The Institute of Aikido
Aikido was introduced into the UK 1955 by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei at the Hut Dojo. His first student was Sensei Ken Williams. In 1957 Sensei Haydn Foster joined the Hut and continued to teach there until his passing in 2011.
The Renown Society was formed in 1966 by Sensei Ken Williams after Abbe Sensei returned to Japan. This was the original society teaching Aikido in the UK. The Renown Society broke up in 1969. In 1973 at the request of senior ex-Renown Society Instructors, Sensei Foster formed the Institute of Aikido based at The Hut Dojo. The Institute is a founding member of the British Aikido Board.
The origins of Aikido
The renown society
The Institute Style
The style of Aikido practised by the Institute of Aikido comprises traditional Aikido combined with a comprehensive use of the Jo and Bokken. The resultant blending of the mental, spiritual and physical attributes of the practitioner provides a sound, self-defensive martial art whilst maintaining the flowing circular movements synonymous with traditional Aikido.
