Phil Eyers

Nidan, BAB Coach Level 1

Co-Founder & Senior Coach, Genryukan Aikido

Phil started aikido training in 2001 at Hythe Aikido. In 2005, he began training at Gowaryu Aikido in Ashford.

In 2009 Phil, along with Christophe Courtin, co-founded Genryukan Aikido in Dover and began coaching under the auspices of Shaun Hoddy Sensei and the Zen Eikoku Tomiki Aikido Renmei.

Whilst Genryukan trains using the Tomiki system, Phil has always been very open to other approaches to Aikido. This lead him to Neil Saunders (4th Dan) who is experienced in both the Tomiki and Yoshinkan systems of aikido. Saunders Sensei has taught several times at Genryukan Dojo.

Saunders Sensei trains under Robert Mustard Sensei (7th Dan Yoshinkan). Phil has been lucky enough to experience Mustard Sensei’s aikido first hand. His aikido could be interpreted by some as magical, but many (including Phil) consider these “soft” (internal) “Aiki” skills should be what every aikidoka should strive to attain.

This exposure to these “Aiki” skills has totally changed the way Phil looks at aikido training. Needless to say Phil will always grab the opportunity to train with Mustard Sensei.

Genryukan is very fortunate to be frequently visited by Mick Pratt (4th Dan) who co-manages the BAA British National Aikido Squad. Mick’s aikido is fantastic and we endeavour to follow his advice and learn as much as we can when he takes the class.

Phil has also attended Seminars in other styles with Aikido masters such as Christian Tisser Shihan (7th Dan Aikikai), Joe Thambu (7th Dan Yoshinkan) and Toby Threadgill (Head of Takamura-Ha Shindo Yoshin Ryu).

Phil is an avid aikido researcher, and is hell bent on furthering his understanding of Aikido at every opportunity.

in 2010, Phil bought a copy of Hidden in Plain Sight by Ellis Amdur. This book researches the source of the often talked about incredible martial power of O’Sensei Ueshiba Morihei and his teacher Takeda Sokaku. The research has had a profound effect on Phil’s attitude to martial training. Phil is now training to develop these internal skills for himself. He is also committed to ensuring interested Genryukan members benefit from everything he learns.