Kai Shin Kai

Open Heart - Open Mind

History

Kai Shin Kai - formerly called 'Yamarashi' - was founded in the 1960's by Mike Smith who was awarded his Shodan and Nidan grades by Tielemans Sensei of Belgium. Shortly thereafter, Mike affiliated Kai Shin Kai to the British Aikido Association as a traditional group autonomous to, but working closely with the Tomiki-Kai. The BAA is recognised by the Japan Aikido Association - which later ratified future Dan promotions within the Kai Shin Kai. Mike Smith's present rank of Rokudan was ratified by Nariyama Sensi (JAA 8th Dan), when he visited Bristol in 1991. In 1994 the Kai Shin Kai left the BAA to establish itself as a separate school recognised by the BAB. Mike Smith is the president of Kai Shin Kai, with Bill Harris (5th Dan), holding the title of Chief Instructor.

Style

Kai Shin Kai practice traditional Aikido in the manner or Hombu Dojo (Tokyo), where senior Shihan all have distinctive styles but nevertheless all follow the path starting as a triangle, moving as a circle and finish as a square (posture, movement and stability). That is the Kai Shin Kai recognises that there are many ways of expressing both basic and advanced Aikido, none being incorrect as long as the tenets of Aikido as taught by O-Sensei are followed.

Author: Vincent Sumpter