Instructors
Ray Eder
Ray Eder 6th Dan
I started training in the martial arts in 1979 with Chidokan Karate
and this is where I first heard about Aikido. Some classes would be
dedicated to 'self defence' and we would learn different locks and throws,
which we were told were Aikido techniques.I decided to find out more
about this 'mysterious' art, and here I am 45 years down the track still
learning.
In 1982 I started Aikido with the late sensei Ron Russell and was
graded by him to Shodan in 1987, Nidan in 1988, and Sandan 1993. Sensei
Haydn Foster, Sensei Russell's teacher in England, graded me to Yondan
in 2001 and Godan in 2006.
Following the death of Mr Foster in 2011, and having no teacher to look to,
I applied to the AMAHOF Sokeship Council for a grading in 2016 which
I passed in August of that year.
I have been head of the Kyu Shin Do style of Aikido in New Zealand
since 1994.
My approach to teaching is to apply the principles of Aikido. I aim
for a safe non threatening environment that is conducive to learning
and allows people to develop their own way.
One of my favourite quotes from the founder of Aikido is 'It (Aikido)
is not for correcting others; it is for correcting your own mind.'.
I try to live by this precept and it is reflected in my style of teaching.
Gail Eder 5th Dan.
Gail practised Karate from 1979 until the end of 1988 and reached the
rank of 2nd Dan. In early 1988 she began to practice Aikido as well
and by
the end of that year committed fully to Aikido.
Having had many teachers over the years gail acknowledges 4 Aikido teachers
who have been most influential in her training. They are:
- The late Ron Russell, her first teacher, who loved Aikido above everything and was a skilled and dedicated teacher.
- The late Mr. H. Foster of the Institute of Aikido, (UK), Ron's teacher and mentor who generously shared his vast reservoir of knowledge accumulated over 50 years in Aikido.
- Richard Moon, who taught that Aikido is so much more than technique and that it is OK to make mistakes.
- Her husband Ray who is committed to sharing aikido with all who want to learn.
Colin Lee: 5th Dan.
Colin started training with Ron Russell Sensei at about the same time as Ray Eder and they did their Shodan grading at the same time
Colin had an extended break from training when his children were young but returned to join Kyu shin Do North Shore in 1993.
In the forms which are the foundation of our style Colin is regarded by his peers as the greatest reflection of our origional teacher, Ron Russell. In his teaching he aims for clear
and accurate demonstration of our basic techniques.
Colin teaches the class dedicated to beginners and intermediate students on Wednesdays
Gerald Lopez: 4th Dan.
Gerald started learning aikido in 1982, while studying for a law degree in London. Gerald's principal instructor was Ken Williams, one of the first students and dan grades of Kenshiro Abbe. Sensei Abbe was a direct student of the founder, and was sent to London to teach Budo in 1955.
Ray and Gail's teacher, Ron Russell, had also been a student of Ken Williams when he was the senior Instructor at the Institute of Aikido in the UK.
In 1986, Gerald started his own Streatham Ki Club, and also taught aikido for the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA). He was graded and awarded 3rd Dan by Ken Williams in 1993.
In 1994, Gerald left the UK, and stopped practising aikido for 25 years. When he came to New Zealand he found an aikido home with Kyu Shin Do Aikido where he has trained and taught since February 2019.
Gerald believes his life experiences during that 25 year hiatus have allowed his teachers' lessons to integrate within his mind and body, and allow him to share his understanding and vision of aikido in a unique way.
Gerald recieved his 4th Dan from the Institute of Aikido New Zealand in December 2022