Daito Ryu Uk

How We Started

My journey started, whilst studying to become a Shiatsu practitioner in London. Shiatsu is a type of pressure point massage which is performed on the floor with the patient lying on a futon. I was impressed at how some of the teachers were able to move on their knees and keep a very good posture. Asking them what the trick was, I found out they were students of Aikido. Having an interest in the martial arts I soon joined a class and began my Aikido journey.

 Very impressed with the smooth flowing techniques I became a complete addict, yet I found one big flaw in some of my techniques. If my training partner wasn't always as helpful with being thrown as he should be, the techniques did not always work. This proved quite frustrating, though I knew the techniques should work. My friend and I would experiment on how to get the most out of the techniques, but I needed a more definate foundation. I knew of Daito Ryu and I had certainly read about Sokaku Takeda from my Aikido research. The hard bit was finding a dojo to get started. This was when I found the European School led by Certa Shihan. So applying to Certa to attend one of their intensive courses, I took my first big step in my Daito training. My next big step was telling my wife I would be traveling to Italy.

Our aim as Daito Ryu Uk is to pass on the teachings in an authentic and traditional way. Whilst supporting those in the Uk who would like to train in this traditional art.