When I was teaching in America, I was asked to visit a large dojo in Texas. Everything they said was in Japanese, so I tried to look as if I understood, but to be honest I didn't have a clue, and I don't suppose a Japanese person would understand much of our Western interpretation of their language either. I am often asked what are best books or videos to buy, and I always point to tatami and say: "That's where it's at!".

In beginning, Abbe Sensei would not discuss Ki (spirit, mind, energy) - he said you had to be 1st Dan before you could understand. I still agree with that. What I find a little disturbing in Aikido is that some people really believe that Ki is almost a form of magic. Abbe Sensei's method was that you first trained very hard physically to develop your spirit and your mind. He said that when body says it is tired strong mind will override it and carry on.

Some teachers of Ki Aikido have had previous study of traditional Aikido, and this, along with practice of Ki, is good. But students who have been taught only Ki style cannot fall back on to good, solid, traditional style when in difficulty with certain techniques. My own students are aware of Ki and its meaning, but it is not a word I use very often. I teach students flow and power of breathing as an important part of their exercise and Aikido training.

During Nakazono Sensei's last visit to UK, he asked me to be his assistant at a demonstration at a venue in Acton, London, for Otani Sensei. Chiba Sensei was there too, but only as a spectator. Knowing how hard Nakazono was from past experience, I feared worst and thought I was in for a hard time, but Sensei was a little older and had changed dramatically. I think he threw me only twice, and then we spent about an hour kneeling while Sensei went into some very deep philosophy which none of us could understand. Even Chiba Sensei looked puzzled, and when I think of this particular seminar, I wonder: Is this how O'Sensei changed?

When I saw Nakazono Sensei again in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he gave me two books he had written, and signed them for me. I spent about four hours at his home, and he and his wife made me most welcome, which made me think: Yes, I am a privileged student.

After 40 years in Martial Arts, with many friends who are bouncers, boxers, fellow Martial Artists and Street fighters, it is my honest opinion that hardest man to beat is natural street fighter. My assistant for many years and a great personal favourite of Chiba Sensei, was 'Mad' Geoff Goodwin, who disappeared some years ago. Geoff came from Derbyshire and followed me to London, where he later became my special assistant. He was a natural-born street fighter and we had some great battles.

My son, Richard, who studied Aikido from age of 5 and continued until he was 14 years old, is also a natural street fighter. He has now been back into Aikido for a year and is running junior section with great success. We often practice together and I try my techniques against him, and with his natural balance and Aikido training, his reactions and responses are very fast. It makes you very aware that an opponent has more than one hand.

I teach as Abbe Sensei did, that Uke must attack on balance, remember at all times that two people are practising, Tori to throw, and Uke Atemi and Ukemi. What I don't allow is Uke attacking with his or her back leg off mat. I also don't like to see Uke trotting around Tori's circle on his toes like a trained poodle on a lead, waiting for instruction to jump!

You have dojos in United States affiliated to your school, I believe.

Yes, in Dallas, Texas and in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The teachers there, Al Montemar and David Rogers, were my students in early 1980's when they were with US Air Force at Greenham Common. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit both dojos during 1992 and give seminars and grading examinations for my American students.

I know that Abbe Sensei told you how he first came to Aikido - would you mind recounting that particular story?

I'd be happy to. Abbe Sensei was All Japan Judo Champion at age of 18, prior to World War II. He told me that he was rather arrogant at that time, having achieved fame so young.

This wreck consists of a British war vessel which was sunk in 1941 after being attacked from air. This vessel was carrying war supplies such as motor bikes, train carriages, rifles and trucks. It is a very big wreck of more than 130 meters in length and takes a great amount of time to visit it all.

Located in Red Sea, more specifically in Strait of Global at north of Ras Mohammed, Thistlegorm is a very impressing and incredible wreck to view which makes divers feel they can touch history. Many human lives have been lost with it and its overall appearance is very impressive causing most divers to feel a great respect for it while visiting it.