In 1974 I had my first Aikido lesson. I was fourteen and I believe that at that time there was only one Aikido organisation, with Sensei Williams in charge. I could be wrong, but then there was no internet to check. Following the next two years a school friend and I were able to achieve youth blue belt.
Unfortunately, in 1976, we had to study for our exams and our parents insisted that we stay home and revise. After the exams were finished I was able to get a job. Once I settled, I tried to find the club but it had closed.
A short time later I met, by chance, Glyn Smith, who was one of the Dan Grades at my previous club. He told me that Norman Ford (another Dan Grade from that club) had just opened a club in the Pontypool Leisure Centre.
I went along, saw some familiar faces, and had my first lesson of “Ki Aikido”. “Confused,” was the best way to describe my practice at the time, but I found it fascinating.
In 1979, I attended the summer seminar in Swansea taken by Tohei Sensei. That gave me the desire to attend as many courses as I could with Sensei Williams. Courses were – and still are to me – a great social event, as well as studying Aikido.
I have been very fortunate: my lifestyle has always been around my Aikido.
I have travelled, and I don’t mean to Japan or Romania, but to the length and breadth of the UK (Yes, that is me at the opening of the Alness dojo, making uke for Sensei).
Best of all to me the Ki Federation is like my extended family, and I’m still enjoying it. My lifestyle and my health is fantastic! I intend to keep going for another fifty years.
Obviously, if my doctor tells me I can’t practice Aikido anymore, then I will have no choice. I will have to find another doctor.
Sensei Stephen Woolfall
Panteg Ki Aikido Club