meet us
Sensei Tom Thiel
Senior Instructor — Sen Do Kai Aikido Yoshinkan UK (London, Hertfordshire & Surrey)
Sensei Thiel began practising Yoshinkan Aikido in September 1995 under the guidance of Sensei Terry Harrison. He has built broad experience across Yoshinkan Aikido and related disciplines, with a consistent focus on deepening Yoshinkan fundamentals through continued study.
Key details:
- Training since 1995 under Sensei Terry Harrison
- Senior Instructor within the Sen Do Kai Aikido Group since 2000
- Regular seminar training with high-ranking Yoshinkan instructors, including participation in UK Kancho Gozo Shioda Memorial seminars
- Demonstrations and training exposure connected to senior Yoshinkan figures, including Terada Saikokomon (9th Dan) and Inoue Hanshi (9th Dan)
- International training efforts to learn from senior Hombu-linked instructors, including visits/training with Chida Shihan (Poland), Ando Shihan, and Sensei Robert Mustard
Sensei Thiel supports teaching at the Sendokan Dojo alongside Sensei Harrison and previously helped run a club at Harrow Leisure Centre with associate instructor Sensei John Reynolds. He is a Senior 3rd Dan and was graded by Ando Sensei at the Sendokan Dojo on 25 August 2008 during Ando Sensei’s visit to England.
meet us
Sensei Terry Harrison
Chief Instructor and founder of Sen Do Kai Aikido Yoshinkan UK, and Chief Instructor at the Sendokan Dojo.
Terry began practising Yoshinkan Aikido in August 1978 under Sensei John Frane and has continued his study for decades through training with senior Yoshinkan instructors, including visits to the Hombu Dojo in Japan.
Key details:
- Yoshinkan Aikido Instructor — 6th Dan
- Graded by Terada Saiko Shihan (9th Dan)
- Cross-training background includes judo and karate
Terry’s teaching is known for clarity and structure: strong basics first — posture, stance, footwork and correct movement — building towards reliable technique, control and composure over time.
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Sensei Simon Hill
Senior Instructor — Sen Do Kai Aikido Yoshinkan UK (Potters Bar)
Simon Hill began practising Yoshinkan Aikido in September 1989 under the guidance of Sensei Terry Harrison. Over the years he has developed extensive experience in Yoshinkan Aikido and broadened his perspective through training with a range of senior instructors, including visiting teachers from Japan and the wider Yoshinkan community.
Key details:
- Yoshinkan Aikido — 3rd Dan (Coach)
- Training lineage includes ongoing tuition within the Sen Do Kai group and exposure to senior Yoshinkan instructors (including Terada Saikokomon and Inoue Hanshi).
- Honbu Dojo training visit (Japan) with Sensei Harrison to practise under high-ranking Honbu Sensei.
- Leads training locally and runs the Potters Bar club, helping develop Yoshinkan practice beyond the M25 area.
Simon’s teaching reflects the Yoshinkan method: clear fundamentals first—posture, stance, footwork and correct movement—building towards reliable control, timing and calm, consistent progression.
Aikido Yoshinkan club in the UK. Training in a focused, supportive environment with clear fundamentals and practical progression. Beginners welcome.
Contact Info
Instructor: Simon Hill (3rd Dan)
Phone: +441707653013
Email: sendokai@btinternet.com
Location
SENDOKAN Dojo
Blackwell Hall
90 Uxbridge Road
Stanmore
Harrow
HA3 6DQ
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