The Beginning of a Path
A couple of years before the founding of the Sho Bu Kan, a few of us decided to leave the Dojo we had been with for many years.
Cardiff Aikikai had left the British Aikido Federation a few years before, but after a meeting with Chiba Sensei we felt there was a lot missing in our practice and a number of us took the decision to start our own Dojo (Clive Simms, Jim Rankmore, Bryn Holliday and myself, later to be joined by John Steel). In the early days, Allan Hagan began training and became the Dojo secretary, and over the following years others moved over, including most importantly Ron Watts and Spiro Gucci. Ron continues to be an important part and support of the Dojo.
After a while Clive found a place above a garage which had little more than basics, but it would develop a strong spirit. It was here, 40 years ago on a Wednesday evening that Kanetsuka Sensei named us Sho Bu Kan. Sensei would continue to support the Dojo by not only coming for weekend courses, but often coming just for a Wednesday evening practice, also bringing Chiba Sensei and Shibata Sensei. After a while we had to move out and so we started training at the Llanrumney Centre and Plasnewydd Centre. It was here that Russ started, who would go on to become the main instructor at Plasnewydd.
Over the following years, we were visited alongside Kanetsuka Sensei, by Bill Smith Sensei, Terry Ezra Sensei, Ken Cottier Sensei and also Miyazawa Sensei. We were also honoured by a weekend course with Okumura Shihan 9th Dan.
Our Dojos have changed over the years with a few years spent in Penarth, but now the Sho Bu Kan has three homes, Plasnewydd, Chapter and Sully.
We are thankful for the support given to us by Matthew Holland Shihan and Don Morgan Shihan during this time.
Over the years we have become friends with many Japanese fellow students and our Dojo is twinned with Harukaze Dojo, Tokyo.
Of course, the Dojo with its history would not be where it is today without those who practice with us currently, and those who have passed through the Sho Bu Kan over the last 40 years. Today we must continue to build on the past 40 years to take us forward through the next 40 years.
We now have a mix of members, some beginners and some experienced students, including Hazel with many years of experience, and indeed Guy who brings a wide knowledge of Aikido. Both are willing to share that experience and provide support to us all.
Aikido from the past is in our hands, and we need to continue to develop it into the future in the true spirit of our founder O'Sensei and Harmony in our practice and daily lives.
Peter Gillard Shihan.
The 40th Anniversary T-Shirt
We are taking orders for the anniversary T-Shirt if you are interested in purchasing the exclusive T-shirt please get in touch with your size and amount required here: T-Shirt Orders
