Keith
Hayward Sensei started Aikido in 1968 at the Y.M.C.A.
in Wellington Shropshire under Mr. David Ford an early student of
Chiba Sensei. Sensei recalls watching his first lesson and was
impressed with what was going on, but what impressed him more was
the photograph of O'Sensei. Sensei
recalled “everywhere you moved in the room the photograph seemed
to be watching you, so I thought there must be something in this
aikido if a picture can say, ‘Come On’”
From 1968
to 1977 Sensei was a member of the Aikikai of Great Britain and
took technical direction from William Smith Sensei and was
introduced to the teachings of Kazuo Chiba Sensei.
With the
formation of the British Aikido Federation in 1977 he became a
member of the West Midlands Aikikai. During this period Chiba
Sensei returned to Japan and Minoru Kanetsuka (Shihan, 7th Dan,
Aikikai Foundation) took the lead in Aikido's technical direction.
During this period Sensei attended many weekend courses with
Kanetsuka Sensei in London. Due to work commitments Sensei also
travelled
a lot, but always had a spare gi in the boot of his car and would
train whenever and wherever he could.
In
1986 by William Smith Shihan formed the United Kingdom Aikikai and
Keith
Hayward was promoted to Fukushidoin (Assistant National Coach) in
the UKA and further awarded the position of Shidoin (Senior
National Coach), in 1990.
In 1992 Keith Hayward spoke to Mr Smith about forming a group in
Shropshire under the umbrella of the UKA called the Shropshire
Aikido Federation. Chiba Sensei later gave the SAF the name Te
Shin Kai and suggested the use of the house system to the UKA.
Sensei recalls “Back then it was just a group of clubs in
Shropshire, now it has expanded across the UK. We've expanded no
end with the house system and it's a great.”
Throughout
his teaching career Sensei’ main Dojo has been Oakengates Aikido
Club (Ken Mon Kan) which was founded in 1977. Over the years
students of Sensei have branched out from Ken Mon Kan to start
their own clubs under the umbrella of Te Shin Kai.
Keith Hayward regularly travels the UK teaching at Te Shin Kai
clubs. Sensei has also traveled to teach in Greece and Lesvos.
On Sunday 31st January 2010 Keith
Hayward was awarded the title of Aikikai Shihan marking another
highlight in an Aikido career spanning well over 40 years.
1st
Dan: 1979
2nd
Dan: 1984
3rd
Dan: 1986
4th
Dan: 1988
5th
Dan – 1995
6th
Dan – 2003
Shidoin
- 1990
Shihan - 2010
|
