Jonathan Harris, 2nd dan
Jonathan started his Aikido training in the late 1980′s with Richard Smaridge when he was in his late twenties. Despite starting from a low base of physical fitness, coordination and self-confidence, he was able to progress with the helpful tuition of Rick and support from other members of the club. After participating in the ten week beginners course a record number of times, he progressed to other classes and became an enthusiastic member of the Brighton Aikikai club.
Despite early setbacks at gradings over several years, he persisted and enthusiastically began to attend the many weekend courses run by Pascal Durchon over the last twenty years in the UK. He regards these courses as extremely important and fundamental to his development. He currently tries very hard to pass on what he has learnt with such kindness and precision from the role models of Pascal, Rick, Nick Doyle and Phil Rozier to other students. Due to his early struggles and background, he takes a special interest in self-development and helping students who are not obvious martial artists. He aims to help people overcome their barriers, develop their true potential and progress in life both inside and outside the aikido dojo.
