Atsushi Mimuro (Techincal Director of the Lancashire Aikikai)
We will miss him dearly. Such a warm hearted inspirational man who we always looked forward to meet when we were over from Japan.

Matt Hill
He's a man who did a lot for Aikido in the UK and especially "Up" North. Thoughts with you and all those who spend so much time with him.

Philip Smith
A sad loss to the Aikido world
So sorry to hear this sad news. I remember Bob well and his help and patience with me when we were both BAB tutors many years ago. A lovely man whose dedication was second to none. A huge loss to both the Lancashire Aikikai and the wider Aikido community. RIP old friend

Lawrence Robinson
Just heard the very sad news about Bob. He'd called in to see me last year for a chat and cuppa.

Grev Cooke
Thank you for letting me know. As I've often said before that without Bob and Andrew working so hard to create the coaching groundwork we wouldn't be is the solid position we are now He will be sadly missed.....

Shirley Timms
Bob was the BAB's first Coach Tutor many years ago, and if it wasn't for Bob the BAB would not have a coaching system. ............ Bob never sought the lime light at all, he was a gentleman which there are very few of. Please give my sincere condolences to his family, he Will be very sadly missed

Mick Sheridan
Sincere condolences to friends and family. Bob took us through our first coaching qualification. A true gentleman whom I greatly admired. RIP.

Graham Harrison
A big man, with a big heart…a man to respect

St Helens club
Sad loss to all, a true martial artist and a massive presence both on and off the Mat his spirit of Budo will live on through the Aikikai

Glyn Davies
Very sad news. Knew him from the early 70's at the old Community Centre in Chorley ran by the late Marion Mucha under the late Chiba Sensei. Sad indeed...

Laura Downs
A superb gentleman. What a privilege to call him my friend.

Stephen Parr
RIP

Anthony Doherty
Very nice chap.rip Bob.

Phil Purcell
So sad to hear this. Such an inspiration on the mat. And although he was a mountain of a man seemed even more so on the mat. Will be sorely missed.

Shane Riley
Condolences from myself and all at White Rose Aikikai.

Andy Symons
So sad, thoughts to his family and friends

Bryan Bateman
A sad day, condolences from all at Seibukan

Rob Yates
Very sad news, condolences from all at Manchester Aikido

Alan Lock
That is sad news. I had a lot of respect for Bob. He was a presence to be felt. When he entered the dojo the atmosphere changed. He was a big man, a hard man, but a gentle and caring man as well, and a hell of an Aikidoka. May you rest in peace Bob

Stephen Boyle
Bob Spence, had the pleasure of knowing Bob and having had his support for many years condolences to you all x

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Hephzi Yohannan
I will always remember Bob Sensei, for his inspiring teaching, humour and encouragement. Thanks to him I have never been afraid to teach basics.

Lawrence Robinson
Such sad news to hear. Bob was always my inspiration in the Aikikai. A great teacher and great man.

Lawrence Robinson
Some very sad news for me and all in the Aikido community, friends, family and students; Bob Spence has passed away. An inspiration to all of us and a true martial arts teacher, coach and mentor. Thank you for all your tuition down the many years we knew you Bob.

Hywel Nicholas
Nicely said Lawrence Robinson , a great sensei

Hywel Nicholas
Sad news. Big man, big heart and great teacher

John Polson
So sorry to hear this sad news.

Mark Wilson
Sad to hear. Such a nice guy.

Eugene Daly
RIP Spence Sensei sorry to see this news

Steve Whittle
R.i.p sensei

Irene Martin Alvarez
I didn't know Bob S much but he always had a warm smile and kind wards for me. A big gentle soul.

 

Stephen Billett BAB Executive Member & BAB Webmaster
......... he was truly a nice man.

Richard Thomson
Sad News, R.I.P Sensei

Aikido Seishin Kai - Aikido Stoke
• Nice teacher and coach many years ago

Craig Ridge
What a sad day. His family are in my thoughts and prayers. I was in awe of him when he took our courses. He was a tower of a man. I can hear his softly spoken phrase after showing a technique, "have a try"

BLACK TIGER Martial Arts
• Sleep well O Sensei

Michael Williams
It is indeed a sad day that Bob Sensei has passed. He will undoubtedly be sadly missed by all of his family friends and no less the Aikido fraternity. I personally first came in contact with him many years ago when he delivered one of the first Senior Aikido Coach courses for the BAB (well before it became a level 3 Coach) Our condolences, prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends.
Rest in Peace Bob

Richard Portsmouth
Very sorry to hear of the Loss of Sensei Spence. Bless. Condolance to the family and friends.

Ray Brown
Sad news

Graham Coombe
Much respect. Sorry for your loss. Very glad I knew him.