“The Boards conscience is clear. like all practitioners of Aikido who contribute to this “controversy “ Mr Humm appears to have forgotten meaning of word “Aikido “ – Harmony of Sprit to find a Way “ The “Controversy “ website feeds hatred, ill – feeling, bitterness and discord. For my part, as an aikidoka who is passionate about art and etiquette that goes with it, I will therefore not add to feeding frenzy this website generates. I can’t stop what is going on but I can turn other cheek.“

With reference to above statement by Mr Sumpter I should remind reader to visit www.geocities.com/britishaikido to read both Sport England minutes and Mr Sumpters apology to Mr Ellis which can only be considered an apology to all that supported “Controversy “ in name of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei including named Mr David Humm.

In response to our invitation Mr Sumpter replied stating that he graciously accepted our invitation. Just before event he changed his mind without explanation, suggesting that we allow Mr Ralph Reynolds to represent BAB.

Mr Reynolds had a far more important role to play as one of main teachers at this event where he was delighted to take part as an original student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.

This was such an important event with many good students who were members of BAB, yet, British Aikido Board were not represented at this event to pay tribute to such a great master and founder of our Aikido.

If Mr Sumpter had attended he would have seen a Martial Arts Spectacular never before seen in United Kingdom, where students from many organisations met and renewed old friendships, there were many more that made new friendships.

In almost 50 years of Aikido I have never before experienced special atmosphere that electrified great hall at Crystal Palace from moment Taiko Drummers started to play on this day of celebration in name of Abbe Sensei. I never ever thought in my life time that I would ever see an event to eclipse great event at The Royal Albert Hall in 1963 with Abbe Sensei. I knew on Saturday 14th of May that I was now witnessing greatest Aikido event in my 48 years of Aikido. I am not an emotional man but I will admit that as I looked over balcony of concourse onto tatami area with sound of Taiko Drummers and hundreds of students and guests gathering below I was unable to stop trickle of a few emotional tears as I realised I was witnessing something very special.

MR SUMPTER, you missed something very special, whilst you sat 40 miles away at home contemptuously ignoring tribute to father of British Aikido, others travelled from all parts of UK – USA – France – Holland – Germany – Czechoslovakia. etc.

Whilst you sat at home it was a wonderful moment when Sensei Bill Woods who was personal aide to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and without doubt most influential force in history British Martial Arts, made a supreme effort despite his serious illness to pay his respects to memory of Abbe Sensei.

Also whilst you sat at home, Sensei Bill Stopps personal Aide to Matsutharu Otani Sensei who despite his age and ill health also attended and thanked me wholeheartedly for inviting him as a special guest, and for wonderful day he had experienced.

Whilst you sat at home just 40 miles away, Sensei Robin Otani and his two sons, descendents of Matsutharu Otani Sensei travelled all way from Devon to attend.

Sensei Joe Curran travelled all way from Newcastle and Sensei Mike Nery travelled from Bristol. Sensei Dave Rogers travelled 7000 miles from New Mexico USA as did Sensei Al Montemar and Mr Chad Hatcher who flew over from Texas USA to pay their respects. Whilst you sat at home there were many others that travelled long journeys to attend.

Unlike you Mr Sumpter these people wanted to attend.

You missed some of finest displays of Budo arts that any martial artist is ever likely to witness at any one event, a truly lasting experience for all those that made effort to attend.

I was always under impression that it was sworn duty of any chairman to always do what was best for his organisation and its members.

Try Try Try Again

After disastrous “British Aikido Board Nepotism Seminar 2004“ with only 99 students attending out of a membership of approx 15000, BAB have decided not to hold it's 2005 National Seminar .

They are of course fully aware of fantastic success of Kenshiro Abbe Celebrations. With 720 participants – honoured guests – spectators.

The BAB having failed in its four year support for Mr Jack Poole to change history of British Aikido. They now appear to have a renewed interest in true history of British Aikido and its founder Kenshiro Abbe. No matter whatever British Aikido Board do, that damning statement below will hang over their shameless heads for ever and a day.

British Aikido Board Statement Damned Forever

The BAB Chairman Toni Davis stated in year 2000

“We British Aikido Board are not custodians of British Aikido History and therefore have no interest in same.“

"No matter your pretence, you are what you are and nothing more.“ Kenshiro Abbe Sensei By Henry Ellis Co-Author: Positive Aikido. http://www.EllisAikido.org http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido

Once, you have your machine assembled and in place you can then add some rowing accessories. Most people like to listen to music or watch TV while exercising, so get a media system and your ready to go. This is something else that outdoor rowing can’t offer. Its questionable whether listening to music or watching TV does help, but at least its possible with an indoor rower. There are many rowing accessories you could purchase, but wait until you have started in earnest before buying every little gadget and fashionable item.

Rowing is a great way to work out stresses of day and get great cardiovascular workout for both upper and lower body – rowing is one of best forms of exercise for this. All major muscle groups get a good workout. It is important to have a correct technique though and it may help to pay a visit to local gym to get some good advice on correct technique and useful programmes to follow.

It you find indoor rowing is missing something, then you good look to enter some competitive events, to give your training more of an edge. Competitive indoor rowing a fast growing sport, so do some research and you may find some venues near your home.