Paul Smith - Aikido biography

(Note that Paul's stage name "Paul Douglas" is used in the dance section of this site).

1973-5 Studied with Chiba Sensei and became one of ten Kenshusei (special students).

1975 Became Uke for Minoru Kanetsuka when he opened his first dojo in London.

1983-91 Studied with Kanetsuka Sensei becoming his assistant.

1984 Awarded Shodan by Kanetsuka Sensei.

1985 Opened his own dojo in London.

1986 Awarded Nidan (2nd dan) jointly by Kanetsuka Sensei and Yamaguchi Sensei

1987 Studied for four months at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo and in Yamaguchi Sensei's private dojo in Shibuya.

1988 Awarded Sandan (3rd dan) jointly by Yamaguchi Sensei and Kanetsuka Sensei

1992 On the recommendation of Sekiya Sensei, attended two week intensive course at The Shiseikan Dojo with Inaba Sensei.

1993 Oganised international summer course in Wales with Inaba Sensei as teacher.

1994 Awarded Yondan (4th dan) by Inaba Sensei.

1999 Established Tetsushinkan Budojo at Moving East.

2002 Awarded Godan (5th dan) by Inaba Sensei.