Chief Instructor 5th Dan Shidoin: Cocks Moors Woods, Birmingham University, Fox Hollies
My first experience as a martial artist was in Judo as a junior. I followed on from that and entered the ring as a boxer, where a lot of my experience was gained on the street. After boxing, I worked all over the world in security as a bodyguard. During this time I started Aikido (1985) under Shihan Tony Cassells, 6th Dan. By the time I reached Shodan in 1988, I had attended many courses led by a number of Japanese masters including; Kisshomaru Ueshiba (then Doshu), Waka Sensei (current Doshu), Chiba Sensei, Shibata Sensei, Miyamoto Sensei and many others.
Over the past 20 years I have travelled to Japan, the USA and Europe, where I have taught at various seminars.
I have been teaching at Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre for 19 years and have many adult and junior students. My senior Yudansha students, who have also travelled extensively for Aikido, have their own dojos.
I believe weapons training should be as strong as body art, and have always taught and practised weapons, including Iaido, with the same vigour and enthusiasm.
I am, currently, 5th Dan, Shidoin and I am a member of the British Birankai Teaching Committee. I am also the Chairman of Birankai Austria.
Sensei Andy Colclough
Assistant Instructor 2nd Dan Fukushidoin: Cocks Moors Woods
I started Aikido in 1994 after playing rugby for many years. My real interest has always been in martial arts and I have also learnt Judo and Karate. After trying Aikido for the first time I found what I had always been looking for in the martial arts, namely its etiquette and discipline. I have been studying Aikido for the past 15 years under the guidance of Sensei Mark Pickering 5 Dan.
I gained my Shodan in 2000 and my Nidan in 2005. During my time in Aikido I have attended many courses around Britain and Europe and been taught by a number of Japanese instructors. Since 2003 I have made regular visits to Austria which has helped my study tremendously. I currently hold the rank of 2nd Dan Fukushidoin.
Sensei Michelle Eagles
Junior Instructor 2nd Dan: Cocks Moors Woods
I began my Aikido training in 2001, under Sensei Mark Pickering, 5th Dan. Before long I became heavily involved in helping with the running of the Dojo as well as my regular training. I have attended seminars in the UK and Europe, taught by Birankai Instructors and Japnese Masters, which have significantly added to my experience. I gained Shodan in 2007 and currently hold the rank of Nidan. I am also a certified Level 1 Coach and Young Person's Coach.
I am the Child Protection Officer and Junior Instructor; running two highly successful Junior classes and teaching adult beginners at Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre
Sensei Mark Pickering
Assistant Instructor 1st Dan: Cocks Moors Woods
I began practicing Aikido as a junior in 2001 under Sensei Pickering, and I have been studying continuously for over 9 years. I joined the kenshusei (teacher’s training) program and have gone through intensive training under Sensei Chiba Shihan in the San Diego dojo in California USA. I was honoured to become a uchideshi in his dojo for the 8 months that I stayed there.
Aikido has given me the opportunity to travel the world and meet many other like minded people of different nationalities.
I gained my Shodan ( 1st degree Black belt ) in 2007. I am a qualified level 1 Coach, accredited by Sports Coaching UK and abide by their ethics policies.
Sensei Laura Anderson
Assistant Instructor 1st Dan: Cocks Moors Woods, Fox Hollies
My Aikido training started in 2000 at the age of 40 years. Sensei Mark Pickering being my instructor.
Over the years Aikido has given me flexibility, stamina, and confidence.
I achieved my Shodan in 2009, and I now enjoy teaching at Fox Hollies Leisure Centre as an assistant instructor to Sensei Pickering.
I have attended many local and national courses, taking instruction from a Japanese master and a number of British Birankai instructors of the highest quality.
Sensei Paul Hull
Assistant Instructor 1st Dan: Cocks Moors Woods, Fox Hollies
I trained with Sensei Pickering for a year as a teenager but going away to university, a combination of distractions and an inability to find the same quality of teaching led to a seven year period where I didn't train. I started training again in 2000 and during that time have attended many courses taught by British and International Shihans alongside practice at local dojos. I attained 1st Dan in 2009.
Sensei Jonathan Thomas