BAA 60th Anniversary celebration
Fantastic day at the British Aikido Association 60th anniversary celebration (1966 – 2026) at High Wycombe Judo Centre.
The sessions were taken by;
- Bob Jones 8th Dan BAA (Dai Itchi) – Ichiban Leeds
- Garrett Baxter 5th Dan BAA (Dai Go) – promoted to 6th Dan – Bradford Tomiki Aikido
- Phil Bird 7th Dan BAA (Effective Randori principles) – Redditch Aikido
- Mark Aldridge 6th Dan BAA (Dai Ni) – Ichiban Leeds
- Mick Pratt 4th Dan BAA (Dai Yon) – promoted to 5th Dan
- Shaun Hoddy 7th Dan BAA (Dai Roku) – Essex Aikido Dojo-Shoshinkan
- Keith McLean 5th Dan BAA (Goshin Ho) – Dublin Tomiki Aikido
Dan gradings were continuous assessment throughout the day with a mix of demonstrations of Kata before teaching and formal assessment during the course. Personally I think the format worked ensuring that grading candidates attend the course. Examiners not becoming brain dead watching a grading.
I am really proud of Kaki and James who both passed their Dan grade examination Kai was promoted to Shodan 1st Dan and James to Sandan 3rd Dan
Other members who attended were Garry Wilkinson 2nd Dan, Mark Ammon 4th Dan, Andy Wisbey 6th Dan and myself Shaun Hoddy 7th Dan.
Bob Jones (British Aikido Association CEO), presented me with a fellow of the BAA certificate.