Sensei Shane Riley

I started my Martial Art training in the early 1970’s doing Wado Ryu Karate at Mirfield Karate School, achieving the rank of Sho-Dan, teaching and practicing along side Dave Hemming who is now a 5th Dan instructor with the White Rose Aikikai. I also practiced Shotokan in the late 1970’s and Shuko Kai Karate from early to mid 1980’s. I have also studied several other Japanese Martial Arts over the last 30 years.

During this period, around 1975, I started Aikido with Vincent Thompson Sensei (now 7th Dan) as I felt this would complement my Karate training. To gain more experience I also practiced under Dave Martin (BAF), Brian Whipps and Gary Williams from around 1976. In September 1979 I began a small private class at Huddersfield Sports Centre for a few friends and a month later decided to make the practice a formal club, which became White Rose Aikido.

Sensei Les Hart who was a direct student of Abbe Sensei promoted me to Sho-Dan Sensei. Terry Bayliss who is the principal of the Seijisu Aikido Ryu and one of the senior instructors to the British Aikido Board promoted me to Roku-Dan at the White Rose Aikikai's 25 Anniversary in September 2004.

I have had the privilege to receive tuition from many senior Japanese and European Sensei in my journey through Aikido, most memorable are Mochizuki Sensei 10th Dan, Tamura Sensei 8th Dan who I spent much time with in the early 1980’s, Donovan Waite Sensei 6th Dan Uchi Deshi to Yamada Sensei in New York, Terry Bayliss Sensei and Brian Whipps Sensei.

I have gained so much depth from these instructors who have helped formulate my practice and teaching philosophy. Over the last 20 years I have a strong bond with Ken Cottier Shihan (Principal Hong Kong Aikido Association) Whom I have received tuition from whenever he visits the UK. I have also traveled to Hong Kong to practice with Ken Cottier Shihan, where I had the privilege to teach several times on my visit.

Along side my traditional Aikido practice I teach the North Yorkshire police PTI’s control and restraint techniques and theory. I have also been involved with door security training. Dave Hemming and I were two of the first instructors to be given a license to teach self defense by the Martial Arts Commission.