Hadyn Foster
7th Dan. Principal of the Institute of Aikido
One of the founders of Aikido in the UK Foster Sensei began his Aikido training around the beginning of 1957 at the famous Hut Dojo where he taught until the time of his death.
He was a direct student of the legendary Budo Master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and was awarded 1st Dan by Abbe Sensei in 1960. His 2nd Dan was awarded by Mutsuharu Nakazono Sensei in 1962, one of the oldest Hombu grading certificates in the UK.
On the 2nd and 3rd of June 2007, students from the Institute of Aikido and many other organisations gathered together for a course to honour and celebrate Mr. Foster's 50th year in Aikido and his 80th Birthday.
On 26th August 2009 at The Hut dojo, Sensei Foster was recognised for his commitment and achievements in Aikido with the award of 6th Dan in the International BiranKai by TK Chiba Shihan.
Our link with Mr Foster began with his student , the late Ron
Russell, and has continued through our affiliation to the Institute
of Aikido.
Mr Foster visited New Zealand on several occasions to share some of
his vast knowledge of Aikido.
He was a humble man, a gentleman, a wise mentor and a great
practitioner and teacher of Aikido.
It is with great sadness that we heard that Mr Foster passed away on February 13th 2011.
A mighty Totara has fallen
To see pictures of Mr Foster in New Zealand go to our Photo Gallery
