Unveiling the British Aikido Board Controversy: A Former Executive's Confession

Apr 3
01:34

2024

Henry Ellis

Henry Ellis

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In a stunning turn of events, a former executive of the British Aikido Board (BAB) has come forward with a confession that sheds light on internal disputes and alleged misconduct within the organization. This revelation has prompted calls for all members of the BAB and Sport England to take notice. The controversy, which has been simmering since 2004, involves accusations of false claims and the mishandling of complaints by the BAB leadership. The apology, issued in August 2009, has been accepted by Henry Ellis, one of the last British Aikido pioneers, but the issues raised continue to resonate within the Aikido community.

The Dispute and the Apology

The conflict centers around the BAB's handling of a dispute involving Henry Ellis,Unveiling the British Aikido Board Controversy: A Former Executive's Confession Articles Derek Eastman, and Jack Poole. Ellis and Eastman, both pioneers of British Aikido, resigned from the BAB after feeling that their concerns about Poole's claims of grade and lineage were not taken seriously. The situation escalated when the BAB was instructed by Sport England to issue a public apology to Henry Ellis in 2004, which they failed to do adequately.

The Ex-BAB Executive's Revelations

A former BAB Communications Officer has come forward with an apology to Henry Ellis, admitting to spreading false information that originated from within the BAB's executive team. The officer's statement implicates Shirley Timms, the BAB Secretary at the time, as the source of the rumors and acknowledges that the executive team did not consider the issue with Poole significant, instead labeling Ellis as a troublemaker.

The Impact on the Aikido Community

The controversy has raised questions about the integrity of the BAB and its leadership. The organization's Code of Conduct, which states that no member should bring Aikido into disrepute, appears to have been violated by the very individuals tasked with upholding it. The former executive's confession suggests a culture of protecting false claims and silencing dissent within the BAB.

The Role of Sport England

Sport England, which oversees the recognition of national governing bodies for sports in England, has been informed of the situation. The involvement of Sport England highlights the potential implications of the controversy beyond the Aikido community, as it touches on the governance and ethical standards expected of sports organizations.

The Importance of Transparency and Accountability

The revelations from the former BAB executive underscore the need for transparency and accountability within sports governing bodies. The manipulation of meeting minutes and the disregard for member concerns can erode trust and damage the reputation of the sport as a whole.

Conclusion

The British Aikido Board controversy serves as a cautionary tale for sports organizations. It emphasizes the importance of addressing complaints fairly, maintaining accurate records, and upholding ethical standards. As the Aikido community moves forward, it is essential to learn from these events to ensure that the values of the martial art are reflected in its governance.

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