Sensei Jack Poole – 7th Dan
Founder and Principal Coach of UK Shinwakai Aikido
Having previously trained to black belt standard in Karate and Judo, Sensei Jack Poole began formal Aikido training in the mid 1960s. In early 1969 he met and joined Kazuo Chiba Sensei (Head of the then Aikikai of Great Britain) who has remained Sensei Poole’s mentor for many years. From Chiba Sensei, Sensei Jack Poole was awarded Aikido; 1st Dan in 1970; 2nd Dan in 1979; 3rd Dan in 1983: From Minoru Kanetsuka Sensei he was awarded 4th Dan in 1990: In 1988 Sensei Jack Poole was awarded 5th Dan Aikibudo by Bushido Za Zen International Society GB (International Budo Federation of Europe) and 6th Dan in 1995. From Yoshinkan Aikido Hombu, Japan; Sensei Jack Poole also received Yoshinkan Aikido 4th Dan in 1993 and 5th Dan in 1997: Sensei Jack Poole is the Founder & Principal Instructor of UK Shinwakai Aikido; BAB Coach Level 3; he was awarded Aikido 7th Dan in 2004.
For many years Sensei Jack Poole was Chairman of the British Aikido Federation (BAF successor to Aikikai of Great Britain). During this time he also played a role in the International Aikido Federation (IAF), he was also Director of Aikido for the BZIS GB. In 1993 with the blessing of Chiba Sensei, Sensei Jack Poole decided it was time for him to leave the BAF and to develop his own style of Aikido which focuses on: the flowing movements of Aikikai Aikido supported by the structure and discipline of Yoshinkan Aikido. He established UK Shinwakai Aikido which now includes organisations following Traditional, Yoshinkan, and Iwama styles of Aikido.
