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Keith Hayward Sensei started Aikido in 1968 at the Y.M.C.A. in Wellington Shropshire under Mr David Ford an early student of Chiba Sensei. Sensei recalls watching his first lesson and was impressed with what was going on, but what impressed him more was the photograph of O'Sensei. Sensei recalled “everywhere you moved in the room the photograph seemed to be watching you, so I thought there must be something in this aikido if a picture can say, ‘Come On’”
From 1968 to 1977 Sensei was a member of the Aikikai of Great Britain and took technical direction from William Smith Sensei and was introduced to the teachings of Kazuo Chiba Sensei.
With the formation of the British Aikido Federation in 1977 he became a member of the West Midlands Aikikai. During this period Chiba Sensei returned to Japan and Minoru Kanetsuka (Shihan, 7th Dan, Aikikai Foundation) took the lead in Aikidos technical direction. During this period Sensei attended many weekend courses with Kanetsuka Sensei in London. Due to work commitments Sensei also traveled a lot, but always had a spare gi in the boot of his car and would train whenever and wherever he could.
In 1986 by Sensei William Smith formed the United Kingdom Aikikai and Sensei Hayward was promoted to Fukushidoin (Assistant National Coach) in the UKA and further awarded the position of Shidoin (Senior National Coach), in 1990.
In 1992 Sensei Hayward spoke to Mr Smith about forming a group in Shropshire under the umbrella of the UKA called the Shropshire Aikido Federation. Chiba Sensei later gave the SAF the name Te Shin Kai and suggested the use of the house system to the UKA. Sensei recalls “Back then it was just a group of clubs in Shropshire, now it has expanded across the UK. We've expanded no end with the house system and it's a great.”
Throughout his teaching career Sensei’ main Dojo has been Oakengates Aikido Club (Ken Mon Kan) which was founded in 1977. Over the years students of Sensei have branched out from Ken Mon Kan to start their own clubs under the umbrella of Te Shin Kai.
Sensei regularly travels the UK teaching at Te Shin Kai clubs. Sensei has also traveled to teach in Greece and Lesvos.
1st Dan: 1979 2nd Dan: 1984 3rd Dan: 1986 4th Dan: 1988 5th Dan: 1995 6th Dan: 2003 Shidoin: 1990 |
