There was life before Aikido but I find it difficult to recall. My first experience of the art was when Yasuhisa Shiodo Senei was teaching at Watford Leisure Centre.  He decked me very hard, almost to the point of concussion, on my first day. I thought if I learned that well I could return the compliment.  I got over it very quickly and soon was hooked.

I have been fortunate to learn from some of the best in the business since 1979 and have made some good friends who are good to train with to this day. Travelling to different countries to share and learn experiences particularly in England, Germany, Spain, Canada and an amazing 5 weeks in Kofu City, Yamanashi, Japan with Sensei's Paul Stephens and Eve Stauffer at Takeno Sensei's Dojo, who was wonderfully assisted by Chiemi Nakagawa Sensei.

I'm not going to list all the people who have been instrumental in my Aikido development as I don,t want to offend by omission, but I thank them all and continue to learn as well as impart knowledge with them.

It has been said that Aikido is a martial Art for women and old men. I now fit into one of these categories and realise that you don't need  to be young and fast to practise Aikido.  

IT'S SNEAKY STUFF!