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Biography of Sensei Derek Eastman fifth Dan

Biography of Sensei Derek Eastman give fifth

By David J. Wilson ESTA Secretary – July 2003

I known Sensei Eastman for some 12 years and during these years I have heard many stories about Sensei Eastman and Sensei Ellis and their dedication to promoting UK principles of Aikido, some of the history highlights their hard training and recognition of a true martial art, but there are many amusing anecdotes.

Sensei Eastman is the only student of Aikido since 1950 "Hut" dojo who has never given an interview saying "Sensei Ellis's story is more interesting than mine."
I asked Sensei Eastman for readers to decide that accepting this interview.

Introduction

Q-DW: Sensei Eastman, I would like thank you for accepting this interview.

A-SE: My pleasure David.

Q-DW: When were you born?

A-DE: I was a premature baby born 20 years too soon, the 31/12/1943.

Q-DW: Where were you born?

A-SE: West Kensington (behind Harrods) London.

Q-DW: Before the introduction of Aikido that has never been involved in other sports.

A-SE: Yes, I was in school in the county court and field team, and often last for my school in county events.

Q-DW: Now the important question Sensei, What year did you start your journey in Aikido?

A-SE: I made a quick exit at the end of 1959. .

Q-DW: Where do I start the long journey of Aikido?

A-SE: now famous "hut" or, as later became the Abbe School of Budo "E" was actually called the "Abbe School of Judo" When I joined.

First visit to the "cabin" dojo.

Q-DW: Judo would have been his first introduction to martial arts for the first visit to the "Property"?

A-SE: I vividly remember that first visit with a friend, as we walked in the room that no one has noticed that all eyes focused on the action on the carpet.

There was a boy at the center of the mat with a blindfold over their eyes to who later became known as Sensei Harry Ellis.
The "blindfolded student was being attacked by three other high grades, and believe me they were not in trouble, in addition to three students attacking students blindfolded was another man who was obviously the top man here (I later discovered it was Sensei Williams).
He was hitting the guy a shinai (bamboo sword) shouting at him about his bad posture and not moving around fast enough.

My friend turned to me and said: "From Jeeezzz!, I do not want anything like that, is not it, I'm out of here. "
With that he left.

Maybe I was not thinking straight, but I was close and requested some information about the club class for beginners.

Q-DW: After witnessing the first idea that martial arts, why not a wisdom to do the same as your friend?

A-SE: I do not really know what I was seeing, my first impression was that maybe it could be ju-jitsu or something like that hmmm do I stay? I'm not sure, crazier still the question should be why I subscribe.
I belonged to a motorcycle gang and I was the proud owner of a Royal Enfield 350cc.
I was also too young to have a driver's license. In those days, our favorite place was the historic Windsor, which was a place for biker gangs and groups. The problem was the place was full of soldiers guarding the castle.

There were always fights with our kids and the soldiers of the cavalry Queens House were a group of tough old guys.

In one of these frequent battles really struck by one of the Castle guards Then I decided to see the local Judo school, that is! I was there and I joined there and then.

"Home of the Odyssey Aikido.

Q-DW: Sensei, tell me about your first class and that was his master?

A-SE: My first class was in Sensei Ellis Monday night beginners class, It was the largest class of the week from 40 to 50 students a night on the carpet.

Ellis Sensei class was always full to overflowing, and training has always been tough but I found that I liked and seemed to adapt naturally to this new martial art of Aikido.

Q-DW: Sensei, you said before this interview that "I made a quick exit in 1959, "which means to a quick start?

A-SE: Well, what happened was, I had a very serious accident with the bike and my injuries were serious.
I was on crutches for three months.
I made a slow recovery, but good and finally returned to Aikido.
My teacher was still Sensei Ellis, who had only been back on the mat for about 4 or 5 classes a week when Sensei Ellis asked Sensei Williams to come and see something on the carpet.
I soon realized that something was me, and to my surprise Sensei Ellis was great me everything on the table, as he threw me I went up.
Then he said to Sensei Williams;
"Sensei, have you ever seen anyone ukemi like that before"
Sensei Williams then took me into nikyo, a painful wrist locking technique, seemed to maintain a very long time before allowing me up.
He looked at Sensei Ellis and said, "'s only a beginner give him time."
Sensei Ellis said: "You told me to hire an assistant, that's it!"
Sensei Williams looked annoyed and snapped: "No! An assistant must be the third or more kyu "
Sensei Ellis was persistent and eventually got his way, of course not involved in this debate. As Williams Sensei walked away Sensei Ellis then asked me to be his assistant.
He said he had a week to my mind as I walked away Sensei Ellis said: "Derek! You not have a choice among other things, let me know at the end of the class. "
He became assistant to Sensei Ellis.

Q-DW: What were responsibilities or duties of an assistant?

A-SE: I was the only junior assistant at the time. I have also been used by all other instructors who difficult for me but also gave me a broader experience.
I hate being used by David Williams who was Sensei Ken Williams brother. David had no the same understanding of Budo as his brother, and I always thought I had a very cruel streak to his nature, which goes beyond strict discipline.
E 'was also my responsibility to open the dojo on Sunday morning all ready for higher grades.
In the winter would have to light three paraffin heaters, two them in the locker room.
While warm, then wipe the ice off the mat.
I remember one Sunday morning I arrived early winter and a few minutes Sensei Ellis arrived late.
He said "Derek, you sweep the carpet and lights the fire for you"
I am pleased that after a while 'Sensei Ellis left the dressing room closing the door behind him and said:
"Keep the door closed Derek will help to warm the damp gi" (costumes).
Well, all students and teachers left hanging from their rafters now. E 'was freezing so Sensei and I started trying to practice the heating, then about 30 minutes later John Caldwell and some students have arrived. When you open the dressing room door the smoke just rose out. Everyone was coughing and drowning think that the place was on fire.
There was a fire, but Sensei Ellis had not cut the heater wicks. This then caused the fire to billow around smoke and Smuts, the GI has been ruined.
Sensei Williams then approached and asked who was responsible, he looked straight at Sensei Ellis who without a word looked at me and pointed his finger at me.
After a few harsh words Sensei Williams made me do 200 casualties in the back of the dolls as punishment. Some called for new gi and others wanted to take the punishment.
It's been a while "before he was forgiven.

Q-DW: It seems difficult to be an assistant, surely there must have been an advantage to have?

A-SE: As an assistant who did not have to pay a mat and trained almost every day.
This was a great advantage, because I was an apprentice engineer and did not gain a lot of money.
Also continued with classes in judo and karate. I also trained with Master Tomio Otani and I would be uke for all grades given in the shelter.

I Do not Like to walk!

Q-DW: Were there other participants or was the only one?

A-DE: For about 9 months which was the only one, and Ken Waite became assistant teacher of Karate.
Harada Sensei was impressed with Ken and then made his personal assistant.
Then a very young judoka named Trevor Jones joined the Aikido section was the most talented students with immense natural ability, which was soon promoted to junior assistant to Sensei K Williams and Trevor and I shared responsibilities dojo together and became good friends.
Trevor was a big problem, I had the bad habit of upsetting Sensei Ellis, and there were many times that Sensei had to deal with and on several occasions when Trevor complained about Sensei Ellis guide.
Sensei stop the car and pull out, no matter where we were. He did drive too fast, but never complained because they do not like walking.

Lady Baden Powell almost fainted.

Q-DW: I know Sensei Ellis and Sensei Foster traveled extensively with Master Williams, who made travel and visit other dojos?

A-SE: I got to travel, but not on the scale of Sensei Ellis and Williams.
Williams Sensei Sensei Ellis had just responsible for creating screens and I just attended the first in West Drayton.
It was much more than years, but two that are most memorable, I know this story is told in Sensei Ellis article on "Fight Arts International "magazine.
Abbe Sensei told us that this screen is as important as Lady Baden Powell and the Japanese Ambassador was in the audience, and Lady Baden Powell expected to promote martial arts youth groups within their international foundation.
Sensei Ellis was standing behind the scene by the ambassador Otani Sensei from Japan and when I thought that a man had insulted Sensei Otani Judo.
There was an altercation between a man and Judo Sensei Ellis, I do not know what happened off-site, but the man does not have to Judo take the stage together as it should.
Suddenly we heard the announcement and the introduction of "Sensei Harry Ellis Assistant Coach National screamed.
We ran on stage and as I was lying in the first technique my cigarettes and matches fell from the folds of my gi.
Sensei went mad and immediately smashed, and all over the carpet.
His aggression requires a response, also became angry and fought, each attack was real.
I tried real hard to get to the club, without success. Then, when it came to knives, I really thought it was when the knife went into the folds of his gi.
Sensei gasped but still took me to "detention, as it was released and I lifted my head out of the carpet Lady Baden Powell was looking in front of me with horror in the face.
I only knew that there and then had blown. Lady Baden Powell said to Abbe Sensei "This was the demonstration terrible violence I've never seen, and not my children "..

An encounter with Master Tatsuo Suzuki.

Q-DW: You said that there were two occasions?

A-SE: We had a really big screen at the Crystal Palace in a Budo and Judo Championships, we have always started with a screen, but with the Master with a wick Short always got to have a battle of some sort, this was no different.
The great karate "master Tatsuo Suzuki, who had just now we are seeing, as we approached us and looked very serious, I was glad Sensei was in front of me ..
As Sensei was about to leave the carpet was a Suzuki Sensei and told him.
"Thank you, this is the best display of Aikido I've seen," he bowed and walked away.

HUT teachers impressions soon.

Q-DW: You said that an assistant to Sensei Ellis and the only child at that time and also the assistant general dojo to be been in close contact with many if not all, of the old masters, what were your impressions of those who have been in contact with?.

A-SE: I'm going to mention the highest level down.

Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.

I would see Abbe Sensei occasionally in the Aikido mat, which will leave on the canvas to make a point or teach.
He did not bother to change often in his gi, come to the fore in this old brown suit mafia (after the war, the soldiers received a brown suit Leaving the army, and was called a mafia costume, "I'm sure this was one.)
I am sometimes asked Sensei Williams to take home in Acton Abbe Sensei My car tricycle bubble "Isetta", Sensei Williams told me that if I had an accident with the Maestro in the car I had to leave and never to be seen, I believed him.
Bubble Abbe Sensei sat in the car for the first time. He looked around the small car, then me, I looked very surprised and asked, "How many wheels "I replied" 3 Sensei. "
He said that "it is necessary, where are the wheels?"
I said "2 in the front and back Sensei. "They thought for a moment and then said," Ahhhh! Strong triangle. "
He did not speak a word during the trip, which was normal that Abbe Sensei.
Unlike some of their so-called "friends" who say they have had a long and meaningful philosophical / psychological conversations with him, his English was poor and not wasted.

Ken Williams Sensei.

Sensei K Williams, head of the dojo did not use as much as others.
He had control Total dojo and all who were in it.
It was not only aikido but are third in the judo and very good at it. He officiate as a referee at the U.S. air base in Ruislip, was once an international referee USAF Judo Championship.
We would like to get a lot of American students come to train in the cabin in our classes for beginners.

David Williams Sensei.

David was the head of Karate, before the arrival of Harada Sensei, I enjoyed my regular practice Ken Griffiths, and later Ken Waite became the first European assistant to Harada Sensei.
However, David Williams, in my opinion is a very cruel streak with his character. Williams and Ellis and others would teach as Abbe Sensei did with a shinai. E 'was used a mild form of intimidation to help motivate you with a little slap on the back to get his attention. This would be done with a smile and sense of humor and nobody ever objected to this form of light from the heart of the discipline.
Now with David Williams, say!, And seemed to enjoy.
I leave that as I do not want to delve into this topic. Closed!.

Eric Dollimore Sensei.

Eric was only 5 feet 5 inches tall and the dynamic exponent of aikido in the Hut dojo.
What I remember most about Eric was one Sunday morning when I was practicing in the bottom of the dojo with some of the high kyu grades.
There was little action taking place in the top of the mat with the dan ranks, Eric has a technique Ellis very difficult to overcome deep into the carpet. Then he excused himself by saying: "Sorry, I have to go, I have to be my friends for lunch in 12 to 00 of noon."
Ellis Carpet rose and saw that he was not happy, Eric was out of the carpet.
Ellis called it "Eric wants to fight for real?"
Eric replied: "I'm sorry Harry, I have no time really."
Ellis returned to the other grades are probably satisfied with Eric excuse. That is when I saw Eric back from the dressing room and cried less your hakama
"OK Harry! But we must be quick."
Both have set up each other in position, after a few seconds Ellis made what looked like a terrible blow to the head of Eric, Eric Ellis puts on the best technique I've seen Koshi waza in and through the implementation Ellis plasterboard partition of the office.
Sensei Williams was sitting in the office when Ellis joined him on his way directly through the wall.
As Ellis Sat gypsum board covered with dust, Eric called "See, Ive got to go I'm late for dinner."
I've always said it was like something out of the film.

Sensei Haydn Foster.

It was a bit "larger than the rest of us and was considered with respect and affection. His favorite technique was Irimi nage as he puts it bluntly he is always good to know that his hoarse laughter after leaving six stunned.

Enrique (Harry) Ellis Sensei.

Henry Ellis was my teacher and is constantly mentioned in this interview.

There is a story that I've never seen it written that I say.
In the sixties we heard of another group of people doing Aikido in north London with a known Japanese Judo teacher called Senta Yamada. E 'was teaching style had never heard of called "Tomiki Aikido" so we decided to see out.
All dan grades gathered in a cabin at night and we went to this dojo Tomiki. We did not know what to expect. When we respectfully entered their dojo. Sensei Williams spoke with the instructor in charge and asked if he could practice. The instructor said "NO", sorry, but you are wearing hakama and not allowed "
Sensei Williams replied: "Go and practice that without our hakama's"
The teacher thought for a moment and replied: "I can not yet afford to exercise profession of six different organization to us "
That was when Sensei Ellis pushed forward and said: "Organisations are names on paper Aikido is Aikido "
The instructor had none of it and politely asked us to leave.
We were not happy with this, so I then went in a bar next door, after an hour, which should commence at the pub, you guessed it Dave, all students and the teacher.
We got to talking with students and the guys were very nice. A child who was a great first kyu made the mistake of asking Sensei Ellis what our age nikyo.
He said it was his favorite technique, while trying of the Sensei Ellis, nothing happened. He made another error, Sensei asked to show our style, the Master was about to put in the basement bar.
The child could not I think this brown belt and asked his teacher it was time to talk with the teacher Williams. He said that what had just taken place and insisted that his instructor to try to make this technique on Sensei Ellis.
Sensei Ellis offered his arm and the teacher agreed to try. The instructor could not do anything, then held
"I can not move, because you are making the arm of Peter, although I my stone arm breaks his arm like a branch"
Sensei Ellis insisted that make your arm of stone, so the man tried to be honest and was not different from the first attempt.
So! and he was doing the arm of stone, Sensei Ellis took a pint of beer and drank at one time, while the boy was trying to break your arm!
The boy looked gutted.

Lennie Ballard Sensei and Sensei Peter Dowden.

They seemed inseparable and were really great friends, have done most of the knife and club displays. I provide teachers in their classrooms for the ladies. They left the hut soon after Eric Dollimore.

Sensei John Caldwell.

John was an electrician who has worked with Master Williams.
He was not only a first dan in aikido, but also a semi-professional boxer and sparring partner. He argued with some boxers important as Former world champion Terry Spinks and Terry Downs, which is both world champions in their weight.
John once took me to the 'Thomas Becket, a fitness training famous boxers above a London pub. E 'was a special gift for a young man like me, like boxers, famous in the UK and U.S. have trained there.
I also remember once when John was going to do a training run has been attacked by a big Alsatian dog running after him. John turned as the dog runs to him. He gave a strong kick in the dog, direct kick to the throat and died instantly.
A little "different Abbe Sensei to live with a German Shepherd but no less inevitable.

Sensei Hamish McFarlane.

He was older and high-level for me was a good judoka. It was a first kyu (brown belt) in the Aikido when I started but Dan ended up having our proof of degree four years later.
When I received my first dan, Sensei Ellis asked how tradition gave me my first black belt and hakama quality was very good.
Nobody knew where Hamish got his hakama. Ellis is known that the hakama Department of the Army was an old blanket of war as if it were a popular material often without traditional. That never stopped joking Hamish, and I even laughed with Sensei Foster about recently (July 2003).
Hamish had a thing that very few knew. When asked if he could join the class of Aikido Sensei Williams said that the doctor had said that within 12 months from a wheelchair for the rest of his life because of severe illness with her spine. He started Aikido, and practiced until his death at 60. He also went to Japan and trained in Aiki-Kai. I recently heard sad news that Hamish died not long ago.

The first types of damage.

Q-DW: How does the rating system ofThe early days in a cabin with some who have seen in years?.

A-SE: The classification procedures were not technically ritual as they are today.
If, in the shelter, the classification would be very physical constant attack by 100%, no one has gotten through a cliff without a few bumps.
I think most of the age degrees are in agreement that the third kyu (belt green) was always the hardest, is considered by both Abbe Sensei and Williams Sensei to be the level of transition between beginner and high grade and the first step as an assistant teacher.
It was also the first classification that had to take a knife attack itself. When it was my first time Sensei Williams asked: "Is you willing to accept real knife "I said 'yes', but I really mean NO.
Eric Dollimore stood before me holding a large knife in his left hand, I froze.
Sensei Williams said: "Derek is a lefty Eric forgot," then, "said Eric stick with the right and left.
When I took my first dan, what stands out in my mind was how tired I was when it was my turn. I uke for all other grades and to be honest I do not know how I anyway. I just wanted to end it.
I took Hamish with a positive result Tenchi nage and really nailed to the carpet. Nakazono Sensei said he was satisfied that the final technical and first they gave me.

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Q-DW: With all the years of hard training and education to climb through the kyu grades what was the final location for the first dan?

A-SE: I've always been fortunate to not only receive personal instruction and guidance directly from Sensei Williams and my Master, and all Dan grades up.
I also believe to be an instructor to help beginners class from 7 to fourth kyu, who was able practice of forming a good relationship with a small group of students who all later became the second generation of grades "shack" dan.
The group consisted of people like Ron James in 6 ft 5ins tall and about 250 pounds seemed a giant to me as a child. He has never taken into account and I did not have flexibility in all it was very hard but very good for training with this giant of a man.
He would not "go" for anyone so it was always a challenge for me.
Ron was a good friend and brother of another dan grade Andy Allen, who was assistant to Sensei Foster.
Sensei Ellis and often lead to young Visitors to the dojo area. Andy, who was the oldest student we all had a very dry and austere man.
I said "Andy, who is beautiful is not true "and even when I met him I always received the same grim response;
"Well, I'm fine, until you marry them." Andy was one of my regular training partners.

Trevor Jones, who was a junior assistant to Sensei Williams that I have probably trained more and we became inseparable, Aikidoists not only as friends but as we help others to prepare for the given grade.
I guess that's how I finally got to that point in my preparation for Dan grade.

I received my first dan grade just before he became 21 years old. At the same time, I just finished my training as an engineer.
And "It was then that Sensei Ellis and Sensei Williams asked me to travel and spread the" gospel "of Aikido. We were the first" disciples " as he said.
Although aikido had started to spread a little, "there are areas that had not been aware of this new martial art.

My beloved car "Isetta" bubble, which had led to its limit, had finally burst!
It had to be dumped. Fortunately, at the same time, Sensei Ellis had just bought a car one year old mini that was in those days the "business."
So, looking at the machine and the prospects of aikido and some travel I love adventure and they agreed to move forward.

The invasion of rats.

Q-DW: Sensei, I have read and enjoyed your tales of travel from their point of view is to add something as they were also part of that experience.

A-SE: At this point, Henry and I had become good friends outside the dojo, but still would give deference to the tatami, and always has been today.

The first dojo we visited was in Nottinghamshire and directed by George Cotterell where they have used for a short period.
Mr. Cotterell Chihuahua breed dogs that must have been about 50 or 60 of what Henry called rats invaded.
These dogs were in the paved courtyard. The toilet is only found in the back of the courtyard next to the morgue.
At night, the door will close for the only way to go to the bathroom The dog was completed through this site.
One afternoon he had just returned from a wild night at the local pub and Henry went straight to bed while I was in a cup of tea and a chat with Mrs Cotterell.
After an hour, Henry left the room wearing only his jeans, no socks or shoes, and ran across the courtyard to the bathroom (which is a drink ale in the North).
He did it before the dog could have their ankles. We have heard a lot about shaking and looked out the window to see all the dogs barking at the bathroom door and in their enthusiasm they were doing their "business."
Henry was now trying to open the door and see all the dogs and the confusion was then realized that I had no shoes.
Mrs Cotterell and me were in total hysteria as was happening. Henry called out to get me shoes, but North of beer inside me I was brave and ignored him and enjoyed the fun.
Watch him in a mine field was like a scene from a Jerry Lewis movie. As she ran screaming threats of gross physical abuse at me.
Shortly after he had problems head on the photos I had taken with the coffins, published in "Fighting Arts International" magazine. We have lost our jobs work as an assistant funeral and we were back on the road to more adventure.
Visiting and local martial arts dojo, schools, and anywhere that lets show some "of our Aikido in the hope that they would ask more.
In those days in the north there was not much work I have time, so it could performing any work that is offered us, and I mean any job.
These workers and workers in general the building, even to work as laborers in the Highway M1 Britains first. Undertakers, sweepers, cesspit cleaning, steel mill worker, assistant seat, the beach front photographers, painters. The worst job of all was the "train", which was the work of slaves and hated it, which lasted only a few days.
This is how it happened the day. In the evening we spent very little time seriously to promote Aikido between Saturday and Sunday, in what were considered successful attempts to expand and build the increasing "Abad Schools Budo."

The cab on the market!

A-SE: David, I return to this point if it's okay with you, I would like to mention unforgettable character, who had a bad start with the Master Ellis and later became a close friend to us – a man named George Stavro.
The night George made his first appearance at the shelter was 30 minutes before Sensei Ellis.
I was in the busy carpet preparation exercise. George to be a Greek and a trader, came into the dojo with two large suitcases and in minutes had clothes on display throughout the reception area.
I I was not taking note too as I thought it must have previously arranged to do this with a high level instructors.
And "That's when Harry arrived just as George was in his sales pitch with two students who were awaiting permission to go on the carpet. This is the only time I've heard of Harry swear in the dojo.
Harry shouted, "What do you think # # # # that is going on here! What do you think this is market day in Bangladesh?
He threw bags by the dojo door in the rain, with George stir around to get their goods together and put everything back in your car.
George then returned to the dojo with a big smile on his face as if nothing had happened and asked what was going on in this room, I explained that we were doing Aikido classes.
Again The following week, with about 8 of his friends who are all united.
George was a very strong man and also a street fighter out and became the only for me to train with.

I did not earn much money by being an apprentice engineer, George was older than me and soon took me under his wing and I was so rapid in its activities dire, which included a very profitable business of delivering the black market Matute all Indian restaurants in West London.
Harry was angry with my participation to he also was involved, and also took all contracts for decoration for restaurants.
We worked on the doors of some of the restaurants and from that day we have always had good curry you can eat and never had to pay.

George has become a favorite of Kazuo Chiba Sensei and is now a third dan, George was a brown belt when he left to join the Dojo Sensei Ellis HUT in Slough in 1968, and can be seen in some pictures with Mr. Jack Poole, who was a novice at that time. George reminds him very well and it was he who actually signed him when he joined.

You could write a book about the adventures we had together.
George was at my wedding and the dance of Zorba the full glass of water on the head, my family still talk about it now.

The movement in and out of the hut.

Q: DW.

Sensei, I said that this was all the time she married and moved away from the hut and the locality. Can you further at this time.

A: SE. Yes, after I married I moved to Basingstoke Hampshire.
My work involved a lot of traveling as I was working on platforms, drilling gas in the English Channel, on the outskirts of the Humber River.
I would also like to take this opportunity to visit the local Aikido club and trains whenever possible.
Later I found a job closer to home in 1969, I renewed my contact and friendship with Trevor Jones, who also was married and lived Camberley in Surrey, 10 km from my house.
He said he had recently opened a new dojo in the Hotel Hawley. Airline was working as a waiter and asked me to take care of his dojo and teach when I was in long-haul flights, I agreed.
Trevor I have found that Aikido was definitely moved up a gear, although technical training and was still quite traditional, had by far the most powerful aiki movement of every person I had never known as the Japanese.

The dojo moved from 'Hotel Hawley Brookwood, with two good students and Colin Cashmore Mike Relph assistants, also remember there as Kolenkisov training Wasil a beginner, later joined Sensei Ken Williams as his assistant. In early 1969 I opened "The Basingstoke Aikido Club" I still have much help Trevor who had now moved to a special dojo in the "Frimley Budokan." Unfortunately, Trevor Later had some health problems and the dojo was run by my old friend Andy Allen from the cabin with the help of John Harding, who still practice today and keep in touch. With Trevor I can go back to visit including Dojo Sensei K. Williams, who had left the hut and was now in Rhonnda Valley in Wales. I also visited the cottage is now run by Sensei Haydn Foster, I have always been greatly appreciated.

Aikido visits to Europe.

Q: DW. Sensei, can you tell me about your visits to Europe at this time?

R: SE. Of course, these were good days. Trevor and I like to visit in Paris Noro Sensei Aiki-Kai. Noro Sensei was happy to see us, and my first visit I was surprised for giving me 2nd dan, it was weird because it was a normal student, I never charge for classes or classifications.
Noro Sensei reminded me of when I was in the shelter in one of his visits, where Sensei Williams recommends that you should only do backward ukemi (break falling) until his next visit in two weeks time, Sensei Williams said he punish me with a shinai if surprised by forward ukemi, however Noro did not visit in two weeks, but 4 months later, had at that time breakfalls adapt to some amazing from all angles except forward.
Noro Sensei Williams asked in amazement, "Mr. Eastman breakfalling because it is so strange. "
When was reported as a result of her studies, she laughed. He said this was very similar to an experience he had with Osensei and then said: 'S experience I would have done anything wrong anyway.

Q: DW. Are you still in touch with the Master Ellis at this time

A: SE. Yes, I had always kept in contact with Harry Ellis, visit the dojo in Bracknell, whenever possible, and the Slough dojo, social also meet with our families.
It is at this time that Harry activity was expanding and could not keep all his dojo. He gave his London dojo in Chiba Sensei, and his Slough dojo to George Stavro more Mats would later give for a student who had helped him, a man named Jack Poole.
My work now takes me back to Europe. When in Belgium would like to visit Master Pierre Nassens dojo. HSIL I would like to visit often where there were six different Aikido clubs, and in the true spirit of Aikido and the harmony that seemed do not hate each other and communicate.
I did as a dojo when Sensei by C Van Parys who had witnessed the most dynamic swordsman ever to teach Aikido, Sensei Murashagi, which was then very sadly died in a car accident.
This dojo was very traditional, with strong ties to Tadashi Abe Sensei, who still was visiting the area.

Q: DW. Maestro, you mentioned the name of the old days Aikidoists many in the shelter, you know those who are still involved in aikido? And you're still in contact with any of these people?

A: SE. From this date, 2003, are just some who are still involved and teaching Aikido and I'm occasionally in contact with some of them.
Sensei Ken Williams, founder of the hut judo dojo chief instructor, who was the first student to study Aikido in the UK, and is now the head of Ki Aikido Federation of Great Britain.
Sensei Haydn Foster, who is still in the cabin and Director Aikido Institute.
Sensei Henry Ellis, who heads Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido.
Sensei Ralph Reynolds, who was a frequent visitor to the shelter in the 50/60s, is now the head of the Society of Aikido.
Sensei George Stavro that is associated with several dojos and still attached to Chiba Sensei.
Sensei Les White Traditional chief Ryu Aikido. Time takes its toll on those who have known and respected.

British Aikido Board and The Martial Arts Commission.

Q: DW. Sensei, When you are involved with the British Aikido Board.

A: SE. I spoke with Jim Elkin of the large group of Tomiki, who invited me to participate in the Military Arts Commission member within a group of traditional aikido.
I accepted, but in contact with the head of this group and the presentation of our credentials as copies of my dan grade certificates, signed by O Sensei, and my first impression was that it would be well received and was informed that they would pay my dojo a visit, according gladly with this, and said it would be a pleasure to visit and train with me, just to say he would not come on the tatami (mats) said they assess my level, while sitting away from the pad.
I rejected the offer, once told me to meet on a mat, but not as other professionals.

I thanked Mr. Elkin for his help and support, and he said he would join the traditional group. I liked Jim Elkin and always found him and his partner Brian Eustace Tomiki group very useful for our quality member of the Martial Arts Commission (MAC).
It also helped to achieve full technical standard of coaching in the MAC.

In a second step forward this story Kenetsuka Minoru Sensei when I visited in the Cardiff Aiki-Kai. He requested copies of my certificates by signing them O'Sensei. Later I learned that he had used what I had said and certificates out of the British Aikido Board at that time in the MAC, saying there O'Sensei recognized as the founder of Aikido.
Sensei Ken Williams had also left the / BAB MAC for similar reasons.

A few years later I was approached by a BAB member of MAC, a Mr Ted Stratton, I remember fondly as the creator of "Power of Aikido elbow still use.
Sensei Stratton, unfortunately, has died and a respected figure Aikido.
Then coincides with Paula Mitchell of the MAC and the use of the criteria at that time joined the MAC / BAB.
One criterion is that we have our organization and title. I recalled that in previous years Sensei Williams had the honor of his teacher by calling the dojo Hut "The Abbe School of Judo."
Ellis Sensei decided to approach and requested approval to use your name for our organization, I am pleased to say that he agreed. Then called our organization "Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido."
Sensei Ellis has re-opened the dojo in Bracknell and we were being one!

http://www.EllisAikido.org

Href = "http://www.british-aikido.com"> http://www.british-aikido.com

About the Author

Derek Eastman co-author of Positive Aikido.