A Tribute to Shihan Ralph Reynolds

The Aikido Fellowship of Great Britain was established nearly 50 years ago by its pioneering Principal Coach, the late Shihan Ralph Reynolds.  In 1960, the Headquarters of this organisation began setting its roots firmly in the heart of Birmingham, when it achieved official recognition and backing from the Birmingham Sports Centre (formally known as the City’s Athletic Institute).

Shihan Ralph Reynolds introduced Aikido to the Midlands in the 1950s.  He studied hard and religiously under both the celebrated Master Sensei Kenshiro Abbe and Sensei Nakazono of the Japanese Aikikai.   

Within a relatively short time, his commitment and dedication to the Art were rewarded when he became one of the first twelve Dan grades in the UK to be awarded their Black belts by Sensei Nakazona during a visit to the UK.  The honour of this occasion was celebrated further, as the Certificate was issued in Japan and signed by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. 

His adoption and development of Aikido techniques led to his designation to Shihan, ‘teacher of teachers’ nearly 20 years before his passing, he was also awarded a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ by the Sports Advisory Council, Birmingham.  In recognition of Shihan Reynolds' lifelong achievements, there is now the Ralph Reynolds Aikido Academy named in his honour.