Itai Doshin Aikido
Traditional Aikido practised with an open mind and heart.
'There are no 'styles' of Aikido. It is like cheese cake.
You can cut it in wedges or squares or just dig in with your fork but it is still cheese cake!'
Michael Higgins Sensei.
Mike commenced Aikido in 2002 under Ken Fisher Sensei-4th dan and David Luddington Sensei-4th dan where he was graded to 1st dan in 2004.
Regular training with Professor Rick Clarke - 8th dan Ryukyu Kempo, on his trips to Europe lead to Mike being awarded 1st dan in Ao Denko Jutsu also in 2004.
Between 2004 and 2007 Mike taught a weekly class at United Dojos in Taunton, augmenting his own practise with regular attendence at local clubs and courses.
Mike also trains twice a week at Hagakure Fudoshin Iaido with Mick Simmonette Sensei-4th dan Iaido, 2nd dan jodo, 1st dan kendo at Creech St. Michael, Somerset,where he has recently started learning Jodo as well as Iaido
Mikes main influences include Barry Gibson-Yondan a very good friend, a nice guy and an Aikidoka whose exceptionally practical and dynamic style he finds a joy to behold and Toby Threadgill Kaicho,by far the most accomplished and knowledgable martial artist he has met. It was a pleasure to be able to attend one of his much saught after seminars.His jujutsu is soft, relaxed yet incredibly devistating.
Over the last 2 years, Mike has sought out and trained with many different teachers and attended seminars and courses in an effort to improve his understanding and open mindedness towards teaching Aikido. Recent courses have also included Professor Rick Clarke Ao Denko Jutsu and Toby Threadgill Kaicho Takamura ha Shindo Yoshin ryu Jujutsu. Mike is currently training twice a week with Phil Benge Sensei at Rising Sun Aikido,Weston-Super-Mare.
On the 14th June 2008, Mike was graded to 2nd dan. His grade is recognised by the A.M.A and the B.A.B
And on the 19th August 2008, Mike was graded to Shodan in Seitei Iaido by the British Kendo Association
John Creed Sensei
John commenced Aikido in 1981 with David Green Sensei-1st dan; and Sempai Mike Crawford-1st dan; after seeing a poster describing how to hit people with sticks! He began regular training with them in this strange art called Aikido which led him to being introduced to their teacher Gareth Jones Sensei-4th dan, now in Marbella. He became a true friend with whom, whilst trying to learn his incredibly dynamic powerful and flowing Aikido in Sunbury (later Feltham) he trained for the next 6 years and was awarded his 1st dan. During this period John was also practising with Andy Mostyn Sensei-1st dan at the fabled Walton Leisure centre (which admittedly involved John taking out an 8' square window with his Jo - apparently it is believed - cos it looked at him in a 'funny' way!) and also at the Twickenham Budokan with Andy Allen Sensei of the 'IOA' (Institute of Aikido) 'Hut', the Birthplace of Aikido in this country. Courses and seminars during this time included Chiba Sensei and Tamura Sensei.
At this point around 1988, work took John to Brighton for a few years where he attended a local club with Brian Mitchell Sensei and also the Brighton University Club with the ocasional tuition from Kanatsuka Sensei.
On moving to Suffolk in 1993 John practised for 3 years at the Broadlands Aikido Club with Frank Burlingham Sensei of the IOA, a wonderful Aikidoka and man (we try not to mention the jokes!) , whilst latterly helping Richard Guise Sensei run a club in Great Yarrmouth. Courses included Haydn Foster Sensei. In 1996 His family moved to Somerset where work and family life interceeded and regrettably ended up taking a ten year break from Aikido
He resumed studies in Somerset in late 2005 with David Luddington Sensei-4th dan; and Michael Higgins Sensei-1st dan; of United Dojo's in Taunton, also more recently Rising Sun Aikido in Weston-super-Mare with Phil Benge Sensei-3rd dan. Recent courses have also included Professor Rick Clarke of Ao Denko Jutsu and Toby Threadgill Kaicho Takamura ha Shindo Yoshin ryu Jujutsu. Also Pierre Citti Sensie-7th dan and technical director for the IBC 'International Budo Council'
John has been back on the mat for 24 months now, trains at least 4 times a week and hopes it will stop hurting soon!
Recently commenced training in Hagakure Fudoshin Iaido with Mick Simmonette Sensei (4thdan Iaido, 2nd dan jodo, 1st dan kendo) at Creech St. Michael, Somerset
Currently also training in western fencing 'epee' with Maitre Jim Perry B.A.F Which he finds hugely enjoyable, very competitive and an interesting if exhausting contrast to the Japanese Blade!
oh btw he also plays 'Go' (japanese board game) ... anybody else fancies a game drop him a mail.
Other thoughts and future directions
A year plus back, we were both extremely fortunate to attend a weekend seminar with Toby Threadgill Kaicho, menkyo kaiden holder for Takamura ha Shindo Yoshin ryu Jujutsu, a koryu art. Toby was a featured instructor at both aiki expo 2003 and 2005 . His attitude towards his arts and breadth of his knowledge is remarkable, his understanding of the human body and mind subtle.
The patience shown in his teachings and his generosity with explanations over a two day course allowed a huge leap forward in our understanding of our own art. We both felt that his jujutsu was more 'Aikido' in feeling and understanding than 80% of the 'real' Aikido we have observed over the years.
In regard to the Aikido vs self defence debate, His views on training and adrenaline effects lay bare many dojos pontification about teaching workable self defence within a martial art. We would reccomend any serious student of any art to familiarise themselves with Threadgill Kaicho articles on this subject.
We both feel that his approach to the martial arts is one that could not fail to further benefit our understanding of Aikido.