The Kenshiro Abbe Memorial Website

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Welcome to the
Kenshiro Abbe Sensei Tribute Website

Kenshiro Abbe Films
For a rare collection of " Kenshiro Abbe Sensei Films " please visit Aikido Ellis Video Channel to see several films from the 1950s.

Circa 1965 - K Abbe to right of centre, with Kobayashi Sensei behind him - M Nakazono Sensei far left - Peter Beljaars in dark glasses. Next to Kobayashi with moustache is Jean Stas from Belgium.

Vincent Sumpter

Kenshiro Abbe

Two Different Men

" Kenshiro Abbe Sensei is one of the most respected of all the masters of Budo in Japan and internationally. Abbe Sensei's contribution to the promotion of the various Budo arts in Britain is well documented. In particular the introduction of Aikido to the UK in 1955.

The " Kenshiro Abbe 50th Celebrations "

This event was held on May 14th at London's Crystal Palace, the event was fully sold out. The selected guest list left many reputable dignitaries disappointed at being reluctantly omitted. Ms Sadie Mason of Sports England had suggested to Henry Ellis that the committee invite Mr Vincent Sumpter who is the chairman of the British Aikido Board.

The event committee agreed to Ms Mason's proposal and Mr Sumpter was cordially invited, he initially accepted our invitation which was soon followed by another letter declining our invitation. Mr Sumpter suggested that Ralph Reynolds Sensei should represent the BAB. Reynolds Sensei had a far more important role as a teacher on the day as direct student of Abbe Sensei. I was reliably informed that at a BAB Executive meeting Mr Sumpter had petulantly advised the executive members " I would rather resign than attend that event !! " The full article can be read here.. http://www.oocities.org/britishaikido/articles/BAB.htm

Henry Ellis Admin.

On May 14th 2005, a great and successful tribute event was held at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre, London. The event was named “ The Kenshiro Abbe 50th Celebrations “ and was organised by members of the Essex Aikido Forum. The organisers were either direct or indirect students of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abe Sensei.

The great hall at Crystal Palace was filled to capacity with 430 students taking part. There were also 370 seated spectators and approx. 350 standing. There is a full report of the day's events here.

Following the success of the event the organisers wish the tribute to continue with this site. A site that will be constantly up-dated with fresh content as we receive it. There are many interesting old photos and history articles of interest.

Kenshiro Abbe Sensei first arrived in Britain in 1955 with an invitation by the London Judo Society ( LJS ). He was 8th Dan Judo. The youngest ever 5th Dan in Japan's Judo history, the youngest ever All Japan Champion at 18 years of age and 15 years later the oldest All Japan Judo Champion at the age of 33 yrs. He was also graded in several other Martial Arts. Aikido 6th Dan – Karate 6th Dan – Kendo 6th Dan – Ju-Kendo 6th Dan – 6th Dan KyuDo. He was also accomplished with both the Yari and Naginata spears.

Abbe Sensei introduced Aikido to Britain for the first time in 1955, first at the LJS and in the same year at the LJS Judo Championships 1955 at the Royal Albert Hall. Abbe Sensei was a direct student of O' Sensei Morihei Ueshiba who gave him his personal permission to teach Aikido in the UK. This site and it's contents are a work of devotion to a great Martial Arts legend by people that still treasure the memory of this great teacher by students who only consider themselves as simply “ privileged students “.

As one researches the name and history of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei one will find an ever increasing number of “” FRIENDS “” of Abbe Sensei. The visitor will find nothing on this site from any `friends` of Abbe Sensei. If you were an ex-student of Abbe Sensei and have any old photos you would like to share with our visitors, please contact Henry Ellis on BritishAikido@ntlworld.com.

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