Naoko Suzuki

She started aikido in 2001 under instruction of Colin Simpson sensei, at The Institute of Aikido club at a local leisure centre. Although she enjoyed it very much, the club was very small, and it closed after a year.

After a few years of looking for another dojo, she finally found Shudokan Black Belt Academy. She really enjoyed the classes and started training all quite regularly. From 6th kyu, she was given an opportunity to help a class once a week as well as a cadet class to teach. In July 2009, she attained the grade of Shodan in Shudokan aikido after just 2 years.

She has attended many seminars all over the Europe as well as in the UK to be taught by top Yoshinkan instructors such as Shioda Yoshinkan Kancho, Inoue hanshi, Chida shihan, Robert Mustard sensei, Joe Thambu shihan, Jaque Payet shihan. She loved the experience and atmosphere of sharing and training together with people from all over the world

These experiences inspired to train under Yoshinkan aikido, and she made a choice to join the Shoshinkan dojo in Nottingham. And a year later In May 2010 She also attained the rank of shodan in Yoshinkan aikido under the recommendation of Joe Thambu shihan

She strongly believes and values the aspect of “working and helping together” in Aikido. And she hopes to train with people from all around the world to spread the wonderful Japanese culture called Aikido.