MARPLE AIKIDO
Discover the Essence of Aikido
About Us
Guiding you on your martial art journey
- Marple Aikido is dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals to explore the art of Aikido. Christine Shepherd (5th Dan Hombu) and supporting Black Belt instructors, will help you develop your physical abilities, mental focus, and self-confidence through the practice of this traditional martial art
- Marple Aikido is part of the Lancashire Aikikai (UK), which was founded by Mucha Sensei - a student of Chiba Sensei. See 'More About Us' for the history of our founder
- The Lancashire Aikikai comprises several clubs around the NW (UK) and has clubs as far afield as Devon and Wexford (IRL).
Our Head of Association is Andrew Baird (6th Dan) - Marple Aikido is linked with Aikido Wexford (IRL) - as a Sister Club. Marple Aikido was jointly founded by Chris Wallace and Christine Shepherd in 2007. Chris Wallace went on to found Aikido Wexford.
- Atsushi Mimuro Shihan (7th Dan Hombu) - Director of Yokohama International Aikido, is our Technical Director. Mimuro Sensei trained for more than 20 years under the late Seigo Yamaguchi Shihan
- Mimuro Sensei has made regular visits to Marple Aikido and Lancashire Aikiki clubs since 2008 and has been Technical Director of the Lancashire Aikikai since 2015
Christine receiving her 5th Dan (Hombu) Certificate
from
Mimuro Sensei
Manchester July 2024
Your Chief Instructor
Christine Shepherd (5th Dan Hombu)
I began training in Aikido in 1983 and, after some breaks to have a family, was awarded 1st Dan in 1995 by the late Marion Mucha Sensei. My second Dan (1999) and Third Dan (2004) were awarded by Bob Spence Sensei who succeeded Mr Mucha as Principal of Lancashire Aikikai. My 4th (2018) and 5th Dan (2024) certificates were awarded by Atsushi Mimuro Sensei, 7th Dan, Principal of Yokohama International Aikido Club and Technical Director of Lancashire Aikikai. I hold the BAB (British Aikido Board) Coach Level Two Award.
In teaching aikido, I aim to share the enjoyment and exhilaration that comes from its combination of physical and mental exertion
Instructor
Neil Wright 4th Dan (Hombu)
I first began training in Aikido out of boredom in February 2000
I had tried and failed at becoming a gym bunny so, after a tip off from a friend, I took an introductory course at Trafford Aikido Club ( 4 weeks practice for the princely sum of twelve quid)
It was awesome.
After 3 weeks a guy called Mark, who now resides in France, suggested I was either hooked on it or just getting my money’s worth! I was hooked.
Interestingly, Chris Wallace Sensei was the teacher on my first ever class…..
I had found something in Aikido that inspired me, tested me and increased my fitness and self confidence; and have been practising since.
I took Shodan in 2007 under Sensei Baird at Trafford Aikido, Nidan in 2011, Sandan in August 2017 and Yondan in 2024 under the direction of Mimoro Sensei, our technical director.
Now my aim is to help deliver the nuances of Mimoru Sensei’s Aikido to the students in Marple club and to improve my own knowledge and understanding of the detail that makes it such a powerful, yet graceful martial art.
© Marple Aikido 2025
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