Lineage
“Find a teacher who is an integral being, a
beacon who extends his light and virtue with equal ease to those who
appreciate him and those who don't. Shape yourself in his mold,
bathe in his nourishing radiance, and reflect it out to the rest of
the world.”
Lao Tzu
Mr H Foster Sensei IoA UK
Members of the Institute of Aikido and aikidoka throughout the world were greatly saddened with the passing of Mr H Foster in February 2011.
One of the founders of Aikido in the UK Foster Sensei began learning Aikido at the famous Hut Dojo under the tutelage of the legendary Budo Master Kenshiro Abbe.
He taught at the Hut until
the time of his death.
Mr Foster visited New Zealand on several occasions to share some of
his vast knowledge of Aikido. and was highly respected by New
Zealand aikidoka .
It was he who appointed Ray Eder to be his representative in New
Zealand and subsequently graded Ray to 5th Dan in 2006 during a
visit to New Zealand. Rays first teacher, Ron Russell was Mr Fosters
previous New Zealand representative until the time of his death in
1994.
Ron Russell Sensei
Ron Russell immigrated to New Zealand in 1978 and taught aikido in Onehunga. During the 1980's Ron had several clubs in New Zealand that followed his style of Aikido which he began to call Kyu Shin Do. He had an enormous impact on aikido in New Zealand.
In early 1991 Ron returned to England to live, and trained with his old club in London where he held the senior post of Assistant Technical Director in the Institute of Aikido. It was during this period he was promoted to 5th Dan.
In August 1993 Ron returned to New Zealand, having missed
the pleasant climate and relaxed lifestyle. He soon started
teaching regularly at a number of different clubs around
Auckland , and leading seminars and weekend training
sessions in Hamilton, Rotorua, Christchurch, and Whitianga.
Ron died suddenly of a heart attack on Friday the 25th
of March 1994.