About the Instructors
Sensei Barry Gibson 5th Dan - Chief Instructor.
Barry started Aikido in 1992 under the late and sadly missed Sensei Chris MacDonald 6th Dan at Derby Aikikan Dojo. He assisted coaching there and attended many courses under Master Shigeho Tanaka 9th Dan, Norio Tao 8th Dan, Pat Stratford 8th Dan and Joe Thambu 7th Dan. He also coaches nationally at various venues.
Sensei John Shields 5th Dan - Assistant Chief Instructor.
John Began Aikido in 1988 under Sensei Pip Mahony 5th Dan and Sensei Mick Hammonds 3rd Dan. In 1995 he moved to Derby and trained and coached at Derby Aikikan Dojo under the late Chris MacDonald 6th Dan. He has also trained with Master Shigeho Tanaka 9th Dan, Norio Tao 8th Dan, Pat Stratford 8th Dan and Christian Tissier 7th Dan.