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10th Anniversary
Looking back into our records, I have realised that this year we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the formation of Musubi Aiki Ryu.
In January 1995 I attended a Dan grading along with my teachers Allan Beecham Sensei and Paul Barker Sensei. It was on the journey home from the grading that I realised that I could no longer continue practising and teaching within the confines of the Aikido Circle. In the following weeks, I called a meeting with my most senior students and told them of my decision. It was at this time that they decided that they wanted to continue to practise Aikido and I am pleased and honoured to say that they wanted me to continue as their teacher.
My next task was to tell Allan Beecham Sensei, I expected a very different reaction but to my delight, not only did he support my decision but also asked to be a part of our new group which we, of course welcomed and he became and remains my Sensei and our Principal. Of late, illness has kept him from us but hopefully, this will change in the not too distant future.
Initially, Steve Beecham Sensei agreed to be our Technical Director but unfortunately had to give up the role due to external pressures.
Mark Mailer Sensei joined us as a 15 yr old student just before we created Musubi Aiki Ryu and attained Sho Dan in 2000 on his 21st Birthday.
In 2000, Monica Sharp Sensei, already graded to Sho Dan, joined us from the Aikido Circle, followed almost 2 years later by Dave Bristow Sensei.
Andrew Spurr, Rob Lardner, Lee Anderson were also members at the inception of the Association.
It doesn’t feel like 10 years since we started Musubi Aiki Ryu and I have learned so much from the experience. I have recently found a quotation in Michael Finn’s Book “Iaido” (Steve Beecham Sensei features as Uke)
"The ryu was more than just a collection of skills, it was an institution and a family."This, I believe holds true in our own Ryu and I feel privileged to remain a part of it.I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our friends and students past and present and to wish everyone a happy anniversary year.
Glen Smith
