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 6th Dan and as of 1st April 2024, he was granted the status of Shihan by the Examination Committee for Appointment of Shihan, at the Aikido World Headquarters.  David is a member of the Technical and Grading Committee of the British Aikido Federation 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 a former Chairman of the Joint Aikikai Council as he stood down at the end of his 3 year tenure in April 2021. He is a recognised Coach level 3 and a JAC/BAF coach tutor. David has also trained in Kendo and Iaido.