Very keen to learn I turned up for training one evening and joined the club under the guidance of Sensei Bernhard Crossley at the Huddersfield beginners class. As the years passed and I progressed up the kyu grade ladder in Dec 2001 I achieved Shodan (1st Dan) and eventually in 2009 I achieved Nidan (2nd Dan), by which time Sensei Crossley appointed me his Assistant Instructor as I helped out a lot with teaching the new students.
In March 2011 I completed the BAB (Level 1) Coaching Course, shortly after Sensei Crossley announced he was retiring from Aikido, this was a turning point in my training as I nearly stop training myself, however I was encouraged by Sensei Riley to continue my training with the seniors. During the next 12 Yrs my Aikido improved vastly through great guidance and tuition from Riley Shihan and other senior ranking White Rose instructors. I achieved Sandan (3rd Dan) In 2013 and Yondan (4th Dan) in 2017, I was then appointed in 2019 by Riley Shihan to start the Beginners Class at our hombu, which I currently teach every week. In December 2021 I was awarded my Godan (5th Dan) certification.
One of my highlights was in 2016 when I took the opportunity to train in Hong Kong with Aikikai Hong Kong Yubukan whilst visiting, The Chairman/Chief Instructor was a gentlemen from Japan called Sensei Hitoshi Nagai, I could only attend two classes but the training sessions were fantastic and educational a great invaluable experience.
Since joining the club 28 years ago I have trained at many courses and befriended many like minded aikidoka’s and high level instructors throughout the UK, Europe and Asia. I have also been one of the lucky ones to have been a student of legend the late Sensei Ken Cottier in the mid 90’s, a direct student of Sensei Morihei Ueshiba (The founding father of aikido).
Having been part of the association for 28 years now I can honestly say it’s been a very memorable and enjoyable journey from start to present, a fantastic club, great high ranking instructors along with a fantastic bunch of the most friendliest people to train with.
I hope you have enjoyed my journey & hope to see you on the mat one day!
