Morihei Ueshiba - O'Sensei

Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969) developed Aikido from a number of other Japanese martial arts in the early 20th century.   It was Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu that was the main influence and O'Sensei (which means Great Teacher) developed Aikido and it continues today as an effective martial art and also a means of spreading understanding and tolerance.

 O’Sensei’s family continued and their school is known as the Aikikai whilst others developed different aspects. Koichi Tohei concentrated on Ki. Kenji Tomiki founded a sport style. Gozo Shioda founded the Yoshinkan school which emphasizes practical techniques and from this Master Thamby Rajah, founded the Shudokan. Master Eddie Stratton (9th Dan), brought Shudokan\Yoshinkan Aikido to the UK in the 1960s.

Sensei Nigel Spencer 4t Dan started his Aikido training in 1989 with the Aikikai in Chippenham.  In 1993 he became a student of Shihan Ken Robson (7th Dan Shudokan UK). He has also spent time on training courses with Master Thamby Rajah & Master Eddie Stratton. He has held a Dan grade since 1996 and has over 30 years experience in various Martial Arts and people development as a Business Coach.

In 2006 Mizu Aikido became part of the Shin-Gi-Tai Aikido Society under Shihan Gwynne Jones (8th Dan) and Nigel blends the styles of Shin-Gi-Tai and Shudokan with a desire to expand understanding and use of internal energy.

SHIHAN GWYNNE JONES & SHIN-GI-TAI

Sensei Gwynne Jones started Aikido training in 1961 and opened his first club in Burry Port in 1974. In 1982 it became the West Wales Aikido Society and in 1985 changed it's name to the Aikido Society of Wales.  The name Shin (spirit) Gi (technique) Tai (body) came about in 1990.  The Shin-Gi-Tai has clubs throughout the UK.