UKA CHAIRMAN My name’s Mark and I’ve been chair of the UKA since 2018 and I’m a 3rd dan Fukushidoin. My aikido career started in 1991 in Bristol and I subsequently clubs in Port Talbot, London and now run a club in Bedford. We’ve ridden out Covid well and I’m passionate about seeing more growth in the UKA, we’ve had a few new clubs recently and would love to see more. Off the mat, I work for a global IT company specialising in end user computing and user experience. Im a keen scuba diver and live just outside Bedford with my partner, our daughter and dog.
|
|
UKA GENERAL SECRETARY Hi my name is Richard and I’ve just started in the General Secretary role. I’m 5th Dan Fukushidoin and been practicing Aikido for 26 years, my club is located in Shrewsbury Shropshire.
My passion for Aikido is in making practicing fun and inclusive, a mat where we balance the traditional values with a hectic modern world. My day job is in the medical industry working for a global manufacturer, and other hobbies include Skiing and travelling. I live in Shropshire with my wife, Son and Dog |
|
|
UKA TREASURER Hi, my name is Martin Dumont and I’m the UKA Treasurer. I Started aikido in 1985 and joined the UKA in 2000. I’m currently retired but spent my working life in Public Sector Housing as a Tenant Participation officer helping residents set up their own management co-operatives. I live in a housing co-op in NE London and have been part of the volunteer management structure since 1984. I’m a big cycling fan and enjoy doing my own repairs and maintenance. |
UKA International Liaison and Yudansha Secretary I am Guy Needler and my role is being the International Liaison and Yudansha Secretary for the UKA. I was previously the General Secretary for 17 years. I delight in connecting with people internationally and communicating with my counterparts in Hombu Dojo, which I do on a weekly basis.
I started Aikido in 1981 and previously had 3 dojo locations in the south West Midlands spanning 14 years. In 2018 I moved to South Wales and currently practice and teach in the Vale of Glamorgan. My passion is to bring people together through Aikido as equals and reconnect them with our traditional Aikido lineage and heritage. Off the mat I enjoy Cycling and Scuba Diving when on holiday. I am also a keen writer. |
|
UKA SHIHAN My name is Gordon Jones, I was awarded 7th Dan by Doshu in 2014. I began aikido in 1966 at the age of 19, my teachers were William Smith Shihan and for over 25 years Kazuo Chiba Shihan. Over the last 20 years, apart from heading up the UKA, my role as an Aikikai Shihan (international teacher) has taken me regularly to Australia, Hong Kong, Serbia, Greece, France and the Middle East. For my own personal instruction and development I trained at Hombu Dojo, the Aikido World HQ in Tokyo annually for 10 years. Along with my business partner Phil Smith, we maintain and develop one of few professional, permanent aikido dojos in the UK based in Halesowen I am married with 2 daughters and 3 grandkids, but alas no dog!
|
|
UKA SHIHAN Hello I’m Philip Smith one of the senior instructors of the United Kingdom Aikikai and recognised as a Shihan (master teacher) by the Aikikai Foundation since 2011. I teach nationally and internationally having taught in Singapore, France, Greece, Poland Serbia and Australia, as well as teaching regular classes at Ren Shin Kan Halesowen, UK. I also run regular Iai-do classes at Ren Shin Kan as well as helping Gordon to run and maintain the dojo. |
|
UKA SHIHAN Hi I’m Eddie McCalla, I’m a 6th Dan Shihan and chairman of the technical committee here in the UKA. I’ve been practicing Aikido since 1982 and teaching at my Birmingham club (San Raku Kan) since 1988. I have a real passion for weapon work and have been working extensively over the last 3 years to promote its teaching and create a syllabus. |