25 Years of Aikido in Bermuda
2008 marks the 25th Anniversary of Aikido in
Smith
Sensei represents the 2nd generation of martial artists and
teachers in Bermuda and has made significant contributions to promote
martial arts in
In 2004, Smith Sensei was awarded a "Martial Arts Pioneer Award" at a
gala dinner organized by Renshi Al Wharton, who is also a martial arts
icon in
Collins Smith Sensei began his training in karate under Master “Skipper”
Ingham around 1969 and won his first tournament as a purple belt at
Later, as a black belt, he dominated many of the local tournaments with
his powerful style. His feet were to be feared, and indeed one former
opponent recalled that he was sent flying out of the ring on more than
one occasion!
Smith Sensei represented Bermuda in two World Karate Championships in
the 1970’s, first in
He finished ¼ point away from the quarter finals in
Smith Sensei also introduced Uechi-goju karate to
He then moved to
Already an accomplished martial artist, a 3rd degree black belt in
karate, Smith Sensei was captivated by aikidos’ fluid powerful circular
movements.
Smith Sensei decided to take up aikido with a vengeance and never missed
a class for the first eight months of training. He would often train 13
hours a week and spent much of his time commuting to and from the dojo
in
He has trained with such notable instructors as Yamada Sensei in New York, Chiba Sensei in San Diego and the late Kanai Sensei in Massachusetts.
Smith Sensei was also a fixture on the
He also trained under Bruce Bookman Sensei in
Seattle and in 1983 he
achieved the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt) from Yamada Sensei.
After returning to Bermuda in 1983, Bermuda’s first aikido dojo “Bermuda
Aikikai”, was opened just past Raynor’s Garage in
Sensei’s continued commitment to the art of aikido has earned him the
rank of 6th dan and he has become a well-respected instructor.
Smith Sensei travels frequently as a guest instructor to overseas dojos
including:
Newport Aikikai,
Aikido Schools of New Jersey,
Perhaps
his proudest moment was in September 2007 when he was invited by former
student, James Constable to be the guest instructor at the grand opening
of
Lunenburg Aikikai in
Lunenburg Nova
Smith Sensei embodies the philosophical vision of O’Sensei’s aikido,
a commitment to peaceful resolution of conflict whenever possible, a
commitment to self-improvement through budo training and that aikido is
NOT just a martial art.
His commitment and dedication is sincerely appreciated by all his
students both past and present,
Domo Arigato Gozaimashita!!!!
We encourage you to visit our web site
www.aikido.bm
and sign our electronic 25th Anniversary Guest Book and leave
your well wishes and comments.
Also, if you have any pictures of Smith Sensei we would appreciate a
digital copy for our scrapbook.
We encourage you to visit Bermuda Aikikai and our beautiful island home
of
Prepared by:
Peter Aldrich
Student,
dojomouse@yahoo.com
© Bermuda
Aikikai, Samaritans Hall, Cobbs Hill Rd. Warwick, Bermuda 2008
"Experience the Power of Movement"
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