"That knowing look"
"I first met Bob in early 1979. I had recently started training at Chorley Club ( then called Chorley Budo Club ) and up to that time the classes had been taken by Mr Mucha. We were warming up on the mat as it was a cold winter's evening. Suddenly the door blew open and in came a flurry of snow followed by a very large man with long black hair and a black beard. Mr Mucha acknowledged Mr Spence and told us he would take the class. He emerged from the changing room dressed in a black gi and black hakama looking like Darth Vader from the recently released Star Wars film. We then had several hours of very hard training starting with ukemi ( forward rolls ) off the mat on the bare floor and followed by bunny hops which I later found out were Bob's favourite warm up exercise. Uncompromising , physically demanding and very martial sums up Bob's Aikido . A great friend, mentor and teacher who I was privileged to know and learn from for 45 years.
Ian Cherry 6th Dan
Dojo Cho Sakura Dojo, Preston Aikido Club "
Bob was a big figure in Aikido, literally and figuratively. If he was around, you knew about it!
When he walked into a Dojo there followed a general feeling of expectation and preparation for a good session of training.
His demeanour was pure Budo and he was always true to that approach.
He could be uncompromising in his Aikido and many of us remember just what that felt like, and how we relished it.
But he had a softer side, whether it was offering first aid, giving encouragement or sometimes consoling the injured.
He inspired countless people to train and progress in his chosen Martial Art, as his teacher had done before him.
He is the type of man who is difficult to replace.
Graham Harrison
Bury Aikido
Sensei Spence was a larger than life presence on the mat particularly in his black gi and hakama with mop of dark hair and an unruly beard. On many occasions when we were studying shihonage he would stop the class and look around for me. He would invite me to be uke and demonstrate shihonage. This meant he had to get very low, take a very wide stance but not put his knees down. Whilst demonstrating he would comment lower your posture/ bend your knees. Finally, he would announce, "If I can do it so can all of you!", whilst pinning me to the mat.
Hardly surprising that in the early years of studying Aikido I was always a little anxious when we studied Shihonage on courses. In later times it was a source of amusement for us both.
Sue Baird Trafford Aikido
Off the mat, Bob Spence Sensei was a gentle man. However, on the mat, his Aikido was extremely powerful.
I remember as a Kyu grade on my first few courses at Chorley........
A whispered ripple would go round the mat, that Bob Spence was in the building. We all knew then that we were in for a treat.
He will be missed.
Chris Wallace - Wexford (Marple) Dojo
I have many good memories of Mr Spence. Notably in my earlier days of training, the amused smile he would give if he saw me enjoying putting down a larger male partner!
In later days , I loved his enthusiasm and the support he gave when I was organising the early Ribby Hall courses.
Good days!
Wendy Wallace formerly Aikido Marple
I can remember the excitement of Bob's Wednesday/Thursday evening training at Chorley around the early 1990s. In addition to his highly effective aikido and his clear and precise instruction every week felt different.
We did warm ups to music and even an evening of sumo. Bob's approach to both aikido and exercise were inspirational. He said to ask why are you doing this exercise?, what it the propose? In so many ways he was years ahead in his approach to exercise and coaching. I still have my copy of the booklet, 'Exercise Stop Danger' which he encouraged all those on his coaching courses to buy many, many years ago.
Thank you Bob, for your aikido coaching, your patience, your dedication to the art and for being such an inspiration. You will be greatly missed.
Kelvin Rice Bury Aikido
In the very early days of my ongoing Aikido journey Mr Spence gave me a Suburi ken that he had hand made (as you probably know he was a joiner by trade) There was a number of them about not sure who else received one, so I am privileged. In the morning at 10am on 25th July 2024 I will, in his memory be completing 500 to a 1000 Shomen cuts (Misogi) Feel free in your own way to join me in how ever many suits you, as the late Mr Mucha Sensei used to state "Even one pure one will suffice"
In Budo
Dave Ratcliffe. Also next item down.
Editor note: Dave completed 1,000 cuts in 50 minutes
Mr Spence Sensei one of the last hard men.....
I recall at one of our early Ribby Hall summer schools (in March) the surrounding mat layout was all blue with one red mat in the centre, I and no doubt others were thinking this must mean "keep centre" etc, Mr Spence called me as uke and he stated I bet you are wondering what this red mat is for aren't you?
Quickly adding with that "ki" glint in his eyes "its for Dave's Blood" before I could smile I was projected in the usual fashion somewhere up and away, he then stated holding his Hakama don't worry these are pain killers and Dave can fly……..
Back in June 2000 at my coaches course at the late Terry Ezra's Dojo in Birkenhead Mr Spence myself and Gordon Dean his close friend travelled together to the B&B we were staying the room layout was a double and twin, I said we know who is getting the double, and Mr. Spence said its just like the "3 bears isn't it"
I made sure that Gordon was located in the bed directly under the skylight as the sun beamed in the following morning and heard Mr. Spence chuckling in the next room as he heard us laughing.
Later after the first day of the coaches course we and others retired to the local pub some football was on.
Mr. Spence sent a steak back asking for it to be blood red and myself and Gordon sat either side of him providing whiskey and pints as the night went on Mr. Spence across the pub declared his dislike for football and being a strong Scott dislike of the English football squad.
I said to Mr. Spence if it kicks off we will ensure nobody spills your drink while your entertained.... he laughed.
The evening went well and without incident but on the way back to the B&B Mr. Spence had had one too many (thanks to us) Gordon and I were in tow behind him as keen eyed as ever he tenkaned around and said, with a wry smile... you can laugh all you like but it's me who is throwing you tomorrow... he kept his promise.
As a kyu grade I watched in awe at Mr. Spence moulding his dan grades thinking glad that's not me, like an eclipse his every fibre of being / ki / aura filled the Dojo as it always did right to the end.
Thinking back we all often wondered what the Dan Grade meetings were about at the Chorley Dojo such mysteries in the back room. (I use to refer to it as the back office).
But once I starting attending them other than important business, on the list was what the latest draft beer was down the local (sometimes the odd pint in between courses!)
At one Dan grade meeting someone asked about self defence, Mr. Spence leaned over picked up a chair and said if in doubt use one of these!! and don't come crying to me if I give you a dan grade and you lose!!!
On another Chorley course I got chatting to Mr. Spence and asked him about his training with Chiba sensei and that I bet it was an experience, "Oh yes Dave it was an experience"....and explained that on a course he was on Chiba sensei called him out to sit at the side of him and in Japanese to those who understood it said "This is Bob Spence and he says his Aikido is better than ours" oblivious Mr. Spence was really pleased but unaware what was said, in turn suffered a broken rib, loose teeth and fractured wrist, as an act of kindness Chiba Sensei offered to sort it all out for him if he drove to London to see him. This he did. He loved the late Chiba sensei.
One night the weather was foul torrential rain and wind I and my friend Frank Leyland who introduced me to Aikido and Mike Lloyd Sensei really wanted to attend Mr. Spence's class in Chorley so we went on my motorbike.
Upon arrival Mr. Spence all in black just shook his head and said you must be out of your minds! Like drowned rats he helped me bring my bike in the side door before practice. in turn we were rewarded with an evening of Nikyo. Nikyo not quite conducive to a return journey and throttle of my bike but well worth it.
As in others posts Mr Spence often gave words of encouragement to all, oh come on Dave you can do better, I am still trying to do better Sensei the learning circle keeps turning. and I am glad to be still out of my mind "Zen no mind".
Thank you for your warmth, humour and all your teachings that took us closer to the source sometimes getting burned doing so.
You will be greatly missed - may you rest in peace with those who have gone before us.
in Budo.
Dave Ratcliffe 4th Dan St Helens Club
Approaching my 3rd Dan grading, I had a crisis of confidence and didn't feel ready, as I had some health problems. I phoned Bob Sensei and told him about it, thanked him for the opportunity, and said I wasn't going to take my grading. He listened, and didn't contradict me, so I felt reassured and I relaxed. Several weeks later, off I went to the course, with no intention of taking my grading. Bob Sensei looked me in the eye and said "Get on the mat", so I did and took my grading. I was able to go for it and do my best, not having stressed about it in the meantime. Thank you so much, Bob Sensei.
Hephzi Yohannan 3rd Dan Chorlton Aikido Club
In the year 2000 I had recently started aikido. Sensei Spence came to the Bury dojo to lead the class and supervise some 1st kyu gradings.
In class, we were doing basic taisabaki. He gave me feedback on my movement and feet position. With kindness and patience, Sensei explained to me what I needed to do differently and why, demonstrated correct form and got me to do it again under his supervision.
That personal interaction has stayed with me since - good posture in movement got me on the right track to learn basic technique and continue to develop my aikido.
Jorge Solis Bury Aikido
I have a smile on my face as I begin to recall moments that left me with lasting impressions.
I met Bob in 1976 when I had been posted for my first job to Stockport. I had already started Aikido in 1973. At that time Bob was practicing at the Community Centre on Shrewsbury Street, Moss Side.
Later he moved the club to Manchester College of Building where he was a member of staff. There were no mats but I'll come back to that. It was only in later years' I discovered that he was tutor for the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA). Coincidentally I held two Teacher awards one from the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association (WASA) and the other as a Qualified Member of the Swimming Teachers Association (STA).
I can hear him saying "Keep it simple, stupid" which is remembered because it's the acronym for KISS. This was first was heard on coaching sessions run by Bob in the mid-1980s. I am sure that made its mark on all. I continued to use it in my Professional career. But fail to follow this guiding principle on any first draft.!
When teaching a technique instructors choose a Uke that needs to understand the finesse of the finer points of a technique or you choose a Uke that follows well to show the dynamism. I can only speculate which category I fell in but Sensei appeared to favour me for Shihonage, Kotegaeshi and Tantodori. As a uke you received firsthand insights but as you get more experienced its time for your Sensei to favour others – younger upcoming bucks. So is the nature of transmission in martial arts.
It's only very recently, within the last 15 years, that someone told me that I had been Bob's first student to gain 1st Dan in November 1981. This may or may not be true but it explained our back ground. A continued affinity and like thinking on many things with Sensei.
It was clear from Ian's recollection that taking Ukemi without mats was an embedded feature of Bob training regime. I had previously assumed that it was only Manchester. A trait of the College of building where I assumed that Bob was just merely forgetful that there wasn't a mat to rolls on. However, from what Ian says I found out that I'm gullible rather than Bob being forgetful.
Bob had a excellent ability to watch people practising and analyse to suggest or show one correction that radically improved the technique. That skill was evident when you watched him moving round the mat spending time improving all grades. He utilised a ping pong eye contact when talking to a group so that people felt he was directly talking to them.
I remember students concerned to impress Sensei when he was close – little did they appreciate he wasn't watching them but those practising the other side of the mat.
I don't do moving to music. So it was a bit disconcerting we were going to do a public demonstration led by Bob with warm-up exercises to music. Bob seemed positive about doing it!! You don't argue with Bob. Apparently from Kelvin's recollections this was something they had been regular feature on Chorley's training nights. I felt that my worst nightmare had arrived – it seemed to go on and on. But I can report that I don't recollect it ever being suggested music would be used again to me. (There might be some video out there of this!!)
1983 saw me going to the Manchester Polish club where the Lancashire Aikikai was the entertainment in the interval at a Saturday dinner dance. It was rather eventful for me as I ended up having stitches in my back. I had attacked Bob to his tummy area. The defence deployed by Bob was Kotegaeshi which resulted in me being thrown to the floor, face down and my back arching, and the knife slicing along my back. One of those things - I noticed re-reading Sensei's 2013 article he had nine stitches in his hand. I didn't beat his 9 with my 4. Never talked about it with Sensei.
This story or recollection is embellished little more with me turning up at Manchester Royal hospital, on a Saturday night with a baby's disposable nappy strapped to my back and the Receptionist behind the glass screen asked me how serious the cut was. I answered "I don't know I can't see my back. I'll turn round for you – best to come in immediately she said!!.
We had particularly close relationship because of the work we both did for the British Aikido Board. The Lancashire Aikikai had joined the British Aikido Board in January 1987. At that time the Board was a member the Martial Arts Commission (MAC) who represented Aikido and the other martial arts as a single body to the Sports Council.
In 1990 / 1991 the Sports Council embarked on requirement that each separate martial art should submit to an appointment process which would result in each martial art being recognised by the Sports Council as a national governing body (NGB) on their own.
The BAB became a NGB but had no coaching scheme as it had been using MAC's but we hadn't got very far with implementation. At that time I had been a Rep for the LA and had been working with a BAB sub-committee to sort out putting a coaching scheme in place.
It was helpful to both having been Instructors / Teachers in swimming that meant we were on the same page.
The LA had committed itself to support the BAB. So Sensei became drawn in. Sensei worked out the direction of travel – he headed up all things coaching – establishing qualifications and running the courses to qualify. I supplied organisational skills and dealt with steering matter through the BAB.
Bob become the BAB's first Coach Tutor in 1992. Bob Spence went on to support coaching in the BAB for many a year from 1991 - truly remarkable and also brought on others so many Association had their own Coach Tutor to deliver local courses.
NVQ's started up in Aikido but eventually withered after some 6 years or so. Bob supported me writing the scoping and defining Aikido in Technical Manual 1997 and setting our standards and we embarked on qualifying BAB Coaches as Assessor and Internal Verifiers.
Why I have spent time explaining what was going on is because Bob & I needed to have lengthy phone calls in evenings and weekends resolving issues that had arisen. Also holding lunchtime meetings in a Chinese restaurant to resolve what needed doing. We shared a respect for each other over the 48 years we knew each other and got on with what was required at varying times for Aikido. Keeping family life separate other than briefly touching base on what the children were doing when we met.
I will miss Bob.
Andrew Baird
Trafford Aikido
Many years ago, when my late dear friend, Keith Downs, arranged for me to bring my old Milton Keynes club into the Lancashire Aikikai I wrote to Mr Spence regarding my request, & also noting that I must ask the principal of my current association for his permission to leave. I waited almost a year for that; so I was very grateful for Spence Sensei's patience.
It didn't take long to learn just how grateful I'd become; beginning at the first MK seminar that Spence Sensei taught! With Sensei's approval I'd invited other local aikidoka friends to that Aikikai course; to say we were all seriously impressed with Spence Sensei's aikido is a huge understatement! That aikido, alongside Sensei's other aikido & health related skills, has helped me more than I can say in treading my own aikido path.
Domo arigatou, goizaimasu, Sensei!
Ray Munns
"Have a Try." Words I associate with Bob Spence Sensei. A few times a year for many years now we gathered for Lancashire Aikikai courses, Spence Sensei would demonstrate his Aikido and finish with the encouraging words "Have a try." We would try, he would offer advice, move us closer to his intention and once again, "Have a try".
Such a sad loss to the Aikido community but he leaves a legacy in the Aikido we practise. I tried, I am trying and I will continue to try to carry forward the Aikido Sensei Spence shared with me.
With gratitude,
Andy Molyneaux
