Instructors

Sensei Roy Sheppard (6th Dan) – Chief Instructor Yeading Dojo

Sensei Sheppard started his training in 1970 at The Hut in West Drayton, under Sensei Haydn Foster.

In 1975 he joined the EYJ School of Aikido (what is now Kurai Aikido) training under Sensei Bill McGovern 3rd Dan.

He was graded 1st Dan in 1980 and assumed joint responsibility for the running of the club, becoming its Chief Technical Instructor in 1982.

Sensei Sheppard was also Chairman of the EYJ Martial Arts Centre, for 15 years, which was a unique dojo having 9 martial arts, drawn from Japanese, Chinese and Korean traditions.

Sensei Sheppard has studied a wide range of martial arts, and in 1987, Dr Massaki Hatsumi, Grand Master of the Bujinkan Dojo awarded him 4th dan in the 9 schools of Bujinkan, a number of which were also studied by O’Sensei, the founder of Aikido.

In 2005 Sensei Sheppard was awarded Menkyo Kaiden in Hichi Buku Goshin Jutsu Ryu (10th dan), by Shihan Dr Chris Roworth 10th dan (5th Level).

He has also received several special awards including:- Award to mark his significant contribution towards harmony in martial arts (signatories to the award included Grand Master Kim Han, Southern Shaolin Five Ancestor Fists, former Coaching Director to the British Council of Chinese Martial Arts and Sensei Tony Heap 7th Dan, Chief Instructor, Wado Karate Union). National Association of Clubs for Young People – Keystone Gold Award for 30 years voluntary service to young people. London Federation of Sport and Recreation Gold Award for 30 years Voluntary Service to Sport

Sensei Sheppard was graded 6th Dan in October 2005 and as a Senior BAB Coach, regularly teaches at courses throughout southern England. He is also a member of the Board of the Heads of UK Shinwakai.

Sensie John Bell (5th Dan) – Senior Instructor Welwyn Garden City Dojo

Sensei Bell’s started in martial arts in 1959 when he trained in Judo, at the Greenford Judo Club, under Sensei Len Crewe 3rd Dan.

In 1977 Sensei Bell found Aikido and begun his training under Sensei Bill McGovern at the former EYJ School of Aikido, gaining his 1st Dan in 1983 and 2nd Dan in 1988

Sensei Bell has been Sempai since 1982 and is a BAB Senior Coach, regularly teaching at a range of internal and external courses.

Sensei Bell was promoted to 5th dan by Sensei Sheppard in September 2007.

In 2009 Sensei Bell received the London Federation of Sport and Recreation Silver Award for 20 years Voluntary Service to Sport.

Sensei Gary Perrin (2nd Dan) – Instructor Chelmsford Dojo

Started training in Traditional Aikido at EYJ Dojo (Now Kurai Aikido) under Sensei Roy Sheppard 6th Dan in 1995.

In 2002 Gary was graded to 1st Dan then in 2012 to 2nd Dan by Sensei Roy Sheppard and John Bell (Sempai)

Sensei Gary Perrin, taught and trained in Aikido whilst living in Peterborough between 2005 / 2006.

Since 2008 he had taught Traditional Aikido at his Dojo in Writtle Chelmsford Essex.

Gary has also trained at the Hombu, Japan.

Sensei Keith Holland (4th Dan) – Club Secretary

Sensei Holland began his martial art training studying Judo for 7 years under Sensei Masutaro Otani 7th Dan.  In 1984 he joined “The Hut” ( Institute of Aikido) and has stayed with Aikido, which is now a life passion.

He later joined Kurai Aikido and became involved off the mat, with both the Club and the EYJ Martial Arts Centre, a dedicated Dojo housing 9 martial arts.

Sensei Holland is a BAB Level 1 Coach, and holds NCFE Train the Trainers Certification ( NVQ Level 3/4)

Kurai Aikido is part of the UK Shinwakai family and he is also Convenor of the UK Shinwakai Board.

Sensie Holland’s involvement with the BAB grew from becoming Joint National Course Organiser in 2000, a position which he still holds, to his appointment as Vice Chairman of the Board in 2007 and Acting Chairman in 2013.

Sensei Holland has been Chairman of the BAB since 2014

Sensei Holland has also received a number of awards including:- National Association of Clubs for Young People – Keystone Silver award for 20 years Voluntary Service to Young People London Federation of Sport & Recreation Silver award for 20 years Voluntary Service to Sport.

Sensei Iddiols started training at the Kurai Aikido club, in 1982 under Sensei Sheppard and Sensei Bell, and earned her 1st dan in 1989.  She is a BAB Coach and runs the very successful Junior Section, with the support of a team of Assistant Instructors. 

Sensei Iddiols was promoted to 4th dan by Sensei Sheppard in September 2007 and has been presented with the following awards :

• National Association of Clubs for Young People – Keystone Silver Award for 20 years Voluntary Service to Young People
• London Federation of Sport and Recreation Silver Award for 20 years Voluntary Service to Sport.