The British Aikido Board

BAB Grade Certificate

To purchase a BAB Grade Certificate, Login to your membership area and follow the procedure from their.

New Mat and Equipment Insurance is now available from Endsleigh!

Click here for details»

Subscribe to the BAB Coaching Email List and receive regular updates on the latest coaching information!

Subscribe Now»

Whats New on the Site, Look at the BAB Forum for details!

What's new»

Read the latest advise on carrying Aikido weapons in public!

Carrying bladed/pointed weapons»
Carrying wooden weapons»

We need your email address, have you registered your BAB Membership!

Check by Name »
Check by Association »

Follow us on...

BAB Club Search

Google Club Search

Latest News

The British Aikido Board

Important Insurance Information for March 2013

Message from the BAB Chairman

We were due to change insurance brokers (and insurance companies) on 1 March 2013 based primarily on the cost of the renewal/new premium due. In January, following the agreement of the BAB Trustees, I notified Endsleigh that we had obtained a very competitive quote from another Broker which gave the BAB all the insurance cover we required.

All seemed to be going well with the new Brokers until I had to notify them of a new claim that had been lodged with Endsleigh for an accident on the tatami in a member Club. Since then, I have been requesting confirmation this would not affect the quotation and basis of insurance with the Broker's Insurance companies.
As of the 27th February 2013 I still had no confirmation.

With only one day's insurance cover left (28 Feb) with Endsleigh, I approached Endsleigh and asked if they were willing to renegotiate the renewal premium with the BAB. They have jumped at the chance and come back to me with a deal that cannot be ignored.

For only £1000 more in premium terms than we would have paid with Leisure Insure, Endsleigh have offered the additional cover of insurance for ALL Clubs' equipment to a value of £1500; without the need for Clubs to complete proposal forms - it's automatic cover. I know this may not be enough for some Clubs so I have also asked for this to be increased.

Additionally, the BAB has been given security of premium at the present renewal cost for 2013, 2014,and 2015 (that is, the next 3 years).

As I was not willing to wait until the last day of insurance with Endsleigh to know whether the BAB would have cover on 1 March, I have made the decision as "Chairman BAB" to renew with Endsleigh. This deal is a significant improvement in terms of cover and cost on Endsleigh's earlier renewal quote.

Vincent Sumpter

Record breaking Coaching Weekend

Over the weekend of 12th /13th January the Shodokan Aikido UK organised courses for all the Coach Level 2 units (5 in total). This was a brilliant way for an association to take their instructors to Coach Level 2 (CL2) with an added benefit of these students being able to take the CL2 assessment at their own dojo free of charge.

It must have been quite tiring for the students and for the tutor Frank Burlingham but as each evaluation was 95% or over they all coped very well.

81 coaching certificates were issued to 17 students from 6 different associations; 55 certificates were issued to the Shobu Aikido UK with the remaining 26 certificates issued to the other 5 associations.

As an officer for the BAB Coaching team, I would like to congratulate the Shodokan Aikido UK for their commitment to the BAB coaching system and wish them
well when their students take the final CL2 assessment. I hope they will then successfully progress to CL3.e

Aiki Extensions - Aikido Stories

Earlier this year, I went on this incredible aikido tour of California, visiting many of the wonderful aikido teachers and dojos that are out there. There is probably a greater concentration of 6th dans and above around this area than anywhere in the world. One of the gentlemen I had the privilege to meet was Bob Frager Sensei, (one of the founders of aikido in the US and a direct student of O Sensei). In our discussions, he suggested that I should try and put together a book of aikido stories about how students have used what they learn on the mat, off the mat and achieve things that they had previously not thought possible. These events are often transformational and certainly re-affirm the value of what aikido has to offer all students.

Over the years, I have been told many such tales. Sometimes they are very brief in the telling and sometimes not, but they are always inspiring. As a teacher myself, they certainly motivate me and remind me why I believe that aikido is a force for good in the world. So it didn't take me long to decide that Sensei Frager's suggestion was a brilliant one and as such I am now putting together a book of such tales.

I can tell you that I have already had a good few submissions, all of which are worth reading and many of which are incredibly profound and very moving, so I absolutely know that we have an opportunity to create a seminal work here. First and foremost it is a book that I myself would want to read and I feel sure that most aikidoka would feel the same. It should serve as a wonderful advert for our art and furthermore all the proceeds will be used to support of the work of Aiki Extensions, (http://www.aiki-extensions.org/) an International group based in the US, that supports various wonderful charitable projects that have aikido at their heart.

Long term, my ambition is to create an awareness amongst the aikido community worldwide that when something wonderful happens to you as a result of your training, that you write it down and send it in to me so that it can be shared by all of us. In this way, we will constantly be reminded of the power for good that aikido offers and whilst doing it raise money to further important work that truly make a difference to the world in which we live. After all this is just the sort of thing that was what O Sensei envisioned.

So if you have a tale to offer, please send it to q.cooke@ntlworld.com and if you have a dojo, then please ask me for an A4 poster, which I have produced to promote my quest in your dojo. I really would value your support and sincerely believe that the success of this project can only be good news for us all, as well as providing a really important piece of work, that may well become a standard read for aikidoka everywhere.

Quentin Cooke
Chair of Aikido for Daily Life
Director of Aiki Extensions

Find the Storyposter here.

Press Release ( August 2012 )

High honour for Aikido pioneer

On Friday 3rd August, former Heathrow airport porter, Haydn W. Foster, was posthumously graded 7th dan by Shihan T K Chiba, a senior representative of the Aikido World Headquarters in Japan. This award was given in recognition of Haydn's significant contribution to Aikido for over 50 years. During this time, he was a major pioneer of the art and helped to spread it throughout the UK. After a short ceremony, the certificate was presented to his widow Alice, and to his grandson Paul Foster-Dent.

Among Haydn's many achievements were that, during the 1960s, his 1st and 2nd dan certificates were two of the very few in the UK which were signed by O-Sensei, the founder of Aikido. Haydn also played a major part in the first major martial arts demonstration held at the Royal Albert hall in the mid 1960s. In 1973, he founded the Institute of Aikido, and was one of the founding members of the British Aikido Board, the governing body for Aikido in the UK. Haydn was the senior instructor at the Hut dojo in West London, the birthplace of Aikido in the UK, where he continued to teach until his death in 2011 at the age of 83. His grandson, Paul, continues to teach at the Hut dojo.

Mrs Foster, Chiba Sensei and Paul Foster-Dent

Brian Eustace 8th Dan Tomiki Aikido, 9th Dan Taiho Jutsu and 2nd Dan Judo

It is with much sadness that I notify the Members of the Board of the passing of Mr Brian Eustace on Tuesday 3rd July 2012. Brian was a very senior and long standing member of the British Aikido Association; he was also involved in the founding of the British Aikido Board. A stalwart of the ethics and ethos of Aikido, especially as a means of self-defence and restraint of attackers, he will be greatly missed. On behalf of the Board I relay our condolences to his family, friends and the Tomiki Aikido Association to which he contributed so much over many years.

Vincent Sumpter (Chairman BAB) - 9 July 2012

The funeral will take place at 12 noon on Thursday 19th July at Mid Warwickshire Crematorium, Oakley Wood, Bishops Tachbrook, Leamington Spa CV33 9QP

Brian's family have asked that people do not send flowers. They have suggested however, that anyone who would like to make a donation in place of flowers could do so to any one of three charities ;The British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research, The R.S.P.C.A

After the funeral a wake will be held at Brian's local pub close to his dojo in Shottery.

This photograph is one of the last taken of Brian. It shows him proudly displaying the 8th Dan Tomiki Aikido Certificate that was presented to him recently by Kenji Tomiki's daughtert. Very few non-Japanese have ever received this honour.

Aiki Extensions

�Most of us believe that aikido is a very positive influence for those that practice it and no doubt for the people that surround them. Aiki Extensions is a charitable club that expands this idea to look at the big picture as you will se from the articles in this edition of our Newsletter. If the articles inspire you, then please think about joining Aiki Extensions and playing your part in funding the work we do and adding your own efforts to bringing aikido into your own communities and the world at large.�

See the latest news letter here.

Templegate Dojo - Bristol

To help raise money for MacMillan Nurses Joan Connor (Shotokan Karate) arranged a mixed martial arts event, analogous to "speed dating" for martial arts. The concept was for the day to comprise of 14 martial arts/systems with half of the set teaching for the first half of the day in 25 minute "taster" sessions, a break for lunch, a demonstration followed by the remaining arts teaching for the afternoon.

Templegate Dojo were asked to participate in the teaching at the event and provide the half-time demonstration, something we were very honoured to do for such a worthy cause. We attempted to show a variety of work that covered a wide range of material and involved a number of persons of varying skill levels and ages across the club.

As well as raising money for a valuable charity the day was an exemplar of the positive approach of martial artists in general with no egos and no problems with the mixing of many styles with many high level practitioners not afraid to put on their beginners minds and try their hands (and feet!) at something different to their normal practice.


		Play the video of the Event

The BAB Grade Certificate system is now on line.

If you wish to purchase a National Governing Board Certificate, Please login to your membership area and follow the procedure from there. The price is 10 pounds if you pay by credit card or PayPal.
See a copy of the certificate here

Note: an email will be sent to your association to confirm that it is acceptable for you to purchase an certificate from the BAB.

IIwama Ryu North West Chief instructor Paul Sparks receives a cheque for 6,000 pounds from Paul Lees of the Chorley Community Housing Neighbourhood Fund.

Paul Sparks stated Chorley Community Housing had 50,000 pounds available for local grants so our club applied.

We received funding to deliver Aikido for a whole year to children and young people. We will also be providing weekly bush craft sessions. The club was privileged to received the highest award from over 130 applicants.

The new BAB Coaching and Club Hand book is finally here.

Please click on the Icon to the left to download the latest version of this important coaching document.

Aikido in Schools Presentation.

Philip Benge of the United Traditional Aikido Association kind wrote this presentation describing his method on presenting Aikido to school child.
See the Presentation Here

Do we have your email address and have you registered your BAB Membership!.....

From Kyu grade to the Highest Dan Grade all BAB members please check to see if you details have already been added by your own association. If not you can add it yourself.
Check by Name or Check by Association. If you already exist on the system and do not know your login please click on the 'request login button' an email will be sent off to the relevant people to provide you with access. The BAB hope to use your email address to give advance notice of the many events and new information that is available on this website.

The process for applying for a CRB check is changing as from July 1st. Applicants will need to complete a new style form - and all 'old style' application forms should be destroyed. New charges will also apply - please contact your Association CPO for more information. New guidance notes will be uploaded to these pages as soon as possible

If you teach anyone under the age of 18 please login into your club and add your club welfare officer details.

The BAB now requires all clubs that coach under 18's to have a registered and trained Club Welfare Officer.

Have you subscribed to the BAB Coaching List Yet, When subscribed you will receive regular updates on the current coaching information.
Click here to subscribe.

Please read the new articles concerning carrying Aikido Weapons in public
Aikido and the possession of offensive weapons (wooden)
Aikido and the possession of bladed/pointed articles - UK Law

Welcome to the British Aikido Board

The British Aikido Board seeks to:-

•	Represent the majority of bona fide organisations practicing aikido in the United Kingdom.
•	Support, encourage and promote the highest standards of aikido within an environment of mutual respect for differing styles practiced.
•	Raise awareness of the value of aikido not only as a contributor towards healthy living, but also in the development of adults, young people and children, without regard to race, gender or creed.

The British Aikido Board operates primarily through its member Associations. There are currently 36 Full Member with 24 Associate and Probationary Members of regional and national status, who each retain their independence, both technically and financially, with a combined membership of some 10,000 , which includes 1982 instructors holding current Coaching Awards.

The Board is recognised by Sport England , as the only governing body for aikido in the United Kingdom and is a member of the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

The Board seeks to further the advancement of all styles of aikido and to establish and monitor standards of safety and behaviour for practitioners of aikido.

The Board advises member Associations on all relevant UK and European legislation and procedures and develops appropriate policies and codes of practice.

Other services provided include:-

•	Insurance cover, for members, instructors and Associations.
•	Promotion of a Nationally recognised Coaching Scheme in conjunction with Sports Coach UK.
•	Organising a National Course.
•	Promoting Club Mark registration.
•	Supporting initiatives to encourage the teaching of Aikido in schools.
•	Publishing Newsletters and specialist information bulletins eg. Safeguarding and Coaching.

The Board has completed a number of initiatives, arising from the work of their major Governance Audit and through the adoption of a wide range of recommendations, contained in their Aikido Delelopment Plan (which can be viewed here) will support their key objective of encouraging all Aikido groups to join together under this “Aikido umbrella”.