Welcome to the home of the " Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido "

Please visit our new Facebook page at  " Henry Ellis Aikido "

Both Derek Eastman and Henry Ellis are the last two of the original 1950s pioneering students of Traditional Aikido Training in Aikido,  as it was introduced and taught by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1955 - Yes ! - there was/is  kicking and punching in Abbe's style of true Traditional Aikido .

 Many of the early Aikido dan grades worked as doormen on London night clubs. anyone practicing ``Wokiodo ` couldn't do any of that. The Hut Dojo`wasn't called the Hell Dojo for nothing. 

Both Ellis and Eastman have spent much of their final years working to preserve the legacy left in our care by the legendary Kenshiro Abbe. 

There are some devious people in the world of Aikido,  ones that have attempted to change our proud documented lineage, it is with the aid of the internet - Teaching - writing books - articles - YT videos - we have been able to spread the truth for the future generations to follow.

Henry Ellis is the only UK student to have his dan grade diploma's signed by ` Kenshiro Abbe Sensei -` Morihei Ueshiba (1st &  2nd dan  - Moriteru Ueshiba ( shihan ) - Mutsuru Nakazono - Kazuo Chiba.

 Click Title to visit Amazon. 

NEW

 The Long and Winding Road of a Budoka ,  - Amazon £5-99p

Henry Ellis the last survivor of the original group of five Aikido pioneering students of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from the 1950s.

Ellis Sensei tells many stories from his 70 years of travelling and spreading the word of Aikido and Budo.

The stories bring to life many of the people from those incredible times, the stories vary from serious to hilarious .

  Ellis Sensei has spent his final years documenting in several           Amazon books the history of British Aikido, 

The life of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei .

  BELOW; The first comment on the new book " The Long and       Winding Road of a Budoka,"

Jason White

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read

    Reviewed in the United States on 10 February 2024

    Verified Purchase

This is a short, easy to read book. It's interesting reading about Henry Ellis & his path through budo. I was originally just going to put it on a shelf with the rest of my collection but I decided to read the first page & couldn't put it down. I wasn't expecting it to keep my attention the way it did but I'm glad I ordered it now.

 Click  for Video  >Rik Ellis  -  AIKIDO - MMA     

British UK1 MMA  Light Heavyweight Champion title holder   2012

Rik Ellis ~ Aikido Shodan - Demonstrating.

Uke / Training Partner 

Nick ``Head-Hunter`` Chapman . UCMMA Champion

 Click here ->  British Aikido History Site  

The Amazon books ` Kenshiro Abbe Sensei ` - `British Aikido History` - The Founding of Jujitsu - Judo - Aikido in the UK` The books are written by Henry Ellis - Derek Eastman two of the last of the surviving direct students of Kenshiro Abbe from the 1950s. - Co-author Abdul Rashid. 

If you are interested in the factual history of British Traditional Aikido as documented by a direct student of  Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Ken Williams Sensei from 1955. Please visit the British Aikido History site, take a look at the Amazon book " British Aikido History "  a great book with many photos of past and present teachers both British and Japanese.

Read the recently resurfaced Mutsuro Nakazono letter from 1966. This letter was received by Ken Williams Sensei at a time of great upheaval in British Traditional Aikido, and the break up of the `British Aikido Council` BAC . This was just months before the arrival of TK Chiba Sensei. 

"British Aikido History" the Book.

 British Aikido History  -  From 1955

"It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty, and how few by deceit "   Noel Coward

Click on Book Image for Amazon. Book price £6 - 64p.

This book acknowledges the many British Aikidoka and Japanese Budoka that Ellis and Eastman met along their  journey to promote the little known martial art of Aikido. from a time when the Hut Dojo was the only Aikido dojo in the UK - There is now an Aikido  dojo in almost every town and city.

Click image to enlarge or click image in R/H column to go straight to the Amazon book page for [Look Inside] a free preview. The book " British Aikido History " this is the story of the last of the original pioneers still involved in the promotion of the true history for future generations. There are many old photos from the 1950s/60s. There are acknowledgments to those that have helped to protect and preserve our origins from the era of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1955.The book is 311 pages of stories - interviews -anecdotes - history - and much more - Please visit the free preview to see what this book has to offer. Over the years I have been asked many times `what was it like to study directly under Kenshiro Abbe Sensei?`, this book will give the reader a taste of that era, a time when Aikido was a martial art and the people who trained were martial artists in the truest sense of the term. Sadly, so many of the Japanese and British early pioneers of Aikido are no longer with us, we will remember as we pay our respects to them, may they rest in peace. The book was published by Amazon on the 7th of March 2021 - Cost B/W £6-35p,  or colour version £27-00.

  New Amazon Book now Available. In card-back £12-95p.

KENSHIRO ABBE SENSEI  1915 - 1985 - The Forgotten Budoka 

Amazon page Click Image

Published by Amazon 20th - May - 2021
Compiled by the Martial Arts researcher Abdul Rashid.

This new book is a thoroughly researched and detailed, documented  history, including a personal interview with Henry Ellis one of the last surviving direct students of Abbe Sensei from the 1950s.

A new book published by Amazon Books -.  This book is  an in-depth look at the life and times of this legendry man of Budo, from his childhood to his time as a captain and Brigade Commander in the Imperial Japanese Army during WW2 - his time at the Busen - Butokukwai - His competition successes in front of the Japanese Emperor, his defeat of the great Judoka Kimura also his time in the UK and Europe. This will complete our `library` of British Martial Arts history as associated to the influence of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 8th dan Judo - 6th dan Kendo - 6th dan Aikido - 6th dan Ju-Kendo. 

The following Amazon Book  titles may be of interest to the student and teachers who value the true origins of British Martial Arts.  " The Founding of Ju-Jitsu - Judo - Aikido in the United Kingdom "  --- " British Aikido History " --- " Kenshiro Abbe Sensei the Forgotten Budoka " --- " Positive Aikido "  by Dave Rogers ---  " The Life - Giving Sword " the life of K Chiba by Leise Klein.

 New Books Available on Amazon.  In card-back £6-85p.

Click Image

Founding of JuJutsu-Judo-Aikido in the United Kingdom`

 

There are many books on Martial Arts - it is our intention to offer a selection of only the best researched books available.- Abdul Rashid the martial arts researcher has worked tirelessly to research the very origins of the evolution of martial arts in Britain from the 18th century prior to the arrival of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in 1955 and the everlasting influence left by Abbe Sensei [1915 - 1985 ].

There are sadly now just a very small group of  direct students surviving to this day. Abdul Rashid has been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with two genuine pioneers from the incredible Kenshiro Abbe Era, Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman were students of Judo in the 1950s and shortly after they became a part of the very first group of Aikido dan grades in the UK.

There are two books available a black and white copy for £6-95p or the enhanced coloured copy at £29-00.

Important new book released by Amazon. In card-back £8-90p.

Click for free Amazon page view.

The British Budo Controversy

Past history is an important part of present day life, much of todays lessons of life are learned from the lessons of past events of history.

 In the past, and the life we lead today, the facts of history can be lost in time as the people that were an indelible part of any historic events become fewer and fewer, such is the case of the British Budo Controversies .

With the demise of the central figures to our budo history, such as Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - Tadashi Abe Sensei - Mutsutaro Otani Sensei - Mutsuro Nakazono, Kazuo Chiba Sensei . We must not forget the many English Budoka that were a part of the early development of British Budo, there are too many to mention here, I must add two of my greatest friends the late Bill Woods Sensei RIP -  Gerry Gyngell Sensei RIP. they both worked in the BJC London office with Abbe Sensei, they were a great source for information of those wonderful early days. 

As these legendary figures have now passed into history, there are the unscrupulous and shameless characters that will write their own versions of their associations and ``friendships `` with the past Budo masters, their imagination would be more fitting in a sequel of `Harry Potter`. 

This book documents two of the most shameless attempts to corrupt our proud heritage and lineage, it also sadly exposes individuals and organisations that to this day offer their full support of many more fraudulent claims . All fraudulent grades and titles are never questioned.

Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman are two of the last few survivors of the Kenshiro Abbe era from the 1950s, with the support of their co-author Abdul Rashid they intend to leave a documented history  in all their books of an amazing and historic time of which they were proud to be direct students of Kenshiro Abbe and so many other legendary Budoka  from that early era.

Quote;  " If you tell the truth - You don't need to remember anything." - Mark Twain.

Henry Ellis

 . 

Excellent researched and documented video.

` The Founding of Jujutsu Judo Aikido in the UK`.

Scroll down past the books and video information for the blog content as titled.

  NEW VIDEO - A Video for all Budoka

The Founding of JuJitsu - Judo - Aikido in the United Kingdom 

   CLICK  The above YouTube video heading the live link will take you to the video of the history of the arrival of the martial arts to the UK from the late 18th century - The video is narrated by Abdul Rashid with many photos and much factual in-depth research. This video is based on the now popular and highly credited book of the same name. The UK visiting Japanese masters from pre - WW1 and post WW2 were - Yukio Tani - Kaneo Tani - Seizo Yamamoto - Taro Miyake - Sadakazu Oyenishi - Akhitaro Ono - Gunji Koizumi - Matsutaro Otani - Kenshiro Abbe - Mutsuro Nakazono - Kazuo Chiba.

 "Its discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty, and how few by deceit" ~ Noel Coward 

Martial Arts Books by Abdul Rashid & Henry Ellis - Derek Eastman

Click on Image to Enlarge

The books authors respectfully acknowledge the many `genuine` Budoka involved in the UK origins of Aikido and other inclusive  Martial Arts.

L to R: `British Aikido Board Controversy` - `Kenshiro Abbe Bio` - The Founding of JuJutsu - Judo - Aikido in the UK` - `Positive Aikido` - ` The books authors respectfully acknowledge the many `genuine` Budoka involved in the UK origins of Aikido and other inclusive  Martial Arts.My Interviews with Henry Ellis ` - `British Aikido History`

The six books above are all factually honest books, documenting and protecting the legacy of UK Traditional Martial Arts from its UK origins. All the books are available on. Link> " Amazon Books ".

 "It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty, and how few by deceit "                                                             Noel Coward

Click  " Is Aikido a Martial Art ? "

This book consists of a interview I conducted with Henry Ellis, a pioneer of Aikido in the UK since the 1950s. With over sixty years  of experience in Aikido he shares his views on the above topic, warm-ups with Karate style kicks and punches, daily runs,full contact training, read about what he went through under the direction of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Ken Williams Sensei at the famous "Hut Dojo". You will have a different perception of Aikido after reading this book.

Author: Abdul Rashid. 

2022 Release - Amazon - £7-99p.

Cover photo Henry Ellis and son Rik.

 

The Kenshiro Abbe Era ~ Book Collection.

Visit ``Books on Martial Arts ``

Henry Ellis & Derek Eastman are amongst the last of a very small  group of direct pioneer students of the legendary Budo Master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei, stories and historic events  from the incredible 1950s. With the help of Martial Arts correspondent Abdul Rashid  they were encouraged to put the `true factual history recorded in books so the memories of those early days will never be lost.

The following titles are available from Amazon Martial Arts

Books

" The Founding of Ju-Jutsu - Judo -Aikido in the UK " ------  " British Aikido History "

" Kenshiro Abbe the Forgotten Budoka" ----  " Positive Aikido ".    

POSITIVE AIKIDO the BOOK

Left: Front and Back Cover.

The book ` Positive Aikido ` - began life as a dojo information booklet a project by Dave Rogers Sensei of N M - USA,
Rogers Sensei a news media editor and 3rd dan USA representative of the ` Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido `. Rogers Sensei began collecting all the background knowledge - history and lineage of both Henry Ellis Shihan and Derek Eastman Shihan, who were both direct students of the legendary Budo Master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from the 1950s and the birth of UK Aikido with K Williams Sensei at the famous `Hut Dojo`.  Over a period of 15 years Rogers Sensei had collected so much information he asked Ellis and Eastman Sensei's for permission to turn all those pages in to a book - and ` Positive Aikido ` was born.

Visit ` Aikido Books `for ` Positive Aikido ` and a selection of other books - Aikido Books -
See the collection of books from 1905 and books by Minoru Mochizuki from 1956 - books by Tadashi Abe Sensei - ` My Past Way of Budo ` by Masahilo Nakazono Sensei, including his books on Kototama and Inochi.

Ellis and Eastman's diploma's are signed by Aikido legends - Morihei Ueshiba - Moriteru Ueshiba - Kenshiro Abbe - Mutsuro Nakazono - Masamichi Noro - TK Chiba.

The book is a down to earth approach to Aikido as a Traditional Martial Art.
Take note of the  warning in the books introduction pages, advising student to keep their money in their purse if they are looking for fantasy Aikido, or floating around the universe. or other such bizarre modern Aikido Kidology this book is not for you.

Ellis and Eastman studied with many Aikido legends, such as Kenshiro Abbe - Tadashi Abe - M Nakazono - J Nakazono - M Noro - H Tada - N Tamura - T Ishimura - H Kobayashi - T Otani - M Harada - TK Chiba.

Kenshiro Abbe Sensei taught Aikido as Budo and so did Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman.
The book is available on Amazon UK £10-95 - Amazon US $ 15-45.

_______Basingstoke Aikido Club - Traditional Aikido from 1957_______

Aikido - 1955 - 2015 - For those that studied with Sensei's  Kenshiro Abbe - Tadashi Abe -Masahilo Nakazono - TK Chiba Sensei in those early days will remember their Aikido being true Budo, something that very few will ever see again - read " Aikido Then and Now - 1955 - 2015.

Aikido Dancing   -  Aikido Ribbon Dance  -  Nodding Aikido  - Fantasy Aikido - 

~ ~ ~

Don Bayney Japanese Swords

Visit the ` Ellis Aikido ` - YouTube Video Channel.

   

         

 Grace  Power  and Tradition

Click - `British Aikido History ` - Blog 

The Basingstoke dojo welcomes new students / beginners and visiting Aikidoka from all styles and associations.
The Basingstoke Dojo was the founding dojo in 1968 of the  international Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido - One of the oldest Aikido organisations in the UK

The ESTA is an independant Aikido organisation with highly qualified teachers recognised by the AikiKai Hombu the world headquaters of international Aikido.

The Basinstoke Principal Coach is Derek Eastman Sensei 6th dan AikiKai Hombu - Diplomas signed by Osensei Morihei Ueshiba - Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - Masahilo Nakazono Sensei - Masamichi Noro Sensei - TK Chiba Shihan - The Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.

______________________Basingstoke Aikido Club__________________

BASINGSTOKE DOJO

DETAILS ~ STUDENT AND VISITOR INFORMATION.

The Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido Hq
Visit the Oak ridge Centre website - Click here ->Oak ridge Centre

The Basingstoke Dojo
Instructor - Sensei Brad Beeden

Regular visits from other instructors.

Oakridge West Community Centre
(Near Oakridge Junior school)
(Entrance via Upton Crescent)
Oakridge Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
 RG21 5SN

Basingstoke Dojo - Google Location Map -> Click here

Practice Sessions: Adults (16+)
Monday 20:00 - 21:30 - Instructor = Brad Beeden
Wednesday 20.00 - 21.30 - Instructor = Mark Eastman
First & Third Friday each month 20:00 - 21:30 - Weaponry, Bo-Jutsu, Ken-Jutsu, Aiki-Kendo

(Friday sessions are dedicated Weaponry classes.)

Contact: Brad Beeden - Tel 01256 342771 or 01256 478440
Email - Brad.Beeden@Linde-mh.co.uk

Annual membership includes members Martial Arts Insurance.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________ESTA _ INSTRUCTORS___________________________________________



Instructors of the Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido

Henry Ellis Shihan 6th dan International BiranKai ~ AikiKai Hombu.
( Henry Ellis retired from teaching is the E.S.T.A webmaster )

Derek Eastman Shihan 6th dan International BiranKai ~ AikiKai Hombu.
( Eastman Sensei is the head of the E.S.T.A schools )

Andy Lyon Sensei 4th dan ESTA.
( Lyon Sensei is the chief instructor of the Bracknell dojo )

Mark Eastman Sensei 4th dan ESTA.

David Warne Sensei 2nd dan ESTA

Brad Beeden Sensei 2nd dan ESTA

Paul Zolic Sensei 1st dan ESTA

Anita Wilson Sensei 1st dan ESTA

Karen Rutland Sensei 1st dan ESTA.

E.S.T.A Schools USA

Dave Rogers Sensei 3rd dan USA Representative ~ Albuquerque New Mexico USA.

Al Montemar Sensei 1st dan. Dallas Texas USA.

Scroll Down for "Basingstoke Aikido Club " Information.

The Basingstoke Aikido Club ( ESTA ) is not associated with the discredited British Aikido Board.

Visit - Aikido Books - for `Positive Aikido`

British Aikido History

1955 - 2012

The official British Aikido History site - Is dedicated to the true history of Aikido in the UK from its inception in 1955 by the legendary Budo Master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.

Right: Kenshiro Abbe Sensei with Ken Williams Sensei at the Hut Dojo.

The site is maintained by AikiKai Shihans Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman -  The last two surviving pioneers from that exciting era of the birth of Aikido in the UK at the famous "Hut Dojo"

Ellis & Eastman Sensei's are co-authors of the book `Positive Aikido` - they are proud to have their diplomas signed by legends - Osensei Morihei Ueshiba - Kenshiro Abbe - Masahilo Nakazono - Masamichi Noro - TK Chiba - Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.


Right: Mitsusuke Harada Sensei

Right: Henry Ellis - Mitsusuke Harada - Derek Eastman join Harada Sensei at the TK Chiba Celebration in 2006. Harada Sensei was invited to the UK in 1963 by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - He held his first classes at the Hut Dojo. Harada had no students to begin with - Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman studied Karate with Harada, he in turn studied Aikido with them - Harada began to incorporate Aikido moves into his Shotokai Karate as can be seen in his teachings today.

Click here for the British Aikido History Blog > British Aikido History Site

Earliest known film/video of UK Aikido Demonstration - 1963.

USAF - UK Air Base - European Judo Championships.

Henry Ellis - Derek Eastman - Geoff Goodwin.

Click here ->  Earliest UK Aikido Demonstration


The British Aikido Board - Jack Poole Controversy Slide-Show

The Betrayal of British Budo


The British Aikido Board Controversy Slide Show.

Documented evidence of the conduct of the UK Governing Body for Aikido.

Detailing the BAB's attempted collusion with one Mr Jack Poole to change forever the true proud history and lineage of British Aikido, from its inception to the UK in 1955 by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.

Henry Ellis was actually Mr Poole's first teacher as one can clearly see from the large collection of photos and statements, this did not deter the BAB from proudly parading Mr Poole along-side his teacher as a `Pioneer of British Aikido` .

Imagine you are a direct student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and recognised by the Doshu and TK Chiba as a true pioneer of British Aikido - The UK Aikido governing body invite you to receive an award in recognition of this - As you wait to meet the Lord Mayor of Birmingham - you hear a shuffling sound - you look behind - standing there unannounced is one of your old students in line to receive the same award as a pioneer - unbelievable.You could not make this up - The BAB did.