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British Aikido Board


The National Governing Body for Aikido in the United Kingdom.
Aikido is a martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba, that focuses on harmonising with your opponent, it can be practised as a sport, self defence and an art using hand to hand and japanese weapons.

Welcome to the British Aikido Board

The British Aikido Board seeks to:-

  • Represent the majority of bona fide organisations practicing aikido in the United Kingdom.
  • Support, encourage and promote the highest standards of aikido within an environment of mutual respect for offering styles practiced.
  • Raise awareness of the value of aikido not only as a contributor towards healthy living, but also in the development of adults, young people and children, without regard to race, gender or creed.

The British Aikido Board operates primarily through its member Associations. There are 53 currently Full Member Associations with 0 Associate and Probationary Member Associations of regional and national status, who each retain their independence, both technically and financially, with a combined membership of some 5,000 , which includes 1228 instructors holding current Coaching Awards.

The Board is recognised by Sport England , as the only governing body for aikido in the United Kingdom and is a member of the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

 

The Board seeks to further the advancement of all styles of aikido and to establish and monitor standards of safety and behaviour for practitioners of aikido.

The Board advises member Associations on all relevant UK and European legislation and procedures and develops appropriate policies and codes of practice.

Other services provided include:-
•  Insurance cover, for members, instructors and Associations.
•  Promotion of a Nationally recognised Coaching Scheme in conjunction with UK Coaching / Sport England.
•  Organising a National Courses.
•  Supporting initiatives to encourage the teaching of Aikido in schools.
•  Publishing Newsletters and specialist information bulletins eg. Safeguarding and Coaching.

The Board has completed a number of initiatives, arising from the work of their major Governance Audit and through the adoption of a wide range of recommendations, contained in their Aikido Development Plan will support their key objective of encouraging all Aikido groups to join together under this “Aikido umbrella”.

  • Entering Amazon from here before you purchase ensures the BAB is supported by Amazon.

  • Entering Amazon from here before you purchase ensures the BAB is supported by Amazon.

  • Entering Amazon from here before you purchase ensures the BAB is supported by Amazon.

  • Entering Amazon from here before you purchase ensures the BAB is supported by Amazon.

  • Entering Amazon from here before you purchase ensures the BAB is supported by Amazon.

Lancashire Aikikai – Bob Spence

Lancashire Aikikai

It with sadness that we report that Bob Spence died on 14th July.  He was Head of our Association from November 1998 when Mucha Sensei the founder died.  Spence Sensei has been a huge influence within the Lancashire Aikikai, British Aikido Board (BAB) and beyond.

He regarded both Chiba Sensei and Mucha Sensei as his teacher, mentor and friend.

A unforgettable figure who conducted many coaching courses for the BAB at all levels over many years. He was instrumental in working and fashioning the BAB Coaching Award Scheme from the ground up.  Drawing on his experience as a Lecturer, Tutor with the Amateur Swimming Association and his Aikido background. He was appointed by the BAB as its first Coach Tutor in 1992.

We have opened an Appreciation page on our website (www.lancashireaikikai.org) We encourage those who knew or encountered him to share their recollections / appreciation. This page has details of the Funeral that is Thursday 25th July 2024

Andrew Baird

Former BAB CLO who worked closely with Bob

 

Bob will be sorely missed by many members of the BAB, The Executive Commitee and especially the Coaching Team who worked closely with him over the years.

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