Cliff Price

Cliff Price started his Aikido training in 1974 on a beginner’s course with Dave Bushell Sensei.

In 1975 he began training at the East Birmingham Hospital Dojo, where he met Peter Brady Sensei. Within one year he became Brady Sensei’s assistant. Since 1975 he has trained with many Japanese Instructors. The first and most impressive was (and still is) Chiba Sensei in 1975.

The other Japanese Sensei that have impressed him most are:- Yamaguchi, Tamura, Shibata, Sugano, Kitaura and Asai. He was also privileged to attend the UKA Summer School of 1992 with Moriteru Ueshiba.

He received his 6th Kyu grading in February 1975 from Bill Smith Sensei (Principal of the UKA). First Dan was achieved in 1985, awarded by Fujita Sensei (General Secretary IAF). Second Dan (1987) was awarded by Chiba Sensei, Third Dan (1993) and Fourth Dan (1999) by Bill Smith Sensei. In 1999 he visited Hombu Dojo and trained with Watanabe Sensei, Oosawa Sensei and Miyomoto Sensei. In 2004, he was promoted to Godan by Bill Smith Sensei (Shihan), on the recommendation of Peter Brady Sensei. He was promoted to Rokudan in 2014.

He was promoted from Fuku Shidoin (Assistant National Coach) to Shidoin (National Coach) in 2008.

He considers himself to be very fortunate to have met Peter Brady Sensei so early in his training. Despite training with so many other talented instructors, Peter Brady Sensei remains his main inspiration for continued development.