In Britain, although some other martial arts such as Judo were fairly well established, Aikido was virtually unknown. Mr Marion Mucha, the founder of the Aikikai, was one of the first generation to take up Aikido in this country.

Born in Poland in 1919, his family was living in Belgium when the Second World War broke out. Wounded in action in France, he escaped to England and decided to settle here.

While working in Liverpool he began to practice Judo at the age of 35, progressing to 3rd Dan in 1971. Through his teacher, Abbe Sensei, he also learned of Aikido. This he began to practice in 1956, then from 1967 to 1976 was taught by Chiba Sensei who had been sent by the Aikido Headquarters to teach in Britain.

In 1965 Mucha Sensei founded the first Aikido club in Lancashire, Chorley Budo Club. The Club at that time was part of the Aikikai of Great Britain and from there as the Chorley Budo Club the Lancashire Aikikai grew - comprising many clubs in Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Mr Mucha was its Principal until his death in January 1999.

The current Principal is Mr Bob Spence, 6th Dan he gained his 1st Dan in June 1971 by Chiba Sensei.

His background in martial arts started before 1968 some five years earlier with Karate and he has also studied Judo and Kung-Fu (White Cloud). He started Aikido with the Chorley Budo Club in 1968.

Mr Spence succeeded Mr Mucha, who passed away in 1999, to become the second Principal and Head of the Lancashire Aikikai. He has been taught on courses and influenced by many teachers including Tada, Sekiya, Kitaura, Kenshiro Abbe, Nakazona, Tamuru and Chiba Sensei.

He is known to many through his work since 1991 as a BAB Coach Tutor as he has tutored many coaching courses.

Lancashire Aikikai is a member Association of the British Aikido Board, which is recognised by the Sport England as the governing body for Aikido in Great Britain for over 20 years.