Instructors
David Yates
David started practising Aikido In August 1973 under Chiba Sensei with the Aikikai
of Great Britain. He was promoted to first Dan in April 1984. David currently holds
the rank of 4th Dan and is a Shidoin with the British Aikido Federation. David currently trains with the BAF under Kanetsuka Sensei and travels every year to Tokyo to train at the Hombu Dojo. He has trained regularly with the current Doshu and the previous Doshu, together with all the senior instructors at the Hombu Dojo. David has trained extensively in the UK, Europe and the USA.
David is currently the Vice- Chairman of the BAF and their representative to the British Aikido Board. He is a BAB recognised Senior Coach and coach tutor. David has also trained in Kendo and Iaido.
Robert Yates
Robert started practising in October 1973 and was awarded 1st Dan in July 1989. He
currently holds the rank of 3rd Dan and is a British Aikido Board coach. Robert
has trained extensively in Europe and Japan under the guidance initially of Chiba Sensei, the previous Doshu and the current Doshu. Robert has also trained in Judo, Kendo, Shukokai Karate and Iaido.
Simon McAsey
Simon began Aikido in 1981 at the age of 24, and has had the opportunity to study
under many eminent Senseis during the proceeding twenty-five years.
He has attended seminars with the late Yamaguichi Sensei, the present Aikido Doshu (Moriteru Ueshiba), Endo Sensei, and many more. For the majority of this time he has mainly lived and practiced in the North West of England, but has also travelled to Japan, Greece, Holland, France and Germany in pursuit of a deeper Aikido appreciation. He is currently one of three assistant coaches at 'Wa Go Kan' Dojo, as a qualified British Aikido Board coach.
Martyn Hamer
Martyn commenced practice in August 1992 at the Zen Shin Kan Dojo, Walkden. He
moved to the Wa Go Kan dojo in 1999. Martyn has trained throughout the UK, Europe and the USA. He was awarded 1st Dan in August 2002 and is a qualified British
Aikido Board coach. Martyn has also trained in Judo, Jui Jitsu and Kyudo (Japanese
archery).
