Chris Norburn
6th Dan Shihan Black Belt
I started training Aikido in 1971. During the following years I have had the opportunity to study with a number of eminent teachers; the late Tamara Sensei,Saito Sensei, Sugano Sensei and Bill Smith Sensei, the present Aikido Doshu (Moriteru Ueshiba), his son Waka Sensei, Seishiro Endo Sensei, Chiba Sensei, Yamada Sensei, Kanetsuka Sensei, Terry Ezra Sensei, Mick Sheridan Sensei, Terry Bayliss Sensei and many more. I have also trained in France, but have mostly lived and practiced in Staffordshire. I continue to study conscientiously to deepen my perception of the way of Aiki.
I attained a Dan grade at Iaido. (Roshukai Seito Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu).
During my time with Aikido Seishin Kai I have taught, mentored and encouraged students to progress from Mudansha to Yudansha successfully to hopefully high standards, and will continue to do so as long as I practice Aikido. In the past I have arranged Seminars which has allowed students of Aikido to train with leading Sensei (i.e.the late Bill Smith). Chris is also a BAB level 1 coach.
Chris Burgess
6th Dan Black Belt
Began martial arts career in 1982. Studied Judo under Sensei John Shaw – Godan (5th) “Doshi” himself a student of Sensei Abe. Achieved rank of Shodan (1st). Has studied Aikido from 1991 to present day under the instruction of Sensei John Colclough Yondan (4th) and Sensei Chris Norburn Rokku Dan (6th) one of the Principal Instructors of Aikido Seishin Kai. Has attended training seminars given by various Sensei including Sensei Yamanda, Sensei Saito, Sensei Chiba, Sensei Bill Smith. Awarded his 5th Dan (Godan) on the 11/10/2015 by Sensei Terry Bayliss Shihan and Sensei Chris Norburn Rokkyu and is a BAB certified coach. Was awarded his 6th Dan by Sensei Norburn on 17/11/2024
Roger Scott
4th Dan Black Belt
Started training in aikido in 1994, graded Sho-dan in 1999, present grade in 2008 , over the years I have trained in different styles to help me to better understand aikido .
Russ Elliott
4th Dan Black Belt
I got into martial arts having watched Bruce Lee movies. Through the early 80s I trained in karate, later trying out JKD and Judo. In the early 90s I boxed competitively for the Police. When I stopped boxing I continued to look for a martial art that would help me in my role as a police officer. I found Aikido, starting in 1999 I studied under Sensei Norburn and have had the privilege of attending seminars with Sensei’s Yamada and Waite. I obtained my black belt in 2005 and my 2nd Dan in 2009.On the 14th April 2019 I received my 3rd Dan. Was awarded his 4th Dan by Sensei Norburn on 17/11/2024
Mark Simon
4th Dan Black Belt
Mark has been practicing Aikido since 2007 and on the 17th November 2013 he received his 1st Dan Black belt. He has trained under the instruction of the club Senior Sensei Chris Norburn (6th Dan) and also on courses with Sensei Donavan Waite, Sensei Terry Bayliss, Sensei Yokomoto and Sensei Tissier. Mark is also the clubs Child Welfare Officer and is a BAB level one coach. Mark was awarded his 2nd Dan (Nidan) by on the 11/10/2015 by Sensei Terry Bayliss Shihan and Sensei Chris Norburn Rokkyu. On the 14th April 2019 I received my 3rd Dan. Was awarded his 4th Dan by Sensei Norburn on 17/11/2024
Daron Burrows
4th Dan Black Belt
My martial arts education began as a child of 9 with an introduction into Judo, sadly this was short lived but as a young man in my early twenty’s I joined the Stoke-on-Trent School of Karate, training in Atemi Jitsu under Sensei Paul Davies 4th Dan. I trained for 6 years achieving my 1st Kyu grade.
Following a short break I joined the Kishin Kan Aiki Ju Jitsu Association training under Sensei Rob Meddings 4th Dan where to date I have achieved my 3rd Dan grade. Alongside my Ju Jitsu I began training in Traditional Aikido in 2010 with Aikido Seishin Kai Stoke under the instruction of Sensei Chris Norburn 6th Dan. With them I have attended many courses, passing the BAB Coaching Level 1 certificate and also many seminars including the privilege of training on the Doshu 2010 UK course in Cardiff. I was awarded my 2nd Dan (Nidan) 22/10/2017. On the 14th April 2019 I received my 3rd Dan. Was awarded his 4th Dan by Sensei Norburn on 17/11/2024
Kev Penkethman
2nd Dan Black Belt
I began my aikido journey in 2011 with Aikido Seishin Kai at the Porthill dojo under
the guidance of chief instructor Sensei Chris Norburn 6th Dan and Sensei Rob Meddings 3rd Dan. Since then I have attended various seminars such as Mimuro Sensei 7th Dan .
The Aikido Research Federation under Sensei Michael Sheridan 8th Dan Shihan and
Sensei Donovan Waite 7th Dan Shihan of the USAF. In 2015 I passed BAB coach level 1
And in March 2016 I was graded to shodan. On 13th November 2022 I was graded to Nidan
Alfie Green
2nd Dan Black Belt
I started my Aikido Journey back in early 2009. As a movie enthusiast I was always fascinated by martial arts films and especially Steven Seagal. This is what led me to find my local Aikido club. Since that moment I fell in love with the art and harmony of Aikido. I have been very fortunate to train under many high ranking Sensei, these include Christian Tissier Shihan, Mitsuteru Ueshiba (Waka Sensei & Okamoto Sensei to name a few. As well as travelling to see these different teachers, I also try to gain as much knowledge and understanding from our current Dojo-Cho Christopher Norburn Sensei. Ont 13th November 2022 I was graded to Nidan