History of the Club

Aikido Gakko Ueshiba (Aikido in the style of Ueshiba) is affiliated to the National Aikido Federation and recognised by the British Aikido Board.

The club was founded in 1981 and started out at a Welsh Primary school in Whitchurch. We later moved to Cogan Leisure Centre and in 1984 we joined the National Aikido Federation, which was founded by Mr Michael P Narey (8th Dan). The club relocated to Canton, Cardiff in 1996 where it would remain for only 2 years. During 1998 fate intervened when we were forced to relocate again due to the flooding of the dojo, during which all of the tatami (mats used for training) were destroyed. The club moved to Morganstown Village Hall, Cardiff soon afterwards. Further details of our location and how to get there can be found here.

    Instructors

Chief Instructor

Sensei Bernard Harding first experienced Aikido in 1966. He had initially studied Kendo and Karate between the ages of 16-20, but was drawn back to Aikido in 1970 and has practiced it consistently ever since. Founding Aikido Gakko Ueshiba in 1981, he has over 25 years of teaching experience. He became National Coach and Technical Director to the NAF in 2002 and instructs at the NAF Summer School each year.

"I have practiced various arts and the path has been a long one, but I have come to the conclusion that Aikido is the complete Budo."

Other instructors at the club are:

Sensei Norman Evans

Mr Norman Evans (3rd Dan)

Sensei Norman Evans was born in Cardiff in October 1945 and had a career as a teacher in various schools in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan that lasted more than forty years. After many years playing rugby he looked for another activity that could be suitable for someone of his slightly more advanced years. In September 1987 he discovered Aikido at Cogan Leisure Centre under the direction of Sensei Bernard Harding. In August 1992 he acheived his grade of Shodan during a Summer School and has since obtained the grade of Sandan. He still trains regularly under Sensei Harding and instructs at the club on occasion.

"My ambition is to continue enjoying Aikido for as long as possible, acheiving as high a level as I can. I regret not having discovered Aikido sooner in life."

Sensei Paul Hibberd

Sensei Paul Hibberd studied Judo for two years as a teenager. He also spent 4 years in the Army. At the age of 22 he started practicing Kyokushinkai Karate and studied this for 13 years. He gained experience of full and semi contact fighting, reaching the grade of Shodan. After a year's break from the martial arts he was introduced to Aikido.

"For me, Aikido has become more of a way of life than just another martial art. Aikido is a non violent martial art, but that does mean it is any less effective. Every lesson seems like a new beginning, with no end to what you can learn. Aikido practice gives me a positive energy that I take with me in everyday life. I have been practicing Aikido for 9 years and have reached the grade of Nidan."

Instructors are qualified and insured as required, through the British Aikido Board (BAB).

    Contact