Robert Yates

Rob started practising in October 1973 and was awarded 1st Dan in July 1989. He currently holds the rank of 6th Dan, awarded at the Kagami Biraki ceremony held at Hombu Dojo in January 2024. He is a qualified coach level 2 and at BAF Summer School 2012 was granted the position of Fukushidoin (assistant national coach). At summer school 2016, Robert was appointed as Shidoin (national coach) with the BAF.  Robert has trained extensively in Europe and Japan under the guidance initially of Chiba Sensei, the previous Doshu and the current Doshu.  In 2022 Robert became the BAF’s representative to the International Aikido Federation Youth Working Group.