Simon began Aikido in 1981 and as a novice, he attended a number of seminars taught by the late Seigo Yamaguchi Sensei. The opportunity to observe one of the founders direct students left an indelible impression and the motivation to continue to study.

Over forty years of practice he has been greatly influenced by the teaching of Takeshi Yamashima Sensei, Seishiro Endo Sensei, Terry Ezra Sensei, as well as many other eminent teachers. He owes a debt of gratitude for all their generosity and patience.

Whilst living in the northwest of England he has taken the opportunity to train in most European countries as well as at Hombu Dojo (Tokyo).  He continues to study diligently and endeavours to share his enthusiasm for the art with others.

David started training whilst at the University of York and, serendipitously, met Simon McAsey whilst on Seigo Yamaguchi Sensei’s seminars in Oxford in the late 80’s. In the intervening years he has been grateful for the teaching of Masters Nobuyoshi Tamura, Seishiro Endo, Dan Messisco, and Takeshi Yamashima. He has travelled variously to Europe and Japan for training and additional influences have been Shinjuro Narita Sensei and Yoshinobu Takeda Sensei. He lives in Derbyshire with several shiba inu who simply refuse to take him seriously.