Instructors

Michael Higgins Sensei

Principal Instructor and Dojo-Cho (Taunton) – 3rd Dan Aikikai – BAB/JAC Coach L1

Mike Sensei started Aikido in 2002 and was graded to 1^st Dan in 2004 with the A.M.A (Amateur Martial Association) and 2^nd Dan in 2008.

In 2007 Mike established Itai Doshin Aikido Club and continued to train extensively throughout the U.K and Europe. 2016 saw Mike’s first visit to Japan where he was graded to 1^st Dan Aikikai by Seizo Takimoto Shihan. For the next month, Mike continued to train extensively attending many courses and dojos including the Hombu Dojo, Shinjuku, Tokyo and participating in the 54^th All Japan Aikido Demonstration at the Budokan.

He was very fortunate to train in many different parts of Japan with teachers including;  Yasuo Kobayashi Shihan 8^th Dan Aikikai, Kazuo Igirashi Shihan 8^th Dan Aikikai,  Katsuyuki Shimamoto Shihan 8^th Dan Aikikai, Seizo Takimoto Shihan 7^th Dan Aikikai, Toshiharu Sawada Shihan 8^th Dan Aikikai, Hiroaki Kobayashi Shihan 7^th Dan Aikikai and Toshiaki Kawachi Shihan 6^th Dan Aikikai.

In 2018 Mike returned to Japan where he was graded to 2^nd Dan Aikikai by Toshiaki Kawachi Shihan. Again, he spent the next two weeks training intensively attending course, dojos and demonstrations. Kawachi Shihan returned to the UK in March 2024 for the first time since COVID and graded Mike to 3rd Dan Aikikai.

As well as training in Japan, Mike trains regularly in the U.K and Europe attending course with teachers including; Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan 8^th Dan Aikikai, Hiroaki Kobayashi Shihan 7^th Dan Aikikai, Urban Aldenklint Shihan 7^th Dan Aikikai, Larbi El Akel Sensei 6^th Dan Aikikai and Pascal Durchon Sensei 6^th Dan Aikikai.

As well as studying Aikido, Mike is also graded to 2^nd Dan in Iaido and 1^st Dan in Ao Denko Jutsu.

Tony Waknell Sensei

Senior Instructor and Dojo-Cho (Evesham) – 3rd Dan Aikikai – BAB/JAC Coach L1

Tony started his martial arts journey in 1985 where he joined a local Tae Kwon-Do club and went on to attain his 1st Dan black belt in 1990 awarded by Master Hee ll Cho. He found Aikido and whilst also practicing Kenpo Karate was awarded his Aikido Shodan in 2010.

In 2017 Tony made his first journey to Japan where, along with his son, combined Aikido practice alongside appreciation of such a unique country and culture.  Whilst visiting the cities of Nagoya, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo he absorbed a snapshot of the culture and of course, that great food! A truly memorable trip with intention to return in the future.

Aikido practice was included during the trip and Tony was honoured to teach at some of the Owari Aikikai dojos.  He also practiced at the dojos of Toshiharu Sawada Shihan 8^th Dan and experienced meditation and Aikido with Yoko Okamoto Shihan 7th Dan.

His Aikido has been influenced by numerous Sensei’s including Takimoto Shihan 8th Dan, Kawachi Shihan 6th Dan, Pascal Durchon 6th Dan, Rick Smaridge 5th Dan, Jeff Mills 5th Dan, Ric Costigan 5th Dan, Mac Sensei 4th Dan, Mike Higgins 3rd Dan.

Following the Club’s membership of Owari Aikikai, Tony was graded to 1^st Dan Aikikai in 2016 by Takimoto Shihan and 2^nd Dan Aikikai by Kawachi Sensei in 2018. Kawachi Shihan returned to the UK in March 2024 for the first time since COVID and graded Tony to 3rd Dan Aikikai.

Toshiaki Kawachi Sensei

6th Dan Aikikai – Technical Director based in Japan

Kawachi Sensei started Aikido in 1992 under Seizo Takimoto 7th Dan in Aichi Japan and was graded to 1st Dan (Aikikai) in 1995.  Following two years of coaching, and continued development, was graded to 2nd Dan in 1997.  He established the Fujinamijyuku Aikido Club in Japan and attained his 3rd Dan in 2000 and went on to open the Kani culture center Aikido Club, gained his 4th Dan in 2008.  Kawachi Sensei was awarded his 5th Dan in 2011 and spent three years teaching at our Club in the UK before returning to Japan.  He continues to provide us with technical direction.

Toshiaki Kawachi Sensei started Aikido in 1992 under Seizo Takimoto 7th Dan in Aichi Japan.

He was graded to 1st Dan Aikikai in 1995 and following two years of coaching and continued development, was graded to 2nd Dan in 1997. 

Kawachi Sensei established the Fujinamijyuku Aikido Club in Japan and attained his 3rd Dan in 2000. He opened his second dojo, the Kani Culture Centre Aikido Club and gained his 4th Dan in 2008. Kawachi Sensei was awarded his 5th Dan in 2011.

In 2012 he came to the U.K with his job and spent four years teaching at our Club and helping us in the development of Itai Doshin Aikido Dojo. He was instrumental in our membership to Aikikai.

Kawachi Sensei retuned to Japan in 2016 where he continues to provide us technical direction as well as visiting the U.K regularly with Takimoto Sensei to teach courses and oversee Yudansha gradings.

Kawachi Sensei was awarded 6^th Dan at the Kagami Biraki in 2018. He is also graded to 3^rd Dan in Iaido.

Seizo Takimoto Shihan

8th Dan Aikikai – Founder & Chairman, Owari Aikikai

Seizo Takimoto Shihan started Aikido in 1965 under the direction Norihiko Ichihashi 8th Dan Aikikai and was graded to 1st Dan in 1966 by Morihei Ueshiba (O’Sensei).  He was also awarded his 2nd Dan from O’Sensei and all subsequent grades by the Doshu (Head of the Aikikai global organisation).  

He established the Kasugai Dojo in Aichi, Japan in 1972 and started teaching Aikido. He has taught at many seminars in numerous countries including Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand, USA, Poland and Finland. Takimoto Sensei first came to the U.K in October 2014 to deliver a seminar at our Dojo in Taunton, Somerset.

He was awarded his grade of 8th Dan in January 2023 by the current Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.

Takimoto Shihan served as the Director of the all Japan Aikido Federation 2006 – 2012 and has been a central figure in the development of Aikido for many years.  He is also the founder and chairman of the Owari Aikikai, of which we are now members and comprises approximately 20 Dojos and 500 members in Japan. 

Takimoto Shihan has direct responsibility for Kidajyuku Dojo, Kasugai Dojo and Shimohara Dojo as the Dojo-Cho (Head of dojo).  

Outside of Aikido, he is a master in the art of Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), which he has specialised in for many years.