Instructors

 

Chris Shepherd 3rd Dan, BAB Coach Level 1 & Young People
In 1983 I was a special needs teacher in a very good secondary school. Like any community, the school contained a few challenging individuals and after a particularly large youngster threatened to punch me, I wondered what I would have done if he had carried out his threat. From a mixture of curiosity and self preservation I went on a two day women's self-defence course and found that the parts that intrigued me most were those that came from aikido - the first time I had heard the name. A colleague put me in touch with her brother-in-law, Andrew Baird Sensei . I was immediately hooked and have continued my training while raising a family and changing careers. From early days, aikido gave me an extra helping of confidence - I knew I had strategies to deal with or (even better) to avoid aggression.

In teaching aikido, I aim to share the enjoyment and exhilaration that comes from its combination of physical and mental exertion.

Aikido history: Started in 1983. Taught by all Lancashire Aikikai teachers but principally Andrew. Acheived 1st Dan on 11/2/95, 2nd Dan (27/11/99) 3rd Dan (Nov-04). BAB Coaching award - Coach obtained in 1998.

Chris Wallace 3rd Dan, BAB Coach Level 1 & Young People
I started my Martial Arts training in 1975 at the age of 20 with Shotokan Karate, having had a brief spell at Judo in my late teens. This was the time of the Bruce Lee movies when everyone had to have a go at one or other of the Arts. My first three years were under the direction of Kowaswe Sensei, which gave me a good basic grounding. I then had a break, and recommenced with a spell at Wadoryu and Shukakai Karate before returning to Shotokan and taking 1st Dan in 1989 under Kato Sensei.

I started Aikido with Andrew Sensei at Oldfield Brow, Altrincham in 1990. I had reached a plateau in my Karate training and had always had Aikido at the back of my mind as something special. I attended a demonstration in Birmingham in the late 70's and remember being awe struck by the Dan Grade display. I originally intended this to be a brief spell to enhance my Karate and many years later I am still here, having taken 1st Dan in 1997 under Mucha Sensei  and attaining 3rd Dan in 2004 under Spence Sensei.

I hold the BAB Coach Award.

Also for my sins I am the Association representative for our governing body the British Aikido Board. I attend several meetings a year, which gives me the opportunity to mingle with many famous (and infamous) Aikido names. In Jan 2008 I have, jointly with Chris Shepherd set up the Marple Club.


Wendy Wallace 1st Dan, BAB Coach Level 1