Instructors

 

Andrew Baird 5th Dan, BAB Coach Level 3 & Young People
Started Aikido in 1973 at Reading and over the years received tuition from Ron Russell, Hayden Foster, Don & Mary Pybus, Bob Spence, Marian Mucha. Started teaching in 1978 at Hazel Grove Sports Centre and then in Mirrlees in Stockport. Opened Trafford Aikido Club in 1989 at Seamons Moss Community Centre moving later to Woodfield Road and then to St John's Church in 2000 and Altrincham Leisure Centre. Held the Coaching Liaison Officer position with the BAB 1989 to 1999

Enjoy teaching aikido - its a skills obtainable to all I find it rewarding to see students progress and grow both in aikido stature and in self confidence on and off the mats. Aikido I see as an important life skill to be shared with those who wish to try and grasp it. It's traits of blending and non aggression serve well off the mat.

Sue Baird 3rd Dan, BAB Coach Level 3 & Young People
I started Aikido in 1981 at the Mirrlees Club in Stockport. At this club my coaches were Andrew Baird Sensei and Keith Downs Sensei.

Mirrlees was a Lancashire Aikikai Club so I was also instructed by Marian Mucha Sensei the Principal of the Lancashire Aikikai and Bob Spence Sensei who was Chief Instructor.
I achieved 1st Dan in November 1991and was graded to my present grade of 3rd Dan in November 2000. Recognised as a coach by the MAC (Martial Arts Commission) in August 1990 and have attended many of the Lancashire Aikikai's internal courses to achieve Teacher status within the Association. Hold the BAB Coach Award and Coach (Children) Awards and the BAB Senior Coach Award.

Over the years I have attended many courses and seminars taught by the top Sensei's in Britain as well as those taught by Japanese teachers.

Lawrence Robinson 3rd Dan, BAB Coach Level 1
Ever since I left school I wanted to train in a martial art, but my work and travelling hindered me a lot. It wasn't until I returned to the UK in 1990 that I started looking properly. I didn't want a sporty martial art or trophies and badges, but one with the true Budo spirit.

I found this in Aikido. I went along on my own to Altrincham Leisure Centre one Sunday evening in a track suit and simply joined in. It was a very friendly club and I was made to feel very welcome by the others. I trained under Andrew Baird mostly and Graham Harrison. They had been trained by Marion Mucha, Principal of the Lancashire Aikikai, a position now held by Bob Spence.

To this day I give out the advice Mucha Sensei gave me: "Practise, practise, practise. It takes time but it is worth it." 1st Dan achieved on 15/12/1996 - I became 2nd Dan in November 2000; 3rd Dan in Nov-04. I have passed all the relevant teaching qualifications (BAB Coach Award) and enjoy training more than ever. I was 33 years of age when I first stepped into that class in my track suit, and I am still learning! Andrew Sensei is still teaching me and the club is as friendly as ever.


Hephzi Yohannan 2nd Dan, BAB Coach Level 1 & Young People
Favourite film: the Seven Samuri, by Akira Kurosawa, which I was taken to see when a child. Previous Martial Art: Fencing. First heard about Aikido in 1979. After ten years searching and moving house I went to Andrew Baird's Sensei opening night of what became the Trafford Aikido Club, in the Lancashire Aikikai.

Studied under Andrew, Graham and Marion Mucha (founder of the Lancashire Aikikai) Senseis. Also with Bob Spence Sensei (Current Principal) and other Instructors in the Lancashire Aikikai. Became Assistant Coach in 1994, and 1st Dan in 1997 - 2nd Dan in 2002 and now hold the BAB Coach Award.

Neil Wright 1st Dan, BAB Coach Level 1