Grace - Power - Tradition
Instructors
The instructors and dan grades at the Basingstoke Aikido Club are currently:
| Henry Ellis | Shihan, 6th Dan (Birankai/Aikikai) |
| Derek Eastman | Shihan, 6th Dan (Birankai/Aikikai) |
| Andy Lyon | 5th Dan |
| Mark Eastman | 5th Dan |
| Brad Beeden | 5th Dan |
| David Warne | 3rd Dan |
| Karen Rutland | 2nd Dan |
| Andrew Wichert | 2nd Dan |
| Warren Hems | 1st Dan |
Sensei Henry Ellis founded our sister club in Bracknell and has now retired from teaching, succeeded by Sensei Andy Lyon.
Sensei Derek Eastman
Sensei Derek served a tough apprenticeship in Aikido, as assistant to Sensei Henry Ellis at the famous 'Hut' dojo. Here, he had the opportunity to train with many top-class teachers in Aikido, Judo, Karate and Kendo, receiving his Aikido 1st Dan from Nakazono Sensei in 1964.
After lots of adventures and further training in the UK and Europe, Sensei Derek settled in Basingstoke and founded the Basingstoke Traditional Aikido Club, where he taught for over 50 years.
In 2021, Derek finally hung up his Gi and handed over all teaching responsibilities to his students. However he still takes an interest and is often to be found in the bar after class.
Sensei Derek holds the rank of Shihan 6th Dan (Birankai & Aikikai), awarded by TK Chiba Sensei, and confirmed in person by the current Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba.
Learn more about Sensei Derek here.
Sensei Mark Eastman
Sensei Mark started learning Aikido with his father as a junior, developing his ukemi skills by pestering the senior black belts(!) and earning his 1st Dan from Sensei Ellis in 1997.
He has also trained in New Zealand, and taught junior classes at the Club for many years. In addition to Aikido, Mark trains in Judo and manages a local youth football team.
With his dynamic style, Sensei Mark brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to the mat.
Sensei Brad Beeden
Sensei Brad is an experienced martial artist and dedicated teacher, who runs many of the adult classes at the club.
With 15 years of Karate training before beginning Aikido in 1997, Sensei Brad emphasizes effective and precise techniques, successfully combining the 'hard' and 'soft' aspects of Aikido.
Read about Sensei Brad’s martial arts background here.
Sensei Andrew Wichert
Sensei Andrew began learning Aikido in Poland, training there for several years, before moving to the UK as a 2nd kyu and joining the Basingstoke Club. He was awarded his 1st Dan in 2017, and continues to train and develop his teaching skills.
Andrew stresses good posture and balance as the basis of powerful technique. He integrates the forms system, used at the club, with variations from his former style, also specialising in knife defences.
