The celebrations of the 50th Kenshiro Abbe

The celebrations of the 50th Kenshiro Abbe 14th May 2005 Crystal Palace Sports Center in London. UKHenry Ellis, a pupil of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe effect, from 1957 describes the great event at the Sports Center in Crystal Palace, London, to celebrate this great teacher and his arrival in Britain in 1955 and the creation of 'Aikido. Tribute website to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. . . The Bushido Zazen Inteational Society Annual DinnerIn February 2004 Derek Eastman and I were invited as guests at the annual dinner of the Bushido Za Zen Inteational Society by its Chairman, Mr Aold Davies Hanshi a former student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and a close friend to my good friend Bill Woods Sensei. These names, simply because the event would be something special with so much history and martial arts background between us.As we arrived we were met by Mr Clive MacDonald, a member of the Bushido Zazen. MacDonald and Mr Davies was instrumental in the creation of a large number of facts to protect the true history of British Aikido for the great British Aikido Board Controversy.Memories Kenshiro Abbe SenseiMr immediately MacDonald several pints of beer at our table and then the conversation flowed along beer. As we talked about our memories of the legendary master, Kenshiro Abbe Sensei, I have said? You know who is 50 years next year since Abbe Sensei arrived in Britain? We talked about the importance of all this data, therefore suggest that, as we all belonged to the Essex Aikido Forum (EAF), a group of people interested only in Aikido without its politics, we agreed that we should organize a celebration of this important data. MacDonald called over Mr Davies who, without a moments hesitation, the event has given his full support and financial backing.The organization CommitteeBefore the evening was over, we realized that this event will be bigger than any thing that ever organized by EAF Aikido or any other organization of this problem. We decided then and there would be no need of a working committee if we were at this event together. Mr MacDonald approached two other senior EAF, Mr Mike Leavy and Mr Eric Gillett, who agreed to be part of our organizing committee. I then approached David Humm the administrator of the website of the popular? National Aikido Communication DataBase?. Mr Humm had also been involved in our efforts to protect the history of British Aikido. He also became a member of the loan. Mr Rob Peck agreed to be the Secretary now has a committee of seven members, who are now engaged and totally devoted to gathering the greatest Aikido seminar ever in the United Kingdom. I can not believe that each of us on this night were able to grasp the enormity of the task that we had promised to undertake.The Places word spread throughout the Aikido and MartialArts community, and the interest which has now occurred, we knew that it would need a very prestigious After deliberation and following a visit to the Crystal Palace sports center, we soon realized that this would be the last place of the meeting. This would be a wise decision, with its great hall and facilities and the accommodation blocks and restaurants, which would then be able to host the event scheduled. The event attracted 430 students. 60, 370 spectators, visitors and nearly a thousand people a day with students from around the UK? United States? France? Holland? Germany, teachers in Czechoslvakia.The dayas this day was to celebrate the arrival in the UK of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in 1955, and the creation of Aikido. It 'was decided to invite the five surviving direct students of Abbe Sensei from 1950? S/60? S below.I mentioned, Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman had already agreed, now I have had to face my old friends, Sensei Ralph Reynolds and Sensei Hayden Foster, who have volunteered their support.Sensei Ken Williams, first student of Abbe Sensei, It was also discussed. He had a fall due to previous commitments. However, it has provided a letter of commitment will be read during the event. I then tued to Bill Smith Sensei Shihan MBE, who unfortunately had a fall because of health problems. His son Philippe was present to represent the father and the Aikikai. Now we had a group of teachers Aikido. The event was officially underway. We also received a letter of tribute to the memory of the Abbot of Doshu Ueshiba Sensei Moriteru .. GuestsThe The list was a guest who? S that are in the martial arts world in the United Kingdom. There are 60 people and, with respect, I can not list them all, but the following will give some insight.Mr F Mota Embassy of Japan? Sensei Bill Woods Aide / Secretary to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 1955 - Sensei Bill Stopps, personal assistance Matsutaro Otani Sensei from 1947. - Sensei Robin Otani, President of the British Judo Council. - Mr P, Don of Sport England. - Sensei N Jones, my guest. - Ms Jenny Earle, World Judo champion.Mr Ken Cottier Shihan, a member of the Aiki-Kai World Council. Mr. Gigs Shouten, a special guest from Holland. Joe Curran Sensei who read a letter of tribute to the Abbot of Kazuo Chiba Sensei Shihan.The Budo DemonstrationsDuring half day of the event there was a break for the students while the Budo demonstrations were carried out by some of the best representatives of the various arts on screen. This was a unique event in which students are now able to participate in many of the Budo arts that they had never seen before.Aikido-judo? Karate? Iaido? Kyudo? Kendo? Jujutsu? Ju KendoThe the event and DayThis was a beautiful and special day for me, after almost 50 years of practice of Aikido. On the moing of the event I went into the great hall at Crystal Palace sports center for the electrifying sound of the Taiko Drummers and masses of students around the area rugs and many more waiting at the door for registration. I walked the hall to see the different stands out. Mr Don Baney a specialist in Japanese works of art had a beautiful exhibition of samurai armor and swords, for more information, visit: The atmosphere was fantastic, an indication of the great day. I met many people who had not seen for many years. There was a raffle at the end of the day with a prized value Shinken sword presented by nine clubs Budo Equipment Supplies. Both a hand by Sensei Dave Rogers of New Mexico, USA o. Other prizes included the book? Positive Aikido ", Gi? S, Bokken, shinai? S and many commemorative T-Shirts.This was indeed very special day.I was privileged to be the major event held in 1963 by the abbot Sensei for the Royal Albert Hall in London, where I was assistant to Mikoto Nakazato Sensei. I never thought I would never see another case of a tie it. In this day of celebration and commemoration of the life of Abbe Sensei, I think that when I saw the eclipse every Ellis others.Henry Event Liaison Officer Co-author of Positive Aikido Ellis, coach of the School of Traditional Aikido   Ellis, bo in 1936. Co-author of Positive Aikido. A direct student of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1957. Ellis has had articles published in various martial arts magazines, has written numerous articles on the history and lineage of British Aikido. Protecting the legacy left by Abbe Sensei from those that have tried to change the facts to advance their insatiable ego? Henry S. Ellis co-author of Positive Aikido was a direct consequence of the pupil of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1957. He is the head coach of the Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido UK - USA. Ellis has written numerous articles on the history and lineage of British Aikido from its inception in 1955.