Photo of: Sensei Marill Poole 6th Dan

It is a sad reality and a poor indictment that it is indeed a rare thing in the world of Aikido to encounter a high ranking woman Aikidoka. It is an even sadder reality and rarer thing to encounter a woman Aikidoka in the UK who holds the rank of Aikido 6th Dan yet here we are: Sensei Marill Poole 6th Dan 

Some of our intellectually less enlightened Aikido brethren might be foolish enough to say women are not strong enough, tuff enough or adept enough to excel in the martial art we call Aikido: This would be a mistake especially if one was unwise enough to think this or say this around Sensei Marill Poole because she might just demonstrate first hand why it is that she holds the rank of Aikido 6th Dan

Sensei Marill Poole has had a career of over 30 years in Aikido as deshi and right hand woman to Sensei Jack Poole. Throughout the past 30 years and more Sensei Marill Poole has lived, breathed, trained and loved Aikido. Over the many years of hard, tough and dedicated Aikido training Sensei Marill Poole has fashioned, honed and moulded herself to become part of the elite high ranked Aikido Teachers in the UK and one of the finest Aikido role models for women in Aikido in the UK today 

Sensei Marill Poole is not only a great Aikido teacher and a perfect ambassador for women in Aikido, she is also a dedicated and strong supporter of the British Aikido Board endeavouring daily to make Aikido better, brighter and safer for all practicing Aikidoka in the UK

Sensei Marill Poole is a qualified First Aid Trainer and often organises and runs the first aid facilities at major Aikido event in the UK. Sensei Marill Poole not only lives Aikido in her daily life, but is one of the few people who have managed to incorporate the practice and principles of Aikido into her career, how fortunate is she! Taking Aikido training and instruction from Sensei Marill Poole is a wonderfully happy occasion and an experience that will benefit your Aikido well into the future

By Billy McAuley 5th Dan
Chief Instructor; Asoryu Aikido Club, Huddersfield