It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to Mr William Smith, who passed away in the early morning of Thursday 24th of August 2006.

Mr Smith will be remembered not only for his powerful Aikido, but also for the greatness he showed in being a true Gentleman at all times.

Best wishes are wished to all his family and friends from all at DMU Aikido Club.

Below, we have attached some paragraphs taken from the UKA website, as well as links pointing to an interview as well as an article written by Mr Smith.

" Mr Smith was the second Briton to be awarded 6th Dan and also Shihan by the Aikikai.

He began his Aikido career in 1962. After the arrival of Chiba Sensei to the UK (1966) Mr Smith became a founder member of the Aikikai of Great Britain (Later to become the British Aikido Federation). In 1974 he became Head of National Coaches for that body and was appointed to the Superior Council of the IAF serving three consecutive terms until 1988.