struck on the head, while most men would have fallen on the carpet, not so with Kobayashi Sensei, he looked angry and I can assure the reader that from that moment he never made another mistake. We never saw him again … … … … … …

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Haku Michigami Sensei 9th dan Judoka born in 1912
Michigami Sensei visited Grange Farm School was around 1963 and took part in the BJC National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It was a friend of Abbe Sensei and had also trained at the College Busen. He spent most of his teaching career at Bordeaux in France. He formed the biggest ever western judoka Anton Geesink, who won the gold medal in the 1964 Olympics in Japan. I met this legendary Judoka, but did not study with him. It seemed like a good friend of Abbe Sensei as they spoke, I'm sure they were talking about the old days "" as we all do.
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Judo Magazine News 2/6p Price 1964. (32p)
The photo on the cover of the magazine is all the Japanese masters who attended the BJC National Championships 1963 at the Royal Albert Hall. London. From left to right: M Noro – Michigami H – K Abbe – Harada M – M Nakazono.
Seated M Otani Sensei. I was both uke Sensei Nakazono M and M Noro Sensei on one of the happiest days of my career ARST martial. I wrote all these teachers in this article. It is a rare photo to see so many Japanese teachers together at the same time.
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Kodokan Sensei Shohei Hamano 9th dan judo
Hamano sense when I saw he was visited Grange Farm School. He closed the Abbe Sensei 3rd dan
so long ago. It was the Abbe Sensei first to age and rank and influence, but we were all surprised how Abbe Sensei seemed to treat as if it were higher. I have nothing to write to see this great judoka, but it was a pleasure to see him and the abbot Sensei together. We had all been informed that the master was going to happen that day.

Nobody had ever met ninth dan before. I'm not sure what we were really waiting for whatever he has generated much excitement throughout the camp. There was a strange incident during the morning class with Nakazono Sensei. Sensei Nakazono taught as someone kept poking their head out the door and enthusiasm strong murmur could call the class "It just happened" and few minutes later, the door would open and we would have another update to voice strong low. Nakazono Sensei was getting a little agitated by this and turned his back to the door when she OpenEnd whisperer and shouted that they had just in the building. Nakazono Sensei did not look back at this last update. He was still standing with his back to the door when in walked Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Shohei Hamano Sensei. Nakazono Sensei did not turn around immediately, we've all been tempted to tell him who had just, we decided to remain silent. It now seemed so long since Abbe Sensei walked, but I'm sure it was only a few seconds when Nakazono Sensei was applauded and, kneeling, He bowed. It appeared to bow only to Abbe Sensei, maybe we've all been deceived.
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Shihan TK Chiba.
I documented the story of the arrival in 1966 of Chiba Sensei in the UK in several articles so far. I'm going for the benefit of that section add the most pertinent points. Kenshiro Abbe Sensei was returned to Japan for 1964 Olympics, where his good friend Michigami Sensei would win the gold medal heavyweight his star student Anton Geesink. Abbe Sensei took the opportunity to visit where OSensei Ueshiba he discussed the possibility of sending a OSensei Permanent Representative to the United Kingdom Aikikai, which they agreed. Unfortunately, it did never been discussed with Ken Williams Sensei and the dojo dan grades Hut. Sensei Williams was the first student of Aikido to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and the first the United Kingdom. He had worked hard from that time to build Aikido from absolutely nothing to what had become ten years later. Now, Father William Sensei Sensei advises a young teacher was on the way to the Hombu control of aikido in the United Kingdom. This was a shock for grades K Williams and Dan Hut. Now there was one thing to have different visiting Japanese teachers, but to have one permanently in the United Kingdom was something else.

One can only imagine the situation Dojo of the cabin Abbe Sensei arrived with Chiba Sensei who was a 5th dan. So we were not looking for a teacher and friendly visit, we tried to one that was here to stay, not only stay, but take control of all LAC UK Aikido. This situation was not taking Chiba Sense, I'm sure he had no idea what awaited him. He did not receive a warm welcome, simply a reaction mixed of all parties concerned. To be honest Sensei Williams tried to get the most out of this situation. Unfortunately, it did not get along and Chiba Sensei not. It is obvious that this was never going to work. Kenshiro Abbe gave control of alcohol in Chiba Sensei. It was also a time of uncertain loyalties British Aikido as instructors in the United Kingdom has decided which side ukemi, some have been faithful Ken Williams and some wanted a regular Japanese teachers. Later I left the hut and joined Chiba Dojo Sensie

I was his assistant and we did a BBC radio broadcast world together for 30 minutes. We then did a demonstration on Granada TV. It was a new adventure for me. I left the Hut Dojo that I was not satisfied with some recent events that I do not agree with the main issue is the issuance of honorary degrees dan, these were issued as there were only eight grades dan Akido throughout the UK and all were in the Hut Dojo. It was decided (not by me), probably between K and Abbe Sensei Williams that we needed a degree dan in the central regions of the United Kingdom, I agree with that. Aikido has increased due to the high dan grades Hut, I tried to explain to Sensei Williams that if we had people who were not of the standard grades dan Hut it would make a mockery of Aikido.
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Nobuyoshi Tamura Shihan:
I first met Sensei Tamura when he visited the Hut Dojo in the mid 60s. It was quite aikido is a wonder with a very pleasant character. I have never seen the hard side to him that I had seen in so many other teachers. His Aikido is very strong, but his movement has been most impressive. 9
When he does suwariwaza (technical Kneeling), it could go faster on his knees I could over my feet. One day later, I asked suwariwaza Tamura Sensei "Sensei can I raise the bottom of your hakama instead?" He gave me a very puzzled look and asked, "Why! I said, "I've never seen someone move like feel you on their knees, I'm sure you have on your wheels hakama "he laughed happily showed calm and there were no wheels.

Left: Sensei Tamura & Ichimura Sensei 1968. I took both on a tour of London on a rainy day with just wearing a pair of zori is.

I trained with Sensei Tamura several times, but the best was yet to come when he and Ichimura Sensei attended the Summer School in Bracknell in 1968. This event was organized by TK Chiba Shihan. It was a fantastic week with the following Chiba Sensei – Tamura – Ichimura – Tada. I had all the teachers at my home and it was summer time and the weather was warm. My wife had prepared a meal for all, and instead of sitting at the table they all went outside and was sitting on the front lawn chatting and eating, my neighbors were fascinated to see all these Japanese gentlemen sitting in a circle in front of my house.
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1
H Tada Sensei:
Tada Sensei was a very senior professor before joining OSensei Karate Dojo Hombu. Personally I have seen and felt that the force has added to his technique. As the eldest Akidoist United Kingdom at the Summer School in Bracknell I often uke him in the picture I am sure he is cleaning the tatami with me. Tada Sensei was a little older than the other teachers and most serious, while others were young and even made the most serious Chiba
Sensei seemed almost jovial. Tada Sensei was the Hombu representative for Italy. After Week in Bracknell I've never even met him.
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Tochikazu Ichimura Sensei: born 1941: See also Pictured above with Tamura Sensei.
Ichimura sensei I met in summer school in Bracknell, we were very close to the age, I was a second dan at the time.
Ichimura is a 4th dan. I am not sure of the motivations Chiba Sensei, but I do work with Isshamura Sensei, I think he wanted to see his pupil and assistant against a young Japanese teacher. I thought I would get hammered by the fourth dan young. I really think I held my own and I do not feel at all stages of the young Japanese. I think he knew what was happening, we have had a good feeling about this for the rest of the course.
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Sensei Ken Williams: The first student from the United Kingdom for Aikido.
Sensei Williams was the first student of Aikido Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in 1955. He then became the national coach of Aikido and BAC. It was a third dan in judo and he was well known on the circuit of Judo, which is important in the future promotion of Aikido. I often see when people try to divide aikido and judo. It should be noted that Williams Sensei himself was also a judoka, and many early grades were converted dan Judo. I can not imagine someone else other than a time that Williams Sensei could have found the challenge and upheld the accumulation of steam train that was Aikido throughout the country. His progression from scratch is quite dramatic Aikido and should always plenty to Sensei K Williams. Unfortunately, we live in an age where our proud history of Aikido and the line is not appreciated. So perhaps documenting these events, there may be a future generation that will.

Sensei Williams had as I said before a very natural talent for Aikido and I would say it was the inspiration that made the Hut Dojo to international fame.

The rank of major 3rd kyu I became assistant to Sensei Williams, was difficult, but I progressed very quickly. It does Undoubtedly, these early years of aikido dojo Hut were unusual, and still are.
Only four of the original dan still teaches grades – K Williams – H Foster – H Ellis – D Eastman. Unfortunately the weather has wreaked havoc on most other teachers.
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William "Bill" Woods Sensei
This article documented my memories would not be complete without the addition of a well-deserved Credit to Bill Woods Sensei. Bill was a small man in stature but a giant of British Martial Arts. I believe and have stated in other articles that Bill Woods has probably had more influence on the development of martial arts in the United Kingdom than any other Englishman.
When Bill met the Abbe Sensei was already a 3rd dan with LJS and a judo champion. It would leave the LJS and join the abbot Sensei. He became the Secretary of the BJC – BKC – BAC – BKC. These organizations at one point reached over 35,000 members world wide with his leadership. He was the first graduate student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei Kendo certificate with number one and number two Tomio Otani. This photo from 2003 shows the center of the bill with Derek Eastman on his left and Henry Ellis to the right. I saw the bill again at the Kenshiro Abbe Memorial celebration in May 2005 where he made a supreme effort, despite his serious illness to be there to pay his respects to his master. Unfortunately, this was the last time I would see my old friend, as he died few months later. It will never be forgotten.
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Jiro Nakazono Sensei
It was a great pleasure and honor for I teach along with Jiro Nakazono Sensei the son of one of my most respected teachers of the great Masahilo Nakazono 45 years earlier. We were both at the commemorative celebration event in Neath in Wales "Masahilo Nakazono Aikido Memorial Event". I spent some quality time with Jiro Nakazono where we talked about his father and his influence on Aikido in Europe and particularly in the United Kingdom
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Dang Phong Sensei
I also had the privilege of teaching alongside Phong Sensei the "Masahilo Nakazono Aikido Memorial Event." Phong Sensii came from California USA to attend this event in memory his master. I found Sensei Phong to be a most remarkable man. His personal history and his impeccable lineage made a vow that they could spend much time with him listening to the stories he has to tell. His Aikido is very traditional and powerful.

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Sensei Henry Ellis:
Henry Ellis started judo in 1956. In 1957, after seeing Kenshiro Abbe demonstrate Aikido with Sensei Williams, he joined the class of small Aikido, he continued with his judo classes for another year before deciding concentrate fully on Aikido. He became the first assistant to Sensei K Williams and he was also a direct student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. After left the hut and join TK Chiba Shihan was to become the assistant the Chiba Sensei from 1967 to 1970.

Schools of Traditional Aikido Ellis (ESTA) was officially formed in 1962 by Sensei Derek Eastman who asked me if he could name the organization on my behalf, I accepted and effective joined my own organization. making it one of the first Aikido organizations in the United Kingdom. The ESTA members were members of the CMA and founder of the British Aikido Board (BAB). With other member associations, the organization hoped to create an adjustment for members of Aikido UK community. In 2000, ESTA has decided that the BAB was not fit for purpose and ESTA has resigned.

ESTA is a small organization and not by circumstances but by design. ESTA has a small dojo in the United Kingdom with dojo in the United States. The dojo is located in Dallas, Texas and Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Henry Ellis recalls being invited to a seminar he accepted. He was invited to sit on the grading committee, he refused. As he watched he saw more people being classified in a Dan grade day that he and Derek Eastman Sensei had scored in the past 50 years.

Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman scored only 14 people dan grade. They are very proud of the loyalty of their rank dan, they never leave dan rank or escaped since he ESTA was
formed in 1962. It is the intention of the ESTA to continue to teach and preserve the true traditional Aikido as is taught by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from its origins in Britain.

Henry Ellis
Co-author of Positive Aikido.
Available at Nine Circles.co.uk
http://www.EllisAikido.org
http://www.british-aikido . com
http://www.KenshiroAbbe.com
http://www.nakazono.aberaikido.org.uk

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Kendo Vinyl Decal small $13.95 Cut from high quality vinyl that has an outdoor life expectancy of 5-8 years. The decal will be white, the background will be whatever you are putting the decal on. This is a single color decal. Each decal will come on clean transparent transfer tape (not paper)for very easy application. Can be applied on outside of any smooth, flat, clean and dry surface. Great on laptops, glass, car windows, use…

Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship $8.78 To become an expert swordsman, one must pay close attention to detail, be highly self-critical, and practice diligently every day under the guidance of a good teacher. Unfortunately, contact time with a worthy mentor is limited for most. Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship fills this obvious gap in the training of the modern swordsman by providing bokuto (wooden sword) drills to supplement …

The Heart of Kendo: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of the Art of the Sword $8.02 “The martial arts, if taught correctly, are limitless journeys with no final destination,” writes martial arts master Darrell Craig. “They are a way of life.” He begins that journey here with the basics: sitting, breathing, and the all-important bow, or rei. He describes kendo equipment and its care, then progresses to some of the basic features of a kendo practice session: warm-up exercises, ass…

The Shambhala Guide to Kendo: Its Philosophy, History, and Spiritual Dimension $4.73 Kendo is the art of swordsmanship that was cultivated by the samurai in medieval Japan and it is an increasingly popular martial art studied in the West today. While most books on kendo focus primarily on kata, or the traditional movements or forms, The Shambhala Guide to Kendo provides a succinct overview of the art as a whole: its historical significance, spiritual teachings, and how it can be …

Deca Sports 2 $13.49 Deca Sports, the hit sports compilation game is back with exciting multi-sport competition across 10 new sporting events in Deca Sports 2. With its easy-to pick up and play controls, Deca Sports 2 will make everyone in your family experts in a wide range of new sports.Features include: •Demonstrate your skills in a new lineup of 10 challenging sports, including ice hockey, dodgeball, tennis,…

PRACTICE HARDER Black Hoodie Mens This Kendo Hoodie has undergone extensive quality control before reaching you. We have over 10 years experience in selling products on the internet. The items are created by us and are even customizable! Just contact our great customer service for any questions….

Practice Harder Mens T-shirt This Kendo T-Shirt has undergone extensive quality control before reaching you. We have over 10 years experience in selling shirts on the internet. The tees are created by us and are even customizable! Just contact our great customer service for any questions….

Cold Steel Bokken Polypropylene Handle $21.99 The Bokken Practice sword is made from the heaviest polypropylene available to the public. It is a fairly accurate imitation of a real Katana or Wakazashi in size length weight and feel. on purchases of or more…

Single 40 Hardwood Datio Bokken Kendo Practice Sword $1.06 This listing is for a Single Bokken. The boken is constructed of oak with a dark stained finish. The handle of the boken is wrapped in a black nylon cord, just as a katana would be. The boken has been constructed with a high detail to replicate the look and feel of a katana, with a kissak at the end of the tip and a pentagonal spine and blade….

Set of 2 40 Hardwood Datio Bokken Kendo Practice Sword $11.98 This is a set of 2 40″ quality hardwood bokkens with laquer finished. This bokken comes brand new still in the wrapper and includes a plastic guard and securing ring….