The British branch of the International Takemusu AIkido Federation was created in 2014 and it is the only officially recognised branch of the international body in Great Britain.
ITAF GB remains true to the teaching, spirit and beliefs of the founder of Aikido Morihei Ueshiba O’Sensei and seeks to practice faithfully the Aikido created by him when the art reached its most achieved expression between 1940 and 1960.
Aikido (translating from the Japanese as “Way of Energy Harmony”) is a Japanese martial way. It is a relatively modern art, but its roots are in the martial schools of feudal Japan.
We respect and preserve the methodology and pedagogy of Ueshiba O’Sensei’s Aikido incorporating the three fields of study: the sword, the spear and the empty-hand. As well as the complete system of Ri-Ai we focus on the foundation elements and principles of Aikido with the practice of technique and forms used merely as a vehicle to aid and cultivate this understanding.
Our Technical Advisors are Philippe Voarino and Francois Chidiac who are both direct students of Morihiro Saito. Morihiro Saito Shihan was the founder’s longest serving student and was awarded the title of Shihan (Master Teacher) by him.
The founder of ITAF - GB was Jeff W Goodwin Sensei (5th Dan ITAF) who formally commenced his study of Aikido in February 1994 and first studied with Philippe Voarino in 1995 becoming a direct student of his in 2014. Jeff W Goodwin Sensei was President and Chair of the National Committee until 2024. The current President and Chairperson of ITAF - GB is Paul Kesrouany Sensei.
ITAF-GB has a Committe comprising of the most senior members of ITAF - GB as well as Philippe Voarino & Francois Chidiac Shihan who sit on the Council as Technical Advisors.
ITAF - GB is not a dojo-based organisation but remains membership based, comprising of individuals who wish to train and study under our specific method of training and development and be recognised for it.
Read more about our Committee and read more about Membership