Lichfield Cathedral School

David Thompson, Aikido teacher at Lichfield Cathedral School, brought a very special visitor to the lesson last week.

Saito Atsushi San, aged 22, is a top student of Aikido and Kenjutsu in Tokyo and was visiting the UK for a few days to see some of David’s Aikido lessons in action.

David, who runs the Lichfield School of Aikido and Budo at the Curborough Community Centre, has been giving lessons at the Cathedral School for almost four years.

David said, ‘It has been a real pleasure bringing Saito to visit the Cathedral School pupils. Aikido helps to develop self confidence, posture, balance and inner calm, as well as raising additional awareness and self defence. The boys and girls at the Cathedral School are really enjoying their lessons and gained a great deal by showing Saito all that they have learned. The contribution then made by Saito to the lesson is something that these children will remember for a long time.’