Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei, founder of Aikido
Aikido is a traditional, non competitive Japanese Martial Art. It was developed early in the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Aikido means 'the Way of harmony with the force and principle of nature'.
Aikido is derived from Japanese traditional budo (the way of martial arts). It reflects a tradition within Japanese culture of moving from the practical development and application of various arts to the transformation of the art to a 'Way', a means of self knowledge, development and purification.
Aikido may be used effectively for self defence in most circumstances. The essence of these techniques lies in the use of circular motion, which harmonises with the movement of the opponent. The force of the attack is drawn out and neutralised and the attacker is then controlled through weak points, such as the wrist, shoulders and neck. Aikido's empty hand techniques includes defences against sword, stick and knife attacks.
In addition to learning about the physical application of Aikido technique, through the training process one develops martial awareness. This helps the student to respond appropriately to situations and where possible avoid unnecessary confrontation.
Chiba Sensei, Founder of Birankai.
Dojo and Instructor History
Sensei Steve Branagan started Aikido in 1987. He then trained at Shin Mei Kan dojo in London from 1989 with Dee Chen Sensei (6th Dan Shihan), Eric Beake Sensei (6th Dan) and Steve Beecham Sensei (6th Dan Shihan).
In his mid twenties Steve had a 7 year break in his active involvement with Aikido and resumed training in 1999 and he returned to Shin Mei Kan in 2000. During that break period, he spent over 2 years as a full-time live-in Zen student, primarily based in a Zen Temple in London, but also visiting Japan. Prior to this break Steve was accepted to train with Chiba Sensei (Shihan 8th Dan) at his Dojo at Fairmount Avenue, San Diego, California, USA and he lived as uchideshi - live in student - for a 9 month period.
In 2005 Steve was awarded the grade of Ni Dan (2nd Dan), and qualified as Fukishidoin (qualified assistant national instructor) within British Birankai. The same year he moved to Ledbury, Herefordshire. He established Ledbury Aikido Dojo, Central Aikikai, part of British Birankai in January 2006. The Dojo was given the name Ji Myo Kan by Chiba Sensei on the 31 July 2006. In 2015 Steve was promoted to Yon Dan (4th Dan) Shidoin (national instructor) and then in 2023 Go Dan ( 5th Dan).
Shin Mei Kan means 'house of new light'. Ji Myo Kan means 'house to embrace the light', and this name reflects Steve's long association with Shin Mei Kan.
In traditional systems lineage is of essential importance and these Dojo's, along with others within British Birankai and Birankai internationally, follow the guidance and instruction of Chiba Sensei and through him link directly to O Sensei, the founder of Aikido. Chiba Sensei passed away in 2015.
