Founder Member and Insurance Liaison Officer
Vincent started his aikido in 1974 at the Aikikai Foundation Headquarters, Hombu Dojo, Japan, under the instruction of Shihan Seijiro Masuda (8th Dan). Graded to Shodan in 1977 (Certificate signed by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, [the then] Doshu of Hombu Dojo and the IAF), Vincent left Japan in August 1977 and on return to England commenced regular practice at Oxford University under Sensei Minoru Kanetsuka (7th Dan). He was Graded to Nidan in 1987 (Certificate signed by Kisshomaru Ueshiba). In 1986 he joined the Kai Shin Kai and was graded to Sandan in 1988, Yondan in 1990 and Rokudan in 2009. Vincent teaches regularly at venues throughout the UK and Europe.
Founder Member and Coach Development Lead Officer
Brian has been training in Aikido since 1964, starting his studies in the Far East whilst in the British Army. On leaving the army Brian moved to North Devon where he met Sensei Ted Stratton (a founder member of the British Aikido Board) and trained with him for many years, teaching around the UK and abroad. Brian holds the rank of 7th Dan along with various senior coaching and instructing qualifications. His style is predominantly Yoshinkan.
Brian now runs his own Association in Devon.
Founder Member, Lead Safeguarding Officer and Coach Education Consultant
Sue has been training since 1994 and reached the grade of Shodan. She has a passion for quality and governance and, through her own training company, acts as a coach development consultant and trainer.
Since this picture was taken, Sue has shaved her head (a Covid lockdown experiment) and has turned largely grey!