Cambridge Aiki Dojo

Important Announcement, March 10th, 2010

Dear Cambridge Aikidoka and friends beyond,

Our dojo was founded in 1992 by Simon Whittaker, our Chief Instructor. It has grown from strength to strength ever since, as an internationally diverse, energetic and friendly club. This is mostly down to Simon, his superlative teaching skills, deep knowledge of aikido and strong spirit.

We are all aware of the fact that during the last year or so Simon has been unable to teach as much as he would have liked due to heavy work commitments outside Cambridge, and also, from time to time, physical injuries. Both of these issues remain, and indeed have intensified to the extent that Simon has now taken the decision to step aside from teaching and practice for an indeterminate but extensive period. Under these circumstances he has decided to pass the baton of management of the club and instruction into fresh hands.

Firstly we would all like to thank Simon most sincerely for the generosity of his giving: in leadership, in teaching, inspiration and friendship. And we wish him a speedy recovery in health and much success in his business endeavours. Simon will maintain his connection with the club as Chairman of Cambridge Aiki Dojo, an honorary position which will not involve him in the day to day management.

Our club is blessed with an uniquely strong cohort of senior grades who have regularly taught in Simon’s absence, and who have carried on the management and functioning of the club. This will continue, and there should be little if any disruption to how affairs are conducted.

Notwithstanding this, it is natural that certain changes need to be made.

Glyn Davies, 4th dan, and ranking member of the dojo, becomes Senior Instructor. Britta Kleinsorge will be responsible for the dojo’s administration, supported by the committee.

Returning now to Simon: anyone who has ever been forced to give up something to which they have devoted so much, so passionately, and for so much of their life (in this case 20 years), might be in a position to begin to understand what a painful and emotional event this must be. To him we extend the hand of friendship and our strongest possible ki.