Richard Thomson’s Story

When did you start Aikido and why?

I practiced Judo in 1969 and an Aikido Class would train after us and I watched them a couple of times and was very impressed by their techniques, I finally joined a class in June 1973 at Langside College and that led me to training 5 classes a week, I was hooked.

What are some of your main memories in Aikido?

The main memories I have is meeting and training with so many great people from all walks of life for one common goal.

What are your personal goals in Aikido?

Not so many these days as I have achieved most them, but I am still very committed to training and promoting Aikido as much as I can.

Why do you think Iwama Aikido is so unique?

Iwama Aikido finally pointed me in the right direction to learning the Basics of Aikido and if you have them there is no limit to your Aikido or Life.

What can Aikido offer people, in your opinion?

Aikido can offer you life long Satisfaction and Friendship if you are prepared to make the effort.

How long have you been training?

This year is my 47th year of loving Aikido, I have also been privileged to be taught by some of the best Aikido Instructors in the World and you can’t ask for much more.

Where have you travelled?

I have travelled to many Seminars throughout length and breadth of the UK and had the pleasure of being Uchi Deshi in Greece with Sensei Tony Sargeant and Uchi Deshi in Wales at many Summer Schools in my early years of Aikido, not made it to Japan so far.