16th and 17th June 2007 Aikido Course

The Summer Course was held at Winwick Leisure centre 15th - 17th June 2007, hosted by Sensei Ian Bailey. There were a number of special guests invited for the weekend which included Sensei Nick Pitman and student Liane Guillou from Jersey and Sensei Peter Haydon with members from his club, the ‘Shikan Aikido Club’ in Stockton.

Senseis Pitman, Bailey, Haydon and Karellen taught a wide range of Aikido techniques and principles. All training took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere and the level of commitment, support and enthusiasm shown by all of the students was a credit to themselves and their respective teachers.
During the weekend course there were a number of notable events. One of Sensei Bailey's students, Mark Clements, who has had a disability since childhood came to the attention of Sensei Pitman. Mark had a severe accident when he was younger and spends a lot of time in a wheelchair. He has always been interested in martial arts and came to watch some Aikido sessions. Over a period of time Mark has started to join in warm ups and take part in several exercises. Mark has now been with the club for over a year and does not miss a lesson. When Sensei Pitman met Mark he was amazed by his determination and his enthusiasm for the art, he was also heartened by the way that Mark had overcome so many obstacles in his life. In recognition of Mark's spirit and character, Sensei Pitman decided to award Mark an honorary Dan grade.

In addition, Sensei Pitman who has also overcome many challenges in his life, revealed that after 30 years of study in the art of Aikido he was introducing his own style. Sensei Pitman has named the style Mukyokan which translates as ‘no limitations or boundaries’ and represents the training, teachings and philosophies that Sensei Pitman now holds.

At the end of the course Sensei Nick Pitman made a couple of presentations, Senseis Peter Haydon and Lee Karellen were both awarded certificates welcoming them into the Circle of Friendship. There was also a surprise award where Sensei Bailey was presented with a 4th Dan in Mukyokan Aikido by Sensei Pitman and counter signed by Sensei Ezio Chatrian 5th Dan from Italy (Sensei Pitman’s first Aikido Instructor). It was the first time that Sensei Bailey was stumped for words!!

The weekend was a tremendous success, all students and instructors came together to train and share knowledge in harmony and friendship, followed by an excellent and enjoyable meal and night out. Courses will become an annual event and we are sure that with the help and support of our friends and colleagues in the Circle of Friendship they will go from strength to strength.