Opening Night
Monday 3rd June 1991 – Rugeley in Staffordshire
The evening opened with a Demonstration by Brown Sensei covering the full range of Aikido techniques, weapons, and defence against a real knife.
Thereafter a few basic techniques were taught and the class eagerly participated. There were many newcomers in attendance, but also several experienced students who had come to support the official launch of the Black Star Aikido Dojo.The launch was very much a success and many newcomers signed up for membership. After practice refreshments were enjoyed and questions answered.
Pictured on the left is the original badge as a screen print and sewn onto the students jackets.
1992……. Brown Sensei travelled alone to the New York Aikikai, USA to train at the USA Headquarters of Master Yoshimitsu Yamada, for a short intensive live in Training Programme. This concluded in being graded to Shodan and thus being accepted as Yudansha and certified with the Japanese Aikido World Headquarters, Aikikai.
1997……. Brown Sensei’s book entitled “The Way of the Black Star” was published and successfully launched by several book signings.
NEW BADGE….. Pebbles Design Agency were commissioned to design a contemporary, business like, corporate logo for the new look for Black Star Aikido to take it forward into the 21st Century.
2009………Black Star Aikido’s debut in Manchester at the Dojo Headquarters of Kokoro Aikido. Brown Sensei was invited to teach at the Kokoro Dojo by its Chief Instructor Ian Watts Sensei , 5th Dan.
Published in the Manchester Advertiser 21 MAY 2009
Black Star Aikido continues to grow and develop itself. It looks forward to working with both the smaller and larger Aikido Groups, in an effort to promote a healthy interest in Aikido throughout Great Britain and Europe.
2011…….Monday 15th August 2011 see the Black Star Aikido Team attend Manchester Martial Arts Seminar at KOKORO AIKIDO DOJO under invitation from Ian Watts Sensei.
Special Guest was world famous Grand Master Bauer 10th Dan. He is an expert in Close Quarter Combat and has taught on many International Seminars.
Aikido students from both dojos enjoyed training with one another and learning new self- defence skills.
Black Star Aikido Celebrate Ian Watts the Chief Instructor of Kokoro Aikido being awarded his 6th Dan Aikido along with Tony from the BSA Organisation.
The National Space Centre. BSA Team members attend the Space Centre in Leicester, U.K. It is great to see some of our younger students having their special meeting at the Sputnik Display Desk.
2012 October Stockholm, Sweden Tony Brown makes his very first visit to Sweden alongside Gunter Bauer Soke. Tony attends the Training Seminar at Solna Jujutsu Dojo hosted by its Chief Instructor Johan Grankvist. This marks the beginning of a long association and strong friendship between both Instructors and Dojos.
2012……CELEBRATIONS 121212 Wednesday 12th December 2012
The first batch of new Dan Grades receive their black belts and certificates on Wednesday 12th December 2012.
The presentation was held at Dojo HQ and was well attended by family and friends.
2013…..Saturday 16th February 2013
Black Star Aikido in company with students from Kokoro Aikido attended a Self Defence & Pressure Point Seminar at Stockport Dojo UK, hosted by Bauer Soke.
Kevin Merriman Sensei 5th Dan Karate Chief Instructor of ESKA, England Seikokai Karate Association was also present with some of his black belts.
Bauer Soke was delighted to Award Ian Watts & Tony Brown the title of Shihan.
2013….. Sunday 30th June 2013
Martial Arts Madness for Ella
Thanks Go To Every Instructor and Every Student from BSA who supported this very special event.
It was a very positive day and it was heart-warming to meet Ella and contribute to this great cause.
“When true martial artists unite, everything is possible”
2014….. Saturday 29th March 2014
Budo Seminar in Markaryd, Sweden
Gake Ryu Jujutsu hosted their Annual International Budo Kamp in Markaryd in Sweden. Instructors and students from across Europe were in attendance hosted by Johan Pettersson Hanshi, 8th Dan.
This marks and continues a Budo Friendship between BSA, Solna Jujutsu & Gake Ryu Jujutsu. This plays a vital role in the promotion of traditional Japanese martial arts and helps promote the values of Aikido to other disciplines.
2014….. Wednesday 17th September 2014
ENGLAND SEIKOKAI KARATE MASTER CLASS
Black Star Aikido instructors and students were honoured to be invited to attend this Special Master Class to broaden their understanding of the traditional values of Karate by some of Japan’s very distinguished Karateka.
All students received a special certificate signed by Ohgiya Naoyuki Shihan 8th Dan , Kanno Hidetomo Shihan 8th Dan & Takano Fujio Sensei 7th Dan and the host U.K instructor Kevin Merriman Sensei 5th Dan Karate.
2014….. Friday 19th September 2014
England Seikokai Karate invite the BSA Team to attend a Social Event and Awards Ceremony in Rochdale, U.K.
The England Seikokai Karate Association present Tony Brown Shihan with the award:
The Engraving Reads “OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE FURTHERANCE OF MARTIAL ART AWARD, 2014 SHIHAN TONY BROWN”
2015….. Sunday 8th February 2015
Our Organisation Celebrates a Successful 5 Year Anniversary at our Dojo HQ.
The Celebrations concluded with everyone in attendance receiving a commemorative medal illustrating the Organisation “white dove” recognised as the universal symbol of peace, with the Kanji therein for “life”
Robert Sensei and Max Sensei were presented with a Special Achievement Award for outstanding paired weapons performance.
2015….. Saturday 11th April 2015
International Kenpo Kwai Seminar, Kent, United Kingdom.
Andy McGill Soke 10th Dan Kenpo hosts the Seminar and invites BSA to share our Aikido teachings.
The Black Star Aikido Team attend and enjoy sharing Aikido to students of Jujutsu, Kenpo, Judo and Karate.
2016…..
Black Star Aikido Academy is launched.
The Academy’s aim is to reach out to the smaller independent Aikido Dojos and Instructors in the U.K and offer them the hand of friendship. The Academy seeks to enhance the profile of Aikido by raising the standards through training / education and unity.
2016….. Saturday 3rd September 2016
SCOTTISH KEMPO ACADEMY
Chief Instructor Neil Hourston 8th Dan Kempo invites us to teach at their Annual Self Defence Seminar in Inverness, Scotland.
BSA Team committed themselves to the 8 hour car journey to support the Organisation and further their knowledge in Japanese Martial Arts and help spread their love & passion of Aikido to others.
This promotes a great link between our 2 Organisations, exchanging views and sharing the traditional values of Japanese martial arts with one another.
2017….. Saturday 14th October 2017
The Black Star Aikido team are proud to host the 2017 International Budo Kamp at their U.K Dojo Headquarters with top instructors from the U.K and Sweden.
2017………. MSMAS Tony Brown attends the MSMAS Honbu Dojo in Mid Sussex for the very first time. Here he meets the Dojo Cho namely Roger Payne Hanshi. This begins a long term association and lifelong friendship between both dojos and instructors.
DNBK ID. UK TaiKai Shibu Brown Sensei had the honour of teaching for his first time at this prestigious annual event held in Sussex, U.K.
2017………. BBSA Brownhills Leighton Sensei opens his own branch dojo of the Organisation. This begins a new chapter as this dojo is the first to open up a brand new Junior Section.
BBSA Brownhills BSA
2018…………. Sweden, Stockholm. Brown Sensei teaches at the Solna Jujutsu Dojo and is honoured to be awarded the Shogo title of “Kyoshi”. This is granted under the authority of the Gake Ryu Organisation headed by Johan Pettersson Hanshi.
Scouts: Martial Arts Activity Badge. Black Star Aikido Instructors are proud to be involved in teaching the syllabus “An Introduction to Japanese Martial Arts”. This allows current scouting groups in our local area the opportunity to train with us and attain their Scouting Activity Badge in Martial Arts.
2020…………..COVID 19 GLOBAL PANDAMIC The world saw countries in “lockdown” and our Dojo had to close. However as soon as U.K legislation allowed our Dojo was finally able to train outdoors. We took every opportunity to get together (albeit social distancing rules applied). It was great to practice our Aiki-Weapons outside in the fresh air.
Sometime later ! it was a nice feeling to be allowed back inside the Dojo. We opened up as soon as the Law allowed. In compliance with social distancing we held classes and practiced our Aiki – Weapons. “just great to be back as a team”
2020: KETSUEN DOJO The Ketsuen Dojo is established to enhance and promote the serious practice of Goshin Jitsu meaning “self-protection & survival techniques”. This Ketsuen Dojo is formed to establish a clear syllabus to practicing mixed martial arts from Japan and enhance them as a co-ordinated system of good honest self-defence.
The Ketsuen Dojo Moto: Practice It / Pressure It / Prove It
Its founder is Tony Brown, ranked 7th Dan Goshin Jitsu in 2018 by the authority of Professor James Muro 10th Dan, Cho Hoon Goshin Jitsu, U.S.A.
The Ketsuen Dojo Syllabus & Promotion.
It is available on a private student basis only to establish correct format & procedures.
2021: Children’s University. Honbu Dojo is now officially registered as a Centre & Passport to Learning. Children can obtain credits through our training towards their chosen “Children’s University Awards”.
2021………. BSA 30 Year Anniversary Founded in 1991. Our first dojo opened at Slitting Mill Village Hall in Rugeley, U.K. We celebrate our 30 Years of training and promoting our style of Black Star Aikido. Yes, of course there was training & special cake (courtesy of Annah & Mark Grosvenor Hayes)
2022: New Shodan Black Belts. A proud time for the Organisation to certify 2 new Shodan 1st Dan Black Belts. After many years of dedication and hard training Neil Coates and Scott Grosvenor Hayes receive their official Certificates of Rank.
2022………. International Spring Camp, Markaryd, Sweden Our Team attended this very large gathering of martial artists from across Europe. The event was marked as David Lloyd Sensei successfully graded to Brown + black stripe belt. Neil Coates and Scott Grosvenor Hayes were given the right to wear Hakama.
2022………. Aiki Budo Alliance Aikido Friendship Seminar A great opportunity for BSA to share our style of Aikido at this prestigious Seminar in Wolverhampton, U.K.
2022………. International Budo Kamp U.K
BSA host this event at Honbu Dojo, U.K with very high ranking Masters from Sweden and U.K
2023………. DNBK Kyoto, Japan Tony Brown achieves his life time ambition. He travels to Japan as a member of the MSMAS Team, under the direction of Roger Payne Hanshi. The team demonstrate their martial disciplines in Japan’s most honourable dojo, The Butokuden.
In conclusion to a very special trip, Tony is awarded his 6th Dan Aikido certification, whilst lined up inside the Butokuden in the presence of Japan’s Honbu Board officials and hundreds of martial artists representing 18 countries.
2023………. Athens, Greece Tony Brown travels to Athens, Greece with Payne Hanshi who is Special Guest Instructor at the Aikido Zanshin Dojo hosted by Fanis Kokolis Sensei. A great opportunity for Tony Sensei to travel and be “uke” for his Sensei. A great evening social was had by everyone.
2023………. ITJR International TaiJutsu / Jujutsu Renmei The Black Star Aikido Dojo is proud to represent this International Federation as an Accredited & Certified Dojo in the United Kingdom. This facilitates our membership being internationally recognised in addition to our own certifications.
2024…….. Aikido Aspire Children Andrew Leighton Sensei is Guest Instructor at this “childrens seminar” hosted by the Aiki Budo Alliance in order to showcase the very best of Instructors in the U.K who teach Junior Members.
In Sweden “Fighting Spirit Award” goes to Henry Leighton. Presented by Johan Pettersson Soke.
2024………. Neil Hourston Hanshi, 9th Dan Kempo & Helen Beattie Kyoshi 8th Dan Kempo. VIP Guests from the Scottish Kempo Academy travel from Inverness, Scotland to our Honbu Dojo in Cannock, England to teach on this Seminar. A great connection between our both Organisations is through mutual respect and the sharing of knowledge between students and instructors.
2024……….DNBK ID TaiKai Shibu UK The Black Star Team attend MSMAS Honbu Dojo in order to participate in this years, annual multi disciplined Seminar of the Martial Arts of Japan.
It is a particularly special event as Roger Payne Hanshi presents Tony Brown his “Shihan” certification from Japan and also presents Andrew Leighton his “Shidoin” certification from Japan.
2024……….BUDO KAMP 2024 U.K Another very successful Seminar with Johan Pettersson 9th Dan Hanshi and Johan Grankvist 7th Dan Shihan. Also teaching is Andrew Leighton Shidoin 4th Dan and Nick Chand Sensei 4th Dan.
International Coach Award Tony Brown Shihan is promoted and certified as being “International Coach” by the Gake Ryu Organisation, Johan Pettersson 9th Dan Hanshi.
2024: Zenith Aikido Dojo BSA accepted an invitation to teach at Zenith Aikido by their dojo-cho Nick Chand Sensei. A great friendship between our dojos flourishes in a great night of training.
2024……….Our First Female Black Belt It is superb that we announce our first ever Female Black Belt, namely Millie-Kay Leighton Sensei. She is an ambassador for Aikido and our Organisation. Millie-Kay Leighton Sensei is enthusiastic & active in supporting the Junior Section of the Dojo. She promotes a positive role model for all girls and women, showing everyone that they can flourish in martial arts.
BMABA British Martial Arts & Boxing Association All BSA Dojos are proud to become members of this association. A great opportunity for all our instructors to complete courses and gain qualifications through this professional body acting to promote and ensure the safety of everyone involved in martial arts.
2025……….Gary Maas International Seminar. London U.K Proud to have our Instructors teach on this mulit-style event. Other top instructors were also present providing first class instruction.
2025……….Sweden, Solna Dojo Andrew Leighton undertakes a grading / test at the Autumn Camp Stockholm at the Solna Dojo. He is Graduated to 5th Dan Aikido under the authority of the international grading panel and officials of the ITJR.
Shidoin is pictured with his son, Henry who also acted as “uke” in the formal grading process.
2025……… Bill Longmore Foundation Award This is great news for our Organisation. We have been awarded £1000 to spend on our membership. This money provided: 2 free courses for every member, beautiful badges for every member, a crash mat, board breaking machine and re-breakable boards, promotional BSA flags, tug-of-war rope, stationary and refreshments for everyone.
New Crash Mat at Last
2025………. BSA Embroidered Badges For the very first time in our history, we are now allowing all students to wear our “full crest” badge on their uniforms. The badges are professionally produced as an embroidered self adhesive / sew on badge. All students will receive one badge each, as part of their “Membership Package”. Their first badge is given at no extra cost.
2025: 30th November 2025 AIKIDO MASTERS OF G.B A very proud day for our Dojo Cho to be teaching on this Seminar in Wolverhampton, U.K, hosted by the Aiki Budo Alliance.
2025: Sunday 7th December 2025. New Shodan Black Belt. A proud time for the Organisation to certify a new Shodan 1st Dan Black Belt. After years of commitment and hard training, Stephen Maymand receives his official Shodan Certificate of Rank and awarded the Organisation official embroidered Black Belt.
