History of the Lancashire Aikikai

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Marian Mucha Sensei – Founder and Principal

The Lancashire Aikikai was founded by Marian Mucha, who was born in Niwaka, Poland, in 1919. When the Second World War broke out, he joined the Polish forces in France and saw active service. He came to Britain in 1943 and returned to France in 1944, where he was wounded in action. After the war, he settled permanently in the United Kingdom.

Mucha Sensei had been practising Judo and first encountered Aikido in 1956. He continued training in both disciplines and, in 1965–66, established his own Budo (martial “way”) club, first in Ormskirk and later in Chorley, Lancashire.

In 1967, this club became the Lancashire Aikikai, a voluntary organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting Aikido—a purpose that remains unchanged today.

A significant milestone occurred in 1967 when Chiba Sensei toured the UK with Noro Sensei from France, having been sent by Aikido Headquarters to teach. Their tour included a course in Ormskirk. Mr Mucha was deeply impressed by Chiba Sensei’s attitude and ability, and asked to become his uchi-deshi (“inside student”).

As Chiba Sensei was based in Sunderland at the time, this required considerable travel. Mucha Sensei journeyed across the country once or twice a month to train with his teacher.

His persistence and dedication were recognised with the award of 1st Dan in 1969, 2nd Dan in 1972, and 3rd Dan in 1975, all awarded by Chiba Sensei. In 1974, he also received his Teacher’s Certificate from the Seikai Hombu.

In 1975, Chiba Sensei returned to Japan and later moved to San Diego, USA. Mucha Sensei always regarded Chiba as his teacher and continued to teach in the manner he had learned.

Over the following years, the Lancashire Aikikai expanded to include clubs across the North West and beyond. Mucha Sensei passed away in 1998, after which Bob Spence Sensei became the second Principal of the organisation.

 

Bob Spence Sensei – 2nd Principal

Spence Sensei, was born in Aberdeen and brought up in Glasgow. He moved to Lancashire at the age of 15.

He initially studied Karate and began his Aikido training with the Chorley Budo Club in 1968. He also travelled extensively to study under Chiba Sensei.

He was awarded his 1st Dan in August 1971 by Chiba Sensei and, in 2021, celebrated 50 years as a Dan grade. He became widely known within the Aikido community through his work as a British Aikido Board (BAB) Coach Tutor, mentoring many coaching courses.

Over the years, he was influenced by a number of prominent teachers, including Tada, Sekiya, Kitaura, Kenshiro Abbe, Nakazono, Tamura, and Chiba Sensei.

Mr Spence also had a broad martial arts background, having studied Karate, Judo, and Kung Fu (White Cloud system).

He continued to lead the Lancashire Aikikai in accordance with the principles passed down to him by Mucha Sensei. Spence Sensei passed away in July 2024.

The Intermediate Years

From 2000 to approximately 2010, the Lancashire Aikikai continued under the leadership of Bob Spence Sensei, with strong influence from Chiba Sensei.

During this period, many members travelled extensively to attend Chiba Sensei’s seminars throughout the UK. The organisation also developed a close relationship with Steve Magson Sensei of the British Birankai, whose teaching strongly influenced both our technical development and weapons practice.

Weapons training has always been an integral part of Lancashire Aikikai Aikido. Following the passing of Mucha Sensei, weapons instruction was initially led by Bill Smalley Sensei. From 2014 onwards, it was further developed with the support of visiting instructor Matt Hill Sensei (5th Dan Iwama Ryu).

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Atsushi Mimuro Shihan - Technical Director

The Lancashire Aikikai became associated with Mimuro Shihan of Yokohama International Aikido in 2009.

In 2015, Spence Sensei re-established formal links with Aikikai (Hombu Dojo) by inviting Mimuro Sensei to become the organisation’s Shihan and Technical Director.

Mimuro Shihan is the Director of the Yokohama International Aikido Club (established in 1997) and he trained for more than 25 years under Seigo Yamaguchi Shihan. He has practised Aikido for over 50 years, including a period in Tahiti (1991–1993), and has been teaching internationally since 2008.

He initially studied Judo, achieving shodan at the age of 15. In 1973, he entered Meiji University to study architecture, where he began his Aikido journey and his long association with Yamaguchi Shihan. During his first year at university, he trained nine times per week. Shortly before graduating, he was awarded 2nd Dan by Yamaguchi Shihan.

Mimuro Shihan also studied Kashima Shinryu Kenjutsu under Inaba Sensei.

In 1983, he took ukemi for Yamaguchi Shihan at the All Japan Aikido Demonstration.

 

Andrew Baird Sensei – Head of Association

Following the passing of Spence Sensei in July 2024, Andrew Baird Sensei was appointed Head of Association, with Mimuro Sensei as our Shihan and Technical Director.