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The Budo Masters

The Budo Masters

The Memories of Henry Ellis Sense – 1957 – 2007

Over the past 50 years, I been happier to not only meet, but the study with most of the great masters of budo who visited the United Kingdom and Europe. I would like to I remember the folder in the hope they might one day be of interest to others in the Martial Arts.

Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 1915 – 1985: I started my martial arts journey in 1956 at the now famous Hut Dojo. I started Judo under the direction of Ken Williams Sensei. Abbe Sensei arrived in the United Kingdom in 1955 at the invitation of the London Judo Society (LJS). He soon became disillusioned by LJS and join forces with Matsutaro Otani Sensei who would eventually lead to the formation of the British Judo Council (BJC) – British Kendo Council (BKC)
British Aikido Board (LAC). Sensei Williams was there with Father Sense at the beginning of this exciting period of British martial arts story. The new association with Otani Sense Abbe Sensei would be a regular visitor to the Hut Dojo. Who will soon be the name of Abbe School of Budo. I first saw the Abbe Sensei when he attended a classification to the hut. I went, even on this first occasion I was in the presence of someone very special. Abbe Sensei appeared to be an impressive man. I would later know much better sensei and engage in a conversation Although his English was very poor. Many people now claim to have been friends of the Abbe Sensei, I have never met a person who was a friend of Sensei, we were all privileged students. I would soon Aikido Sensei and see both on Aikido and judo classes. I also became a regular at own Abbe Sensei Dojo Sandwich Street at Kings Cross. London.
At that time the Abbe Sensei was in his early 40s and still a force to be dealt with in randori or competition. I was not at the LJS when the elements following events, Sensei thought he did not receive the respect due a man of his lineage and stature, he lined up all the 31 dan grades Judo and marched along the line and told them individually what technique I use them and if it is right or left handed, he did just that, he went all the way and beat each dan grade.
One day we were all students in the dojo changing rooms and Abbe Sensei was changing, he stood there, Speaking to students naked to the waist, although in his 40's, he looked very fit.

All young Players around him were also very good with big shoulders with the usual shrink to the waist, not with the Abbe Sensei, it seems to a vertical line from his hips to his shoulders, his body was almost box shaped like a refrigerator and there was the appearance of a very powerful man.

I then became the personal assistant to Williams Sensei and I would be invited to visit the house Stuart Road Otani
Acton, London, where the Abbe Sensei had his own room. My visits would be for various reasons and sometimes to take Sensei at the airport or seminar. Derek Eastman and I have become regular visitors that we had become good friends with Tomio Otani Sensei. It was on one of these visits I Sensei door knocked and called for me to enter, as I entered, I was surprised to see several species of wild birds in the room, there was Pigeons – Sparrows – a blackbird and a Robin, there were more birds on the windowsill, the birds seemed totally at ease and have not have been disturbed by my arrival, usually with wild birds the slightest noise or movement and they are gone, I have always loved birds wild and had the chance to see this on several occasions.

On another occasion, when I went to see the Abbe Sensei, I went into his room, he watched the World Series Cricket, Although I have always been an athlete and sports mad, I do not really like cricket, I prefer watching grass grow. I was not happy to see the man I admired so much watching cricket, I politely asked "Sensei, you love cricket? "He replied" NO! Stupid game! I watch every day to try to understand the stupid game, never understand, they Call Series world, and not the world, only countries that were colonized by the British Empire "… … .. Very deep … … … …

Kenshiro Sense Father Dan Judo Kendo 8th to 6th Dan – 6th Dan Aikido – 6th to 6th Dan Kyudo Karate dan.
To see Abbe Sensei demonstrating any of the above Art has always been a great experience. There is an incident I will never forget, it took place during the Championships at the Acton Town Hall BJC London in the early 1960s, Abbe Sensei and Tomio Otani BKC's national coach came on stage to demonstrate the technique sword, and Derek Eastman I sat in the front row as the fencers competing, after a few technical Abbe Sensei has achieved a reduction of the blink Tomio head, I swear never Tomio blinked as I and the public thought that Sensei had made a fatal mistake that the blade appeared to touch the forehead of Tomio, Tomio never flinched like a big piece of her thick black bangs fell on the ground. Back in the dressing room I asked him if he was afraid, he replied: "Why I'm afraid I am with my teacher" … … … .. This is probably one of the most amazing things I've ever seen in martial arts.
Kenshiro Abbe Sensei as I mentioned earlier was a powerful and formidable presence and appearance on and off the tatami (mat). I assure you it is much more awesome to be on the receiving end of his technique, you always knew that any technique you were totally under the control of Abbe Sensei, however, he seemed to do so easily. Judo Abbe Sensei had become legendary, his Aikido was very tight and direct, the judoka who wants to use aikido body contact in their technique, the Abbe Sensei has never been a large flowing movements that we see in modern aikido. I've never experienced this feeling of total power with another teacher.

Tadashi Abe Sensei. 1926 – 1984 ..
Tadashi Abe Sensei was a small man and very positive. We hear from time to time that Japanese teachers have been born Samurai at the time, if ever I met such a man, it was Abe Sensei. During WWII he completed pilot training a suicide of a torpedo man, before he was called to die for his country, the end of the war is something he would regret for all of his life, he felt he had been deprived of his destiny. It was a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba in the 1940s and a great representative of traditional Aikido. After several years in France, he returned to Japan. And in 1967, visited the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, he was very upset to aikido as he observes now be taught. He watched the class for a while before getting up and draw attention to himself, when he had all the ladies attention, he spoke aloud: "I apologize to all the ladies present, this is not what is aikido for women, "he then graduated from the Aikido Hombu placed on the carpet and left. Abe Sensei said that to fight against a man who has no hands real challenge to all but a battle against an unarmed man with a knife has been a real challenge, I understand that he often carried a knife and when he challenged this offer to his opponent by saying "if you like is for you."

Matsutaro Sense Otani. 1901 – 1977 (?)
I have not studied with Otani Sensei although I do meet and talk with him many times during the visit Abbe Sensei and Tomio his son. Sensei was man very low about 5 feet 2Insert who had left Japan, I think at the age of 20 years. I was told that someone insults his father and he had challenged the man with a sword, his father did not like what Sensei and had to leave home for a while. He sailed on a ship going "anywhere" and has worked his way through the world until it reaches Britain. He had studied martial arts and met the famous Professor Yukio Tani from that point, he leads a life of Budo. He was a 7th dan in judo and should anyone, including wrestlers once on the ground, it was impossible to restrain his opponent thought he had an expectation and the next thing that Sensei "sneak" under it and suffocate. Considering that most Japanese do not seem to have an austere approach to banning them, not with Otani Sensei, he always seemed happy with a smile and ready at ease with himself and everything around him. He was affectionately known by most as "Smiler" with my education I could not bring myself to call it. I was asked by Abbe Sensei to demonstrate Aikido the BJC National Championships at the BBC London Lime Grove site. I was backstage waiting to be called on stage with Derek Eastman just a few meters from me was Otani Sensei and then Japanese Ambassadto the United Kingdom, both in conversation, while they talking a walk past and called Judoka Otani Sensei "Hi Smiler" and entered the locker room, I must be honest and admit that I was furious at this blatant display of disrespect in front of the ambassador. I followed the judoka who I did not know in the locker room, I told him what I thought of his disrespect, he in turn was very explicit in his thoughts about me.

I gave him a slap which unfortunately ended its participation in the event. In my turn I took my anger just a few minutes later on the scene where Derek and I made a demo very Aikido difficult. Lady Baden-Powell who was sitting in the front row was heard to say to Abbe Sensei that our demonstration was demonstrate the worst of the violence she had ever seen.
On the other hand, the Ambassador of Japan came to me and told me it was the best display of Aikido I've ever seen.
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Tomio Otani Sensei: 1939 – 1991 National Coach British Kendo Council: was quite a character and good company to be with. I always remember that we traveled with Tomio on the subway Acton London between Abbe Sensei and dojo in Sandwich Street, Kings Cross, the train rocked and rolled through the tunnels we are all competing to see who could keep their balance as long before grabbing the straps of safety. Tomio always won …. Derek and I studied Kendo with Tomio in turn, would study aikido, to my knowledge has never been Tomio ranking in aikido. I am surprised when I see people who claim to have been ranked in Aikido by Tomio Otani??? . Derek Eastman and I would like to take courses in Acton Kendo Tomio, Tomio is so fast that when we had competition, he hit you repeatedly with the shinai when you thought hitting him. One night Derek was having some serious practice with Tomio, he was very determined to beat
it just one time, Derek was a complete Kendo armor, Tomio hit Derek on the head with a shinai (bamboo sword) to Shomen (head center) Derek just collapsed and was removed for the account. Derek said when he recovered he felt as if he was not wearing his men (Keep your head), he also said he felt as if he had been knocked out, I agree with Derek that the two of us never realized that you could hit someone with a shinai, it's true, she felt Derek and I saw it happen.
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Mikoto Nakazono Sensei Masahilo :1918-1994 0.8 dan Aikido. 6th dan in judo. 6th dan Kendo.
Nakazono Sensei was sent to Europe by OSensei Ueshiba in 1962, it was Europe and North Africa Aikikai representative. Sensei came to the United Kingdom at the invitation of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. Nakazono Sensei was a teacher and very hard very demanding, he would become a favorite of all the Japanese teachers in all grades dan Hut, he still remembered with respect and affection today. Nakazono Sensei paid his first visit to the United Kingdom and the Hut Dojo in 1963. We have been informed that the abbot had asked Sensei Nakazono Sensei to reclassify all eight grades Dan Hut to meet modern standards of the staff Hombu.

After filing a second dan demoted the post of first dan, Sensei said, "Necessary sell your gi while prices are high," we could not understand why he was one of the best grades dan the cabin, he became very disillusioned and left after a few months, perhaps the reason was that was too young?. Sensei said that we could all go to the Aikikai and practice on an equal footing with the best there.
As have learned to know better Sensei, I asked sensei if I Aske, would give me a letter to visit the Hombu Dojo? He looked at me and asked: "Why," I thought that my application does not need an explanation, so I tried to say that I want to study there. Nakazono Sensei said: "There is no good teachers left at the Hombu Dojo, they are all teaching in the West."
Nakazono Sensei attended at Grange Farm School Summer 1963. I thought we trained hard Hut Dojo, it was nothing compared to what we have lived with Nakazono Sense. In some ways the problems were ours, we have taught and trained hard, Abbe Sensei told us not to "go" sensei for because it would be disrespectful. Sensei did not see it like that at all, his impression was that we were "all" test. Abbe Sense allowed this continue for a full week before explaining to Nakazono Sensei. I am sure that once he had great respect for us. One day I was invited punch sensei, I thought I had cleverly pulled my punch I did not want to hurt him, he was very angry, I think he now enough, he told me to hit 100%, I did, I finished with my head up the chimney of a large fireplace in English with my gi covered with soot, of course, other dan grades have found this most amusing.
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Masahilo Nakazono Sensei.
There are so many stories of Nakazono Sensei, many of which I have said in other articles. The only thing we have learned very quicly, it he was a most powerful and talented master of Aikido. In the Hut Dojo there were many who were either hard bouncers and merchants market. At the Summer School Grange farm there was one guy in particular who was not so sure of the real power of meaning, its name was Morris. In the pub that evening he turned to Big Tony was the guy the strongest and largest field and said: "Tony, I think you are All you submit on respect rather than the power of technology, I do not think Tony could take you if you do not want to go down? "Tony began to laugh, to Morris and said, "Look here Morris, I know what I feel and I'm not stupid enough to try to resist Nakazono Sensei, NOW! If you want to try? so why not try "..
The next morning Nakazono education was and he was looking for a big guy, for whatever reason, it ignord great Tony Morris and picked on, everyone was aware of the feelings of Morris as Nakazono Sensei took in Sankyo, faithful Morris at his own stupidity and completely resisted amid cries of Morris was the sound of every bone in his right hand fracture, there was no sympathy for Morris as he was transported to the hospital. It was also the end of the course for Morris. I always said that the best Aikido teachers come from a background in judo does Kenshiro Abbe, Nakazono Sensei was a 6th dan in judo from the Kodokan.

Masamichi Noro Sensei
Noro Sensei visited the UK in 1964, fifth dan. He was young and very friendly with very dynamic flowing Aikido, we had never seen this kind of Aikido with a large circular motion. This was very different from what we saw with the older teachers. Noro Sensei was make several visits to the UK and we in turn visited his dojo in Paris, where Derek Eastman was to receive his second from Dan Noro Sensei 1964 such a visit. Noro Sensei was not as inaccessible as many older teachers and had a good sense of humor. We now Noro and had two Nakazono Hut visiting at different times, Nakazono Sensei teaches his technique and Noro would teach his style, that everyone has visited they would all two asking the same question: "Why do you that way! "I did not teach you that," we have not had the courage to say that we did the style of other teachers. I was on stage in 1963 at Royal Albert Hall in both Noro and Nakazono Sensei Nakazono Sensei Noro in a knife attack, as immobilized Noro and took the knife from him and raised the knife above his body, as if at the end of his opponent off, for whatever reason is Noro very angry and said it was wrong to do that to another grade level, we must say that was far superior to Nakazono Sensei Noro. I Noro Sensei liked a lot, but it is difficult to change such fluid motion, I much prefer the style of Abbe Sensei and Nakazono Sensei. While Noro style was beautiful to watch, I found the technique of the abbot and Nakazono to be effective on the carpet and we knew that would also be effective in the street, had something of his I've never really sure flow with the style of Noro sensei.
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Mutsusuke Harada Sensei
My first encounter with Harada Sensei when he arrived at the Dojo with Kenshiro Abbe Sense Hut in 1963.
It was agreed that it could immediately begin karate classes at the dojo Hut. Initially the classes are small to Derek Eastman and I joined the band. Harada also appreciated that he had seen Aikido dojo Hut and would add some movement to his karate aikido. Harada Sensei had been classified 5th dan in 1957 by Grand Master Funakoshi Sensei Ginshin. 50 years later he is still 5th dan, stating that any rating above 5th dan is "completely useless. At a time when the classes in the martial arts are devalued was a statement both refreshing Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman in agreement with this line of thought and they have the highest possible quality in the 5th ESTA Dan. I knew Harada Sensei permanently from 1963 and met again recently in Chiba TK 40 Celebration in October 2006 when we were both invited Chiba Sensei at the dinner event.
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H Kobayashi Sensei: Hombu Osaka.
I have a copy of a letter Kenshiro Abbe sent to Ueshiba Sensei Kisshomaru in 1966 to inform the conclusions of the official visit of the Hombu for the United Kingdom and Europe Mr H Kobayashi of Osaka Hombu. The Aikikai were surprised by the rapid growth of Aikido in the West. In turn Koybayashi Sensei had visited Hut Dojo with Abbe Sensei.

We had never met the man before and he stepped on the mat, he never smiled or gave the slightest indication that he was happy to be there. He seemed to sit there for what Stony faces then appeared in a lifetime, I just sat there and old with legs that was now also Koybayashi spoke, it was difficult to understand and to be honest, I do not think we were much wiser for the visit. He seemed to be a man very hard. He was now standing up and showing for one Hut dan grades to attack him with a bokken at the cabin we would never attack half heart, and with the look of this it is better Sensei be positive. I'm sure he does not expect a strong attack and was struck on the head, while most men would have decreased the carpet, not so with Kobayashi Sensei, he looked angry and I can assure the reader that this time, he never made another mistake. We do seen again … … … … … …

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Haku Michigami Sensei 9th Dan Judoka born 1912
Michigami Sensei visited Grange Farm School was in 1963 and took part in some National Championship BJC at Royal Albert Hall in London. He was a friend of Abbe Sensei and had also College Busen formed. He spent most of his teaching career at Bordeaux in France. He formed the biggest ever western judoka Anton Geesink, who won the gold medal in the 1964 Winter Olympics in Japan. I met this legendary judoka, but did not study with him. It seemed like a good friend of Abbe Sensei as they spoke, I'm sure they talked about old times "" as we all do.
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2/6p Judo News Magazine in 1964 prices. (32p)
The photo on the cover of the magazine is all the Japanese masters who participated in the National Championship BJC 1963 Royal Albert Hall. London. From left to right: M Noro – Michigami H – K Abbe – Harada M – M Nakazono.
Session M Otani Sensei. I was both uke Sensei Nakazono M and M Noro Sensei on one of the greatest days of my career ARST martial. I wrote all the teachers in this article. This is rare to see a photo so many Japanese teachers and at a time.
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Shohei Hamano Sensei 9th dan Kodokan Judo
I Hamano saw sense when he visited the Grange School was closed. He classified the Abbe Sensei in the 3rd dan
several years ago. He was the first abbot Sensei age and rank and influence, but we were all surprised to see how he seemed to treat Abbe Sensei as he was the dean. I have nothing to write to see this great judoka, but it was a pleasure to see and Abbe Sensei together. We had all been informed that this great master was going to happen that day.

Nobody had ever met before ninth dan. I 'm not sure what we were really waiting for whatever he has created much excitement throughout the camp. It There was a strange incident during the morning class with Nakazono Sensei. As Sensei Nakazono taught someone kept biting their heads through the door and one excited murmur fort would appeal to the class "It just happened" and few minutes later, the door would open and we should have another update to Voice Box low. Nakazono Sensei was becoming a little agitated by this and turned his back to the door when she OpenEnd whisperer and shouted that they were just coming into the building. Nakazono Sensei does not turn his head at this last update. He was still standing with his back to the door when walking Kenshiro Abbe Shohei Hamano Sensei and Sensei. Nakazono Sensei did not return immediately, we've all been tempted to tell him who had just, we decided to stay dumb. It now seemed so long, since the Abbe Sensei walked, but I'm sure it was only a few seconds when Nakazono Sensei clapped and turned on his knees, he greeted them. It appeared to bow only to Abbe Sensei, maybe we've all been deceived.
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Shihan TK Chiba.
I have documented the history of the arrival in 1966 of Chiba Sensei in the UK in several articles to date. I'm going for the benefit of this section add the most pertinent points. Kenshiro Abbe Sensei was returned to Japan for the 1964 Olympic Games where his good friend Sensei Michigami would win the gold medal truck with his star pupil Anton Geesink. Abbe Sensei took the opportunity to visit OSensei Ueshiba where he discussed the possibility of sending OSensei a permanent representative in the United Kingdom Aikikai, which they accepted. Unfortunately this has never been discussed with Ken Williams Sensei and the dojo dan grades Hut. Sensei Williams was the first student of Aikido Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and the first in the United Kingdom. He had worked hard from that time to build Aikido from absolutely nothing to it became a decade later. Now, Father William Sensei Sensei advises a young teacher was on the way to the Hombu take control of aikido in the United Kingdom. This was a shock for grades K Williams and Dan Hut. Now, It's one thing to have visit various Japanese teachers, but to have a permanent seat in the United Kingdom was something else.

One can only imagine the situation at Abbot Hut Dojo Sensei arrived with Chiba Sensei who was then 5th dan. So we were not looking for a teacher and friendly visit, we tried that which was here to stay, not only stay but to take control of all LAC Aikido UK. This situation was not taken Chiba Sense, I'm sure he had no idea what awaited him. He did not receive a warm welcome, simply a reaction mixed all the parties concerned. To be honest Sensei Williams has tried to get the most out of this situation. Unfortunately, he did not get along and Chiba Sensei not. It is obvious that this was never going to work. Kenshiro Abbe gave the control of alcohol in Chiba Sensei. It has also been a time of uncertain loyalties British Aikido as instructors in the United Kingdom has decided which side ukemi, some were faithful to Ken Williams and some wanted a regular Japanese teachers. Later I left the dojo and joins Chiba Hut Sense

I was his assistant and we made a BBC radio broadcast the world together for 30 minutes. We then demonstrated to Granada Television. Was a new adventure for me. I left the Hut Dojo that I was not happy with recent events that I do not agree with the main issue is the issue of honorary degrees dan, these have been issued as there were only eight grades dan Akido throughout the United Kingdom and all were in the Hut Dojo. It was decided (not by me), probably between K and Abbe Sensei Williams that we needed a degree dan the central regions of the United Kingdom, I agree with that. Aikido has increased due to high dan grades Hut, I tried to explain Sensei Williams that if we had people who were not of the standard grades dan Hut it would make a mockery of Aikido.
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Nobuyoshi Tamura Shihan:
My first encounter with Tamura Sensei when he visited the Hut Dojo in the mid 60s. It was quite a surprise aikidoist with a very nice surroundings. I have never seen the hard side to him that I had seen in so many other teachers. His Aikido is very strong, but his movement has been most impressive. 9
When he does suwariwaza (technical knees), he could go faster on his knees as I could on my feet. One day later, I asked suwariwaza Tamura Sensei "Sensei can I raise the bottom of the hakama in place?" He gave me a look very puzzled and asked: "Why! I replied: "I've never seen someone move like feel you on their knees, I'm sure you have under your wheels hakama "He laughs and quiet happily showed that there were no wheels.

Tamura Sensei left: Sensei & Ichimura 1968. I took both on a tour of London on a rainy day with just wearing a pair of zori is.

I trained with Sensei Tamura several time, but the best was to come when he and Ichimura Sensei attended the Summer School in Bracknell in 1968. This event was organized by TK Chiba Shihan. It was a fantastic week with the following Chiba Sensei – Tamura – Ichimura – Tada. I had all these teachers in my home, it was time summer and the weather was hot. My wife had prepared a meal for all, and instead of sitting at the table they are all gone outside and sat on the lawn chatting and eating, my neighbors were fascinated to see all these Japanese gentlemen sitting in a circle in front of my house.
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1
H Tada Sensei:
Tada Sensei was a very senior professor before joining OSensei Karate Dojo Hombu. Personally I have seen and felt the force said in his technique. As the main Akidoist UK Summer School in Bracknell, I would often uke to him, the photo on the side I am sure he is cleaning the mat with me. Tada Sensei was a little older than the other teachers and more serious while the others were young and even made the most serious Chiba
Sensei seemed almost jovial. Tada Sensei was the Hombu representative for Italy. After a week in Bracknell I have never met him again.
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Tochikazu Ichimura Sensei: born 1941: See also pictured above with Tamura Sensei.
I met Ichimura Sensei in the summer of Bracknell school, we were very close in age, I was a second dan at this time.
Ichimura is a 4th dan. I am not sure of the motivations Chiba Sensei, but I do work with Isshamura Sensei I think he wanted to see his pupil and assistant against a young Japanese teacher. I thought I would get hammered by this Dan Young 4th. I really think I held my own and I do not feel at all stages of the young Japanese. I think he knew what was happening, we have had a good feeling about this for the rest of the course.
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Sensei Ken Williams: The first student from the United Kingdom for Aikido.
Sensei Williams was the first student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei Aikido in 1955. He later became the national coach of Aikido and IBC. It was a third dan in judo and he was well known on the circuit of Judo, it would be important in the future promotion of Aikido. I often see where people are trying to divide the Aikido and Judo. It should be noted that Williams Sensei himself was also a judoka, and many of the early converts grades were dan Judo. I can not imagine anyone other than Williams Sensei for a moment that the WHO might have risen to the challenge and upheld the accumulation steam train which was Aikido throughout the country. His progression from scratch is quite dramatic and Aikido should always much K Williams Sensei. Unfortunately, we live in an era where our proud history of Aikido and the line is not appreciated. So maybe documenting these events there may be a new generation that will.

Sensei Williams had as I said before a very natural talent to Aikido and I would say it was the inspiration that made the Hut Dojo to international fame.

At the rank of 3rd kyu large I became assistant to Sensei Williams was difficult, but I progressed very quickly. There is no doubt that these early years Aikido Dojo Hut were unusual, and still are.
Only four of the original dan grades still teaches – K Williams – H Foster – H Ellis – D Eastman. Unfortunately time has taken its toll on many other teachers.
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William "Bill" Woods Sensei
This documented article and my memories would not be complete without the addition of a well-deserved credit to Bill Woods Sensei. Bill was a small man in stature but a giant of British Martial Arts. I believe and have stated in other articles that Bill Woods was probably had more influence on the development of martial arts in the United Kingdom than any other Englishman.
When Bill met the Abbe Sensei was already a 3rd dan and the LJS Judo Champion. It would leave the LJS and join with Abbe Sensei. He became Secretary of the BJC – BKC – LAC – BKC. These organizations, at one point reached some 35,000 members worldwide with its orientation. It was the first graduate student of Kenshiro Abbe Kendo Sensei with certificate number one and number two Tomio Otani. This photo shows the 2003 bill with the center Derek Eastman on his left and Henry Ellis to the right. I saw Bill again when Kenshiro Abbe Memorial celebration in May 2005 where he made a supreme effort despite his serious illness to be there to pay his respects to his master. Unfortunately, this was the last time I would see my old friend, as he died a few months later. It will never be forgotten.
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Jiro Nakazono Sensei
It was a pleasure and an honor for me to teach alongside Jiro Nakazono Sensei the son of one of my most respected teachers of the great Masahilo Nakazono 45 years earlier. We were both at the event commemorative celebration in Neath Wales "Nakazono Memorial Aikido Event Masahilo. I spent some quality time with Jiro Nakazono where we talked about his father and his influence on Aikido in Europe and particularly in the United Kingdom
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Dang Phong Sensei
I also had the privilege of teaching alongside Sensei Phong to "Masahilo Nakazono Memorial Aikido event. Sensii Phong had traveled to California USA to attend this event in memory of his master. I found Sensei Phong to be a most remarkable man. His personal story with his impeccable line made a vow that they could devote lot of time with him listening to the stories he has to tell. His Aikido is very classic and powerful.

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Henry Ellis Sensei:
Henry Ellis started Judo in 1956. In 1957, after seeing Kenshiro Abbe demonstrate Aikido with Sensei Williams, he joined the class of small Aikido, he continued with his judo classes for another year before deciding to concentrate fully on Aikido. He became the first Assistant Sensei K Williams and he was also a direct student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. After leaving the hut and join TK Chiba Shihan was to become Chiba Sensei's assistant from 1967 to 1970.

The Ellis Schools of Aikido (ESTA) was officially formed in 1962 by Derek Eastman Sensei who asked if he could name the organization in my name, I agree and actually joined my own organization. what in fact one of the first aikido organizations in the United Kingdom. The ESTA were members of the CMA and founding member of the British Aikido Board (BAB). With other member associations, we hoped to create an organization fit for members of Aikido in the UK community. In 2000 ESTA decided that the BAB was not fit for purpose and ESTA has resigned.

ESTA is a small organization, and not by circumstances but by design. ESTA has a small group of dojo in the UK with dojo in the United States. The dojo is located in Dallas, Texas and Alamogordo New Mexico.
Henry Ellis remembers being invited to a seminar he has accepted. He was invited to serve on the committee classification, he refused. As he watched, he saw more people being ordered to Dan grade in one day that he and Derek Eastman Sensei classified the past 50 years.

Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman had only 14 people filed to Dan grade. They are very proud of the loyalty their grades Dan, they never had to leave a degree or dan breakaway ESTA since it was
formed in 1962. It is the intention ESTA to continue to teach and preserve the true traditional Aikido as taught by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from its origins in the United Kingdom.

Henry Ellis
Co-author of Positive Aikido.
Available from Nine Circles.co.uk
http://www.EllisAikido.org
http://www.british-aikido . com
http://www.KenshiroAbbe.com
http://www.nakazono.aberaikido.org.uk

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