Caroline Smith

I started practicing Aikido in April 2004 when I was 19 years old. One of my Ju-Jitsu instructors wanted to try Aikido and invited me along. I started practising at Manchester Dojo under the instruction of David Yates 6th Dan Shihan and continue to this day.

I currently teach the Wednesday class at Manchester Dojo and am a Coach Level 3. I was awarded the position of Fukushidoin in 2021.

I regularly travel to Japan to train at Hombu Dojo under the guidance of the current Doshu and Hombu Dojo instructors.

In 2023 I took part in the World Combat Games, representing the British Aikido Federation. In 2024 I took part in Embukai at the International Aikido Federation congress held in Tokyo.