Welcome to the home of the " Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido "

Please visit our new Facebook page at  " Henry Ellis Aikido ".

Both Derek Eastman and Henry Ellis are the last two of the original 1950s pioneering students of Traditional Aikido Training in Aikido,  as it was introduced and taught by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1955 - Yes ! - there was/is  kicking and punching in Abbe's style of true Traditional Aikido .

 Many of the early Aikido dan grades worked as doormen on London night clubs. anyone practicing ``Wokiodo ` couldn't do any of that. The Hut Dojo`wasn't called the Hell Dojo for nothing. 

Both Ellis and Eastman have spent much of their final years working to preserve the legacy left in our care by the legendary Kenshiro Abbe. 

There are some devious people in the world of Aikido,  ones that have attempted to change our proud documented lineage, it is with the aid of the internet - Teaching - writing books - articles - YT videos - we have been able to spread the truth for the future generations to follow.

Henry Ellis is the only UK student to have his dan grade diploma's signed by ` Kenshiro Abbe Sensei -` Morihei Ueshiba (1st &  2nd dan  - Moriteru Ueshiba ( shihan ) - Mutsuru Nakazono - Kazuo Chiba.

 

NEW BOOK by AMAZON - CLICK TITLE to VISIT AMAZON

 The Long and Winding Road of a Budoka ,  - Amazon £5-99p

Henry Ellis the last survivor of the original first group of five Aikido pioneering students and dan grades of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from the 1950s. 

Ellis Sensei tells many stories starting from the origins of the legendary Hut Dojo. Memories from his 70 years of travelling and spreading the word of Aikido and Budo.

The stories bring to life many of the people from those incredible times, the stories vary from serious to the hilarious .

  Ellis Sensei has spent his final years documenting in several           Amazon books the history of British Aikido, Including The life of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - 

Henry Ellis a student of K Williams - K Abbe - T Abe - M Nakazono - M Noro - K Chiba - N Tamura - M Harada - T Otani.

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  BELOW; The first comment on the new book " The Long and Winding Road of a Budoka,"

Jason White

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read

    Reviewed in the United States on 10 February 2024

    Verified Purchase

This is a short, easy to read book. It's interesting reading about Henry Ellis & his path through budo. I was originally just going to put it on a shelf with the rest of my collection but I decided to read the first page & couldn't put it down. I wasn't expecting it to keep my attention the way it did but I'm glad I ordered i

 Click  for Video  >Rik Ellis  -  AIKIDO - MMA VIDEO    

British UK1 MMA  Light Heavyweight Champion title holder   2012

Rik Ellis ~ Aikido Shodan - Demonstrating.

Uke / Training Partner 

Nick ``Head-Hunter`` Chapman . UCMMA Champion

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NEW AMAZON BOOK  ~ £5 - 99p

CLICK ->  ``The Long and Winding Road of a Budoka``

Henry Ellis began his Martial Arts training 70 years ago at the now legendary `` Hut Dojo `` the first Aikido Dojo in the United Kingdom.

Henry first began with Judo and shortly after joined the small Aikido section under the direct teachings of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and many other highly respected Budo masters such as Tadashi Abe Sensei - Mutsuro Nakazono Sensei - Masamichi Noro Sensei - Kazuo Chiba Sensei - N Tamura Sensei -  M Harada Sensei (Karate)  T Otani (Kendo ) All of Henry's books have one main aim, to preserve the true traditional spirit of the Traditional Aikido first taught by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1955. This book tells of Henry's 70 years of amazing anecdotes - memories - experiences . from a time when there were just 5 students in the first Aikido class to a dojo in almost every town and city.

Henry Ellis - dan grade certificates signed by OSensei Ueshiba - Moriteru Ueshiba - Kenshiro Abbe - Mutsuro Nakazono - Kazuo Chiba Shihan. 

 Click here ->  British Aikido History Site  

The Amazon books ` Kenshiro Abbe Sensei ` - `British Aikido History` - The Founding of Jujitsu - Judo - Aikido in the UK` The books are written by Henry Ellis - Derek Eastman two of the last of the surviving direct students of Kenshiro Abbe from the 1950s. - Co-author Abdul Rashid. 

If you are interested in the factual history of British Traditional Aikido as documented by a direct student of  Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Ken Williams Sensei from 1955. Please visit the British Aikido History site, take a look at the Amazon book " British Aikido History "  a great book with many photos of past and present teachers both British and Japanese.

Read the recently resurfaced Mutsuro Nakazono letter from 1966. This letter was received by Ken Williams Sensei at a time of great upheaval in British Traditional Aikido, and the break up of the `British Aikido Council` BAC . This was just months before the arrival of TK Chiba Sensei. 

" British Aikido History " the Book.

British Aikido History  -  From 1955

"It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty, and how few by deceit "   Noel Coward                                              

Click on Book Image for Amazon. Book price £6 - 64p.

This book acknowledges the many British Aikidoka and Japanese Budoka that Ellis and Eastman met along their  journey to promote the little known martial art of Aikido. from a time when the Hut Dojo was the only Aikido dojo in the UK - There is now an Aikido dojo in almost every town and city.

 Click image to enlarge or click image in R/H column to go straight to the Amazon book page for [Look Inside] a free preview. The book " British Aikido History " this is the story of the last of the original pioneers still involved in the promotion of the true history for future generations. There are many old photos from the 1950s/60s. There are acknowledgments to those that have helped to protect and preserve our origins from the era of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1955.The book is 311 pages of stories - interviews -anecdotes - history - and much more - Please visit the free preview to see what this book has to offer. Over the years I have been asked many times `what was it like to study directly under Kenshiro Abbe Sensei?`, this book will give the reader a taste of that era, a time when Aikido was a martial art and the people who trained were martial artists in the truest sense of the term. Sadly, so many of the Japanese and British early pioneers of Aikido are no longer with us, we will remember as we pay our respects to them, may they rest in peace. The book was published by Amazon on the 7th of March 2021 - Cost B/W £5-69p,  or colour version £27-00.

  New Amazon Book now Available.  In card-back £12-95p.

KENSHIRO ABBE SENSEI  1915 - 1985 - The Forgotten Budoka 

Amazon page  Click Image.

Published by Amazon 20th - May - 2021
Compiled by the Martial Arts researcher Abdul Rashid.

This new book is a thoroughly researched and detailed, documented  history, including a personal interview with Henry Ellis one of the last surviving direct students of Abbe Sensei from the 1950s.

A new book published by Amazon Books -.  This book is  an in-depth look at the life and times of this legendry man of Budo, from his childhood to his time as a captain and Brigade Commander in the Imperial Japanese Army during WW2 - his time at the Busen - Butokukwai - His competition successes in front of the Japanese Emperor, his defeat of the great Judoka Kimura also his time in the UK and Europe. This will complete our `library` of British Martial Arts history as associated to the influence of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 8th dan Judo - 6th dan Kendo - 6th dan Aikido - 6th dan Ju-Kendo. 

The following Amazon Book  titles may be of interest to the student and teachers who value the true origins of British Martial Arts.  " The Founding of Ju-Jitsu - Judo - Aikido in the United Kingdom "  --- " British Aikido History " --- " Kenshiro Abbe Sensei the Forgotten Budoka " --- " Positive Aikido "  by Dave Rogers ---  " The Life - Giving Sword " the life of K Chiba by Leise Klein.

 New Books Available on Amazon.   In card-back £6-85p

Click Image

Founding of JuJutsu-Judo-Aikido in the United Kingdom`

 

There are many books on Martial Arts - it is our intention to offer a selection of only the best researched books available.- Abdul Rashid the martial arts researcher has worked tirelessly to research the very origins of the evolution of martial arts in Britain from the 18th century prior to the arrival of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in 1955 and the everlasting influence left by Abbe Sensei [1915 - 1985 ].

There are sadly now just a very small group of  direct students surviving to this day. Abdul Rashid has been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with two genuine pioneers from the incredible Kenshiro Abbe Era, Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman were students of Judo in the 1950s and shortly after they became a part of the very first group of Aikido dan grades in the UK.

There are two books available a black and white copy for £6-95p or the enhanced coloured copy at £29-00.

 Important new book released by Amazon.  In card-back £8-90p. 

Click for free Amazon page view.

The British Budo Controversy

Past history is an important part of present day life, much of todays lessons of life are learned from the lessons of past events of history.

 In the past, and the life we lead today, the facts of history can be lost in time as the people that were an indelible part of any historic events become fewer and fewer, such is the case of the British Budo Controversies .

With the demise of the central figures to our budo history, such as Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - Tadashi Abe Sensei - Mutsutaro Otani Sensei - Mutsuro Nakazono, Kazuo Chiba Sensei . We must not forget the many English Budoka that were a part of the early development of British Budo, there are too many to mention here, I must add two of my greatest friends the late Bill Woods Sensei RIP -  Gerry Gyngell Sensei RIP. they both worked in the BJC London office with Abbe Sensei, they were a great source for information of those wonderful early days. 

As these legendary figures have now passed into history, there are the unscrupulous and shameless characters that will write their own versions of their associations and ``friendships `` with the past Budo masters, their imagination would be more fitting in a sequel of `Harry Potter`. 

This book documents two of the most shameless attempts to corrupt our proud heritage and lineage, it also sadly exposes individuals and organisations that to this day offer their full support of many more fraudulent claims . All fraudulent grades and titles are never questioned.

Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman are two of the last few survivors of the Kenshiro Abbe era from the 1950s, with the support of their co-author Abdul Rashid they intend to leave a documented history  in all their books of an amazing and historic time of which they were proud to be direct students of Kenshiro Abbe and so many other legendary Budoka  from that early era.

Quote;  " If you tell the truth - You don't need to remember anything." - Mark Twain.

Henry Ellis

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Excellent researched and documented video.

The Founding of JuJutsu Judo Aikido in the UK.

 Scroll down past the books and video information for the blog content as titled.

 

NEW VIDEO - A Video for all Budoka

The Founding of JuJitsu - Judo - Aikido in the United Kingdom   

CLICK     The above YouTube video heading the live link will take you to the video of the history of the arrival of the martial arts to the UK from the late 18th century - The video is narrated by Abdul Rashid with many photos and much factual in-depth research. This video is based on the now popular and highly credited book of the same name. The UK visiting Japanese masters from pre - WW1 and post WW2 were - Yukio Tani - Kaneo Tani - Seizo Yamamoto - Taro Miyake - Sadakazu Oyenishi - Akhitaro Ono - Gunji Koizumi - Matsutaro Otani - Kenshiro Abbe - Mutsuro Nakazono - Kazuo Chiba.

"Its discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty, and how few by deceit" ~ Noel Coward 

Martial Arts Books by Abdul Rashid & Henry Ellis - Derek Eastman

Click on Image to Enlarge

The books authors respectfully acknowledge the many `genuine` Budoka involved in the UK origins of Aikido and other inclusive  Martial Arts.

L to R: `British Aikido Board Controversy` - `Kenshiro Abbe Bio` - The Founding of JuJutsu - Judo - Aikido in the UK` - `Positive Aikido` - ` My Interviews with Henry Ellis ` - `British Aikido History`

The six books above are all factually honest books, documenting and protecting the legacy of UK Traditional Martial Arts from its UK origins. All the books are available on. Link> " Amazon Books ". 

 "It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty, and how few by deceit "                                                             Noel Coward

Click    " Is Aikido a Martial Art ? "

This book consists of a interview I conducted with Henry Ellis, a pioneer of Aikido in the UK since the 1950s. With over sixty years  of experience in Aikido he shares his views on the above topic, warm-ups with Karate style kicks and punches, daily runs,full contact training, read about what he went through under the direction of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Ken Williams Sensei at the famous "Hut Dojo". You will have a different perception of Aikido after reading this book.

Author: Abdul Rashid. 

2022 Release - Amazon - £7-99p.

Cover photo Henry Ellis and son Rik.

 

The Kenshiro Abbe Era ~ Book Collection.

Visit ``Books on Martial Arts ``

Henry Ellis - Derek Eastman are now sadly amongst the last of a very small  group of surviving direct pioneer students of the legendary Budo Master Kenshiro Abbe.[1915 -1985]

Anecdotes, stories, historic events are vividly brought to life from the incredible 1950s/60s. 

With the encouragement of Martial Arts researcher - author - Abdul Rashid - Ellis and Eastman  were inspired to put their personal `documented true factual history recorded in to book form to memorialize  all those involved in the early days, never to be lost or forgotten. 

The books credit many other Judoka and Aikidoka that were involved from the Abbe Era, honourable people who played a role in the early days when Aikido was a Martial Art, there were so many others that are remembered who  later helped to promote and protect the

legacy of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. 

The following titles are available from Amazon Martial Arts Books

" The Founding of Ju-Jutsu - Judo -Aikido in the UK " ------  " British Aikido History "

" Kenshiro Abbe the Forgotten Budoka" ----  " Positive Aikido ".    

CLICK - Tribute Slide-Show to TK Chiba Sensei - 1940 - 2015

" If you tell the truth, you don't need to remember anything " - Mark Twain

Welcome to the M Nakazono Sensei Memorial Blog

Barcelona Spain 1970 - M Nakazono Sensei - Tamura Sensei - Kytura Sensei

Please visit the site of ` Tomas Sanchez Shihan ` for more photos and articles - newspaper cuttings

Masahilo Nakazono Sensei 

1918 - 1994

Aikido - 1955 - 2015 - For those that studied with Sensei's  Kenshiro Abbe - Tadashi Abe -Masahilo Nakazono - TK Chiba Sensei in those early days will remember their Aikido being true Budo, something that very few will ever see or feel again  

Read " Aikido Then and Now - 1955 - 2015.

Aikido Dancing   -  Aikido Ribbon Dance  -  Nodding Aikido  - Fantasy Aikido - 

Masahilo Nakazono Sensei 

Scroll down for - Films - Books - Video - Photos.

This site was created by Henry Ellis to honour the memory of Mutsuro Nakazono Sensei for the important part he played in the promotion of British Aikido with Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1960 .

CLICK ->AIKIWEB Article - A Man of Peace and Pieces  - Masahilo Nakazono Sensei

By Henry Ellis Shihan

Visit - Aikido Books - for `Positive Aikido`

Don Bayney Japanese Swords

Visit the ` Ellis Aikido ` - YouTube Video Channel.

British Aikido History

1955 - 2012

The official British Aikido History site - Is dedicated to the true history of Aikido in the UK from its inception in 1955 by the legendary Budo Master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.

Right: Kenshiro Abbe Sensei with Ken Williams Sensei at the Hut Dojo.

The site is maintained by AikiKai Shihans Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman - The last two surviving pioneers from that exciting era of the birth of Aikido in the UK at the famous "Hut Dojo"

Below: Mutsuro `Masahilo` Nakazono Sensei.

Ellis & Eastman Sensei's are co-authors of the book `Positive Aikido` - they are proud to have their diplomas signed by legends - Osensei Morihei Ueshiba - Kenshiro Abbe - Masahilo Nakazono - Masamichi Noro - TK Chiba - Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.


Right: Mitsusukie Harada Sensei

Right: Henry Ellis - Mitsusuke Harada - Derek Eastman join Harada Sensei at the TK Chiba Celebration in 2006. Harada Sensei was invited to the UK in 1963 by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - He held his first classes at the Hut Dojo. Harada had no students to begin with - Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman studied Karate with Harada, he in turn studied Aikido with them - Harada began to incorporate Aikido moves later into his Shotokai Karate as can be seen in his teachings today.

Click here for the British Aikido History Blog > British Aikido History Site

Earliest known film/video of UK Aikido Demonstration - 1963.

USAF - UK Air Base - European Judo Championships.

Henry Ellis - Derek Eastman - Geoff Goodwin.

Click here ->  Earliest UK Aikido Demonstration Film.

 Masahilo Nakazono Sensei - Sweden - 1968

                                                    

AIKIWEB 

Articles

Kenshiro  Abbe Sensei  -  Masahilo Nakazono Sensei - Masamichi Noro Sensei  - Kazuo Chiba Sensei

V

Four Articles by Henry Ellis Shihan 

Featuring

 1st Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - 2nd Masahilo Nakazono - 3rd Masamichi Noro - 4th TK Chiba Sensei.

The Budo Masters

                                                             

Henry Ellis 6th dan AikiKai Hombu 

Co-author of "Positive Aikido

Relates stories of training with the early Budo Masters.

4 Articles - featuring 1st Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - 2nd Masahilo Nakazono - 3rd Masamichi Noro - 4th TK Chiba

1st - Article: Kenshiro Abbe _____“Trying to Catch the Wind”_____
Click Here - AikiWeB Article - "It Had to be Felt".~ Kenshiro Abbe - "Trying to Catch the Wind".

2nd - Article: Masahilo Nakazono ______”A Man of Peace and Pieces”______
.Visit Aikiweb Click here >- Aikiweb - Nakazono Sensei Article

3rd - Article: Masamichi Noro ______The White Tornado__ To be added.
Visit Aikiweb - Click Here - "The White Tornado"

4th - Article: Kazuo Chiba ______Two Handsome Young Men___Click here - "Two Handsome Young Men"

Henry Ellis a direct student of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1957. "AikiWeb" has published 4 articles to add to their popular Ellis Amdur article collection of "It Had to be Felt" `IHTBF`.
British Aikido Board Blog - Click here ->BAB Blog - BAB Blog

.                                                                   Henry Ellis Shihan

 speech 

Anniversary Dinner - TK Chiba's 40 years in the UK.

Henry Ellis Sensei joined Chiba Sensei in the 1960s shortly after his arrival in the UK.

 

Mutsuro Nakazono Sensei - France circa 1960

Masahilo Nakazono Aikido Paris 1960 Video


Mutsuro Nakazono from Peneagle on Vimeo.

                                  1966 - France - M Nakazono Sensie with Tamura Sensei.

Article " A Friend from Afar " by Jiro Nakazono ( Jei Atacama )

 Click here "A Friend from Afar"

`Positive Aikido` a true Traditional Story

Techniques - History - Lineage - Anecdotes covering 55 years of Traditional Aikido.

Order a signed copy direct from Henry Ellis Sensei - Email - Henry Ellis Email


Henry Ellis & Derek Eastman 6th dan AikiKai-diplomas signed by: Osensei Ueshiba - Kenshiro Abbe - Masahilo Nakazono - TK Chiba - The Doshu Moriterue Ueshiba.

Front and back covers.
About the Authors:
Henry Ellis & Derek Eastman 6th dan AikiKai Hombu - Diplomas signed by Osensei Ueshiba - Kenshiro Abbe - Mikoto Nakazono - TK Chiba Shihan - Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba..They are the last two pioneers of K Abbe Sensei from the inception of British Aikido from 1955.To purchase the book `Positive Aikido`. Order direct - please contact Dave Rogers Sensei USA, the books main author. Please email Dave Rogers Email For price and postage.
Book also available on Amazon UK £10-95 free p&p & Amazon USA. $18.


For an in-depth review of "Positive Aikido" click here>Positive Aikido

Visit the "Aikido Articles Blog"->Aikido Articles

Masahilo Nakazono Sensei 1918 ~ 1994

Visit My Aikido & Judo Video Site ~ Click -> Henry Ellis Aikido & Judo Videos A growing collection of early and modern Aikido and Judo videos..H Ellis - D Eastman - H Foster - K Chiba - M Nakazono - K Abbe - T Abe.

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Masahilo Nakazono 7th dan AikiKai...Nakazono Sensei will always hold a special place in the hearts of British Aikido pioneers and their students. He was the first Japanese Aikido teacher to be invited to Britain to teach Aikido by the legendry Budo Master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. Nakazono Sensei became a regular visitor to Britain before moving to the USA in 1970.
Before coming to Britain Nakazono Sensei was the AikiKai representative for Europe and North Africa. Sensei was based in both Paris and Marseilles.
Nakazono Sensei completely changed Aikido in the UK forever. His style of Aikido had changed from that of Abbe Sensei. Nakazono Sensei was instructed to regrade all 8 UK dan grades to the then present day AikiKai standards.


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British Aikido Origins from 1955 - Narration & Movie Slide-Show by Henry Ellis ~ The Arrival of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - Development of Budo in the UK.




Nakazono Sensei in Vietnam with Dang Phong Sensei.In the late fifties Nakazono Sensei left Japan. He became combat instructor for the police and paratroopers of the South Vietnamese army teaching Judo and Aikido. He then moved to Singapore where he opened a dojo in 1958.



The Masahilo Nakazono Family Memorial Shrine on Nakazono Sensei's Mexico Ranch.

Read Jiro Nakazono's Tribute to his father. Click here> Jiro Nakazono Tribute

My Teacher. Mikoto Masahilo Nakazono Sensei.

Nakazono Sensei was a very acomplished man in so many ways, the man I first met was a 7th dan in Aikido. Sensei was also a 6th dan Kodokan Judoka and also highly ranked in Kendo, which I saw devastatingly displayed against Tomio Otani the UK National Coach for Kendo, they both shared a ``friendly `` challenge, my good friend Tomio was totally overwhelmed. That was the man of Budo. Sensei was also a healer and acupuncturist,he had followed many generations of the Nakazono family tradition in natural healing...This long tradition is now continued by Sensei's son Jiro, in the name of ``Jei Atacama ``..For more information Visit > Jei Atacama Healing Centre
The high regard in which Nakazono Sensei was held in the UK was shown by the 50 year Memorial organised by myself and other Aikido pioneers in appreciation of a `man` we still old in such high esteem.

Henry Ellis
6th dan Aikikai Hombu.

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Click Photos to Enlarge.

The Masahilo Nakazono Memorial Event 2007

Left:..The Brochure of the " Masahilo Nakazono Memorial Event 2007 "..The souvenir brochure is based on the 1963 Kenshiro Abbe National Championships held at the Royal Albert Hall London, where M Nakazono Sensei participated. A special memorial event was held in Neath, South Wales UK to recognise the contribution of Masahilo Nakazono Sensei to the promotion of British Aikido....During the early planning of the event we contacted Jiro Nakazono Sensei the second son of Nakazono Sensei who readily accepted our invitation to be our VIP guest instructor. From that day the friendship we had know for so long with Nakazono Sensei would now continue with his son Jiro Nakazono sensei.photo right.

                                                                                                       Jei Nakazono Sensei


Left: Jei Nakazono Sensei & Dang Phong Sensei pay tribute to the memory of Mikoto ` Masahilo ` Nakazono Sensei...Right:..The event was sold out as one can see from the group photo at the start of the event...It was a great event where I am sure that Nakazono Sensei was smiling on us that day...The last three British Aikido pioneers Haydn Foster ~ Henry Ellis ~ Derek Eastman taught along side Jei Nakazono Sensei & Phong Sensei.........




The Life of Nakazono Sensei ~ In French ~ Needs Translation. Masahilo Nakazono
Mutsuro "Masahilo" Nakazono Sensei 1968 Film M Nakazono 1968 Film
Mutsuro "Masahilo" Nakazono Sensei 1968 Film Nakazono Sensei Film Paris 1963

Books by Mikoto ` Masahilo ` Nakazono Sensei.

Masahilo Nakazono Sensie has written several books as displayed below.The books can be purchased from " Kototama Books " of Sante Fe New Mexico USA. Email: seiebrigham@hotmail.com

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Aikido - Then and Now - 1955 - 2014

Henry Ellis - I am often asked the following question.

 " What is the difference between the Aikido of the 1950s and the Aikido of today ?"


1950s - This was a time when all kyu and dan grades were highly respected, simply because everyone knew that even the lowest grade had been honestly earned through blood sweat and tears, not like today, often given as a Christmas present by your own students, or ordered online from the inept British Aikido Boards website for a modest fee.

Students never handed out titles to their own teachers, such as Shihan - Grandmaster - Soke - Hanshi - Doctor - Professor and any others you can think of.  - Just imagine being at school and the kids informing the teacher that the class had jointly awarded him/her a PHD, now that would be worth six strokes of the cane on both hands in my school days.





Photo Left: Kenshiro Abbe teaching - Henry Ellis centre.

Kenshiro Abbe Sensei taught that uke should always attack on balance - today it is more often a ukemi attack with uke being overly compliant and acrobatic. 

If you attack on balance, then the techniques have to be good to control the attacker - the nod of the head, and no touch throws would then be comical, sadly, many students show as much resistance as an unattached piece of string.

Importantly, it was a time when students did not grade their own teachers as so many do today.
It was also a time when there was no Aikido with ribbons, if anyone had been daft enough to come into the dojo with a bundle of coloured ribbons ?  they would have been found hanging by them from the Hut Dojo roof beams.  

It was a time when Aikido was a respected martial art, respected by all the other m/a.
If Abbe Sensei thought his teaching wasn't getting through - no words were spoken - Sensei would `tap` the offending body part with a crack of a Shiinai - this was a very successful method of teaching, it gained immediate attention, it would be a reminder and an indicator to the student what their problem was, no one ever complained - The Ki people would be in tears today.

It was a time when students would train hard, and the techniques would be strong and effective, everyone attacks a little different, therefore you cannot plan what your defense would be, the attacker makes your defense ( or not ) It was a time when people trained hard to understand the techniques - if, as so many do today, trying to scientifically analyze Aikido with engineering and physics, Aikido is natural movement, not for some,  for example, if a student asked Kenshiro Abbe or Mutsuro Nakazono anything of a technical nature, they were told to practice with an ` empty mind ` only a clear mind will adsorb the  knowledge.

Left: The 4th dan certificate presented to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei by Emperor Hirohito of Japan in the 1930s.


1955

This was a time when Kenshiro Abbe sensei was the only 8th dan in the UK .


We now live in a different age, a crazy age, where 7th and 8th dans are like post-boxes, with at least one in almost every town and village in the UK, thanks to the inept - " BAB   -  you can grade yourself, or ask your students to grade you - and simply add ``British Aikido Board Approved ``. It is like ordering a doctorate online.

Aikido training In those early days by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and with alittle encouragement of a Shinai, the traing was very physical, building fitness, fighting spirit, and physical and mental strength, after the warm up, there was always a session of kicking and punching techniques, this was followed with push-ups, depending on grade, with between 20 for beginners and two hundred for dan grades of push-ups on the back of the wrists. 

It was also a time when all Aikido came under the respected `British Aikido Council` [BAC] overseen by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Ken Williams Sensei.

In later years we would see the creation of the so-called governing body for Aikido, the ` British Aikido Board` [BAB] - a body that started with good heart and honest intentions, only to become a an overly bureaucratic body that would recognize its own grandmother as an ` approved ` Hanshi or dan grade,  an organisation that would later offer online dan grades for money.

The BAB would knowingly recognize well known fraudulent practitioners grades, publicly promote the offenders profile to its membership and the genral public. 

The BAB allow the endless use and abuse of `` BAB Approved `` for the promotion of self appointed titles of Shihan - Hanshi - Grandmaster - Professor - Doctor - Soke .

The British Aikido Board has now become a home for the homeless, the established organisations such as the JAC and the BAA, which are creditable organisations who are all associated with Japan HQ - these organisations have resigned from the BAB.

Aikido Dancing   -  Aikido Ribbon Dance  -  Nodding Aikido  - Fantasy Aikido - 

Times change, people change, and Aikido will change - but sadly it is not always for the better.

`The Aikido Controversy`

Admin - Henry Ellis

Co-author of Positive Aikido`

http://britishaikido.blogspot.com/