Aikido The Derek Eastman Sensei Biography Part Three
In part three of the Derek Eastman Sensei biography, we will take a closer look at his achievements and contributions to the world of Aikido.
Derek Eastman Sensei was a highly respected figure in the Aikido community, both in the United Kingdom and internationally. He held the rank of 8th Dan and was a Shihan (master instructor) in the British Aikido Federation (BAF). He also held the position of Technical Director for the Federation, where he was responsible for the development and implementation of the BAF's technical syllabus.
Eastman Sensei began his Aikido training in 1968 under the instruction of Sensei Chiba Kazuo, who was one of the leading Aikido masters in the world at that time. He spent several years studying with Sensei Chiba before eventually moving on to explore other styles of Aikido.
Over the course of his Aikido career, Eastman Sensei trained under some of the most renowned Aikido masters in the world, including T.K. Chiba, Nobuyoshi Tamura, Morihiro Saito, and Christian Tissier. He also spent time studying the art of Iaido (Japanese swordsmanship), which he incorporated into his Aikido practice.
Eastman Sensei was known for his dynamic and powerful Aikido technique. He had a reputation for being a tough and demanding instructor, but also a fair and compassionate one. He believed that Aikido was not just a martial art, but a way of life that could help people achieve spiritual growth and self-improvement.
One of Eastman Sensei's greatest contributions to the Aikido community was his work in promoting Aikido as a sport. He participated in numerous international Aikido competitions, including the World Aikido Championships, where he represented the United Kingdom as a member of the national team. In addition to competing, he also served as a judge for Aikido competitions both in the UK and abroad.
Eastman Sensei was also a prolific writer on the subject of Aikido. He authored several books on Aikido, including "Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere" and "Aikido: A Beginner's Guide." He also contributed articles to various Aikido magazines and journals.
In addition to his technical expertise and contributions to the Aikido community, Eastman Sensei was also known for his leadership and organizational skills. He was instrumental in the formation and development of the BAF, which is one of the largest and most respected Aikido organizations in the UK.
Eastman Sensei was also involved in several international Aikido organizations, including the International Aikido Federation and the European Aikido Federation. He served as a board member for both organizations and played a key role in organizing their activities and events.
Throughout his career, Eastman Sensei was always committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with others. He taught Aikido seminars and workshops both in the UK and abroad, and his students included people of all ages and skill levels.
Eastman Sensei was also deeply involved in promoting the benefits of Aikido to the wider community. He worked with schools and community organizations to introduce Aikido to people from all walks of life, and he was particularly passionate about teaching Aikido to young people.
One of the most significant contributions that Eastman Sensei made to the world of Aikido was his role in developing the technical syllabus for the BAF. He spent many years working on this project, and the result was a comprehensive and detailed syllabus that covered all aspects of Aikido technique and philosophy.
The BAF technical syllabus is now widely recognized as a benchmark for Aikido training, and it is used by many Aikido organizations around the world. The syllabus has been praised for its clarity and practicality, and it has helped to ensure that the techniques and principles of Aikido are taught consistently and effectively.
Sadly, Derek Eastman Sensei passed away in 2010, but his legacy lives on through the many students and disciples he taught and inspired over the course of his life. He was a true pioneer of Aikido in the UK and a passionate advocate for the art form.
In conclusion, Derek Eastman Sensei was a highly respected and influential figure in the world of Aikido. He made significant contributions to the technical development of the art, as well as its promotion and dissemination to a wider audience. He was a leader, a teacher, and a role model for many people, and his passion and dedication for Aikido continue to inspire and influence generations of practitioners.