Mike Smith Sensei
Traditional Aikido
5th Dan So Hombu
UKA Shidoin
| Michael Smith began practising Aikido in 1968 with his uncle Mr W.J. Smith(MBE) who granted him no favours. It was later in this year that he met Chiba Sensei, and soon realised that this was the path of Martial Arts training that he wanted to take. On his first grading he was promoted to 5th Kyu and soon after that he was awarded 3 rd Kyu on his second grading in 1969. |
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These years with Chiba Sensei, and under the strict instruction of Sensei Smith gave him and many others a good realisation of Aikido making the foundations of what is practised and taught today. Already being 1st Kyu he was given permission to wear Hakama in 1973 and then promoted to Shodan in 1974. His progression took him to 2nd Dan in 1989, then 3rd Dan in 1993, then 4th Dan in 1996 and finally to 5th Dan in 2002. |
He gained his coaching qualifications on the way, being awarded Fukishidoin in 1989, Senior Coach in 1994 and Coach Tutor for the British Aikido Board (BAB) in 1995. In January 2000 he was promoted to Shidoin. Michael Smith is a Senior Instructor at the UKA Headquarters Dojo (Ren Shin Kan) at Old Hill. |
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He spent many years studying the art of Aikido incorporating weapons training in Bokken, Jo, and Iaido. It is in this area that Mike specialises and continues to promote. In April 2006 Combat Magazine article, Mike Smith Draws His Sword he emphasises the importance of weapons training for any practictioner of Aikido. There is no Aikido without the body art and weapons training. You can not have one without the other. |