I began studying Aikido in 1997, with Heseltine Sensei of the White Rose Aikikai, and eventually became an instructor at the Prince Bishops Aikido club, Durham University. Heseltine Sensei’s approach and philosophy of Aikido, that ‘one size does not fit all’, still influences my approach to teaching and the development of my Aikido, even over 20 years later. Coming from a Karate background (2nd Dan Shotokan Karate), the common sense and realistic approach to Aikido instruction within White Rose really resonated with me, and strengthened my commitment to the study of Aikido.

In 2003, I moved to Nara, Japan, where I continued to develop my Aikido and studied under a variety of teachers including Fujitani Sensei of Tenshin Dojo, Kubota Shihan of the Aikikai and Kimura Shihan of Osaka Aikikai, among many other high ranking Japanese Instructors.

I began formally teaching Aikido in Nara, starting the Mushin Aikido Dojo which was continued upon my return to Edinburgh, in the UK, in 2005. In 2006, I returned to Japan and have been living in Kyoto ever since. In 2010, wanting to deepen my knowledge of Aikido, I began studying Yoshinkan Aikido with Jaques Payet Shihan (7th Dan) for three years returning to a non-graded white belt and was finally awarded the grade of 2nd Dan in Yoshinkan Aikido. Having taken my studies with Payet Shihan as far as I felt necessary, I returned once again to ‘my Aikido’. Therefore, in 2013, I opened the White Rose Aikikai Kyoto Dojo which has been successfully growing since. Alongside the Dojo, I also provide Aikido Experiences for Japanese and foreign visitors to Japan to promote the growth of Aikido and preserve the traditional culture of Japanese Martial Arts.

During Shihan Riley’s first visit to Japan in April 2017 to teach at the Kyoto Dojo, I was awarded my 5th Dan. To receive this grade, in my own dojo, in Japan and from Riley Shihan was a great personal dream realized. My first Karate instructor, after 45 years of dedication, retired at the grade of 5th Dan, so for me this achievement was the pinnacle I had set my mind on – something which as a child had seemed impossible to achieve. Now, I look forward to setting my sights higher and continuing on my journey within Aikido and wish all Aikidoka good luck on their own personal journey.

John Pryce, January 2018