Please Click Here For the photo gallery of the Lancaster Course.

I am 100% sure that Joe would agree with me in that it was a great honour to be asked by Sensei Riley to take ukemi for him during his teachings in Lancaster.

The day got off to a surprising start when I arrived at Sensei's. Unbelievably I had beaten Joe, this came as a big shock as I was half expecting Joe to be camping out over night. Anyway he finally turned up suited and booted for his 'seminar' and then brandishing his gi and hakama from under his spare wheel, we hit the road, (Confused??? Ask Joe).

On arrival in Lancaster we were met by the very friendly crowd known as the Lancaster Aikikwai. A very diverse group with students from overseas and also two youngsters training. Unfortunatley their chief instructor Steve Nardone, was ill and couldn't train but he was present throughout the day. The morning consisted of traditional teachings with much empahasis on ikkyo and the use of tegatana which the Lancaster students found to be very useful and interesting. One guy, the chef from America (my appologies for forgettiing your name) even commented that it felt awesome when Sensei had demonstrated the tegatana on his tricep, hmmmm cant say I would agree with him!!!! It must also be added that myself and Joe regularly reminded Sensei to go easy as I was his Cameraman and Joe our chauffeur for the day!

In the afternoon Sensei asked the students what they would like to see. They chose a mixture of Sensei's 'phone box aikido', henko waze and kicks. First technique was ikkyo gone wrong into kote gaeshi. This also nearly led to the re appearance of the sandwiches which I had eaten for lunch. The afternoon was very much enjoyed, especially the phone box stuff, talking and demonstrating ma-ai and Sensei's palm heel hand atemi's. Demanding on the body!!!! But very rewarding indeed.

All in all a fantastic day was had by all, who wouldn't with top class tuition and training with such a nice group of people, oh and of course the buffet. We are very much looking forward to meeting them again on the mat.

Matt Nicholls.