The Hong Kong Aikido Association (HKAA)
Welcome to the Hong Kong Aikido Association (HKAA), a premier destination for traditional Japanese martial arts in the Hong Kong. Established in 1971, we are dedicated to promoting the practice and philosophy of Aikido through a community-driven, non-competitive environment.
Our Heritage and Global Recognition
The Hong Kong Aikido Association (HKAA) is a premier martial arts organization with a legacy dating back to 1971. Founded by Kenneth Cottier Shihan (1933–2008) in Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, we have dedicated over 5 decades to promoting the art of Aikido in Hong Kong.
We are proud to hold prestigious international affiliations:
- Official Recognition: We are officially recognized by the Aikikai, Aikido World Headquarters Tokyo, Japan.
- International Leadership: The HKAA is a founding member of the International Aikido Federation (IAF) and a member of the Asian Aikido Federation (AAF).
Training Across Hong Kong
We make high-quality martial arts training accessible to everyone in Hong Kong by utilizing modern LCSD sports facilities.
- Flexible Schedule: We offer training sessions 7 days a week, excluding public holidays, subject to venue availability to fit your lifestyle.
- Local Convenience: Our classes are held at various LCSD sports centers, providing easy access for residents and professionals across Hong Kong.
- Events & Growth: Beyond regular classes, we host frequent Aikido seminars and workshops to help members master advanced techniques.
- Expert Governance: Our Association is managed by an Executive Committee (EC), elected annually at our AGM, with technical guidance provided by a Technical Committee (TC) of expert instructors.
Why Join the HKAA Community?
At HKAA, we are passionate about the philosophy of Aikido. Our association is run by a dedicated team of volunteers and instructors committed to fostering a supportive, non-competitive environment for practitioners of all levels.
We emphasize the traditional “Soft Way” – using technique like irimi and tenkan to neutralize force without aggression. Whether you are looking for physical fitness, mental discipline, or self-defense in a supportive urban community, the HKAA offers a path to harmony for everyone in Hong Kong.
1933-2008
Kenneth Cottier
Kenneth Cottier Shihan
Cottier Sensei was born on 14 December 1933 in Merseyside, England.
He began studying Judo in 1958 under Kenshiro Abbe Sensei, 8th Dan. In 1961 he attended a 3-month Judo instructor’s course in London conducted by Abbe Sensei. It was at that time that he was introduced to Aikido.
In 1964 he travelled to Tokyo for the Olympic games. He began studying Aikido under O’Sensei at the Old Hombu dojo. He was awarded Shodan in 1965, and Nidan in March 1967. He returned to England and studied under Chiba Sensei until returning to Japan in 1969.
In January 1971, he was awarded Sandan, and moved to Hong Kong where he founded the Hong Kong Aikido Association. He opened his dojo in a large residential flat in Ho Man Tin Street on 1st July 1971. He had financed the dojo from his own savings, but due to financial concerns, he was forced to close the dojo in 1972. He then returned to Japan to train at Hombu and replenish his savings, largely by teaching English conversation. He still visited Hong Kong every year to conduct classes and to grade members.
In January 1977 he was awarded Yondan. In 1978 he visited the Philippines on behalf of Hombu to evaluate Aikido there. In 1981 Cottier Sensei returned to England and joined the British Aikido Federation under Kanetsuka Sensei.
In 1984 and again in 1986 he visited South Africa for an extended stay of 7 months. During 1986 he toured the whole country and gave instruction at every Aikido Federation of South Africa dojo. In recognition of his contribution to Aikido in South Africa, he was named Honorary President of AFSA in 1997.
In 1988 he was appointed a Superior Counsellor of the International Aikido Federation (IAF).
In 1991 he returned to live in Hong Kong. He visited many other countries during the 1990’s. Also included was Vietnam and Shanghai, China where, on behalf of Hombu he evaluated the local Aikido situation.
In 1997 Cottier Sensei left Hong Kong again for his home country. He continued to visit Hong Kong every year for 6 or 8 weeks teaching, and to conduct gradings. He continued to teach Aikido at seminars in many countries around the world. In recognition of his contribution to Aikido, Hombu appointed Cottier Sensei as Shihan in January 2002 and as a member of the Technical Committee of the IAF in 2004. In January 2007, Cottier Shihan was promoted to 7th dan, the first Englishman that had been awarded such a rank.
Cottier Shihan passed away near his home in Merseyside, England in the early hours of 8th June 2008. In his last years he was lovingly cared for by his brother, Ron and family.
“As teaching beginners, I always try to put myself in their place. I look at their faces. They can tell us so much. Do they understand what is being said? Are their faces showing fear, uncertainty, doubt? If so, you must reassure them that you are not there to hurt them. You must win their confidence.”
“Being beginners, I can well understand some you feeling confused and apprehensive, may be even nervous. But I want you to know that I am available to you all, whilst I am here. What I mean by this is that if any of you wish to talk to me regarding problems you have with your aikido, do not hesitate to approach me. Do not think that because you are a beginner, I will not be interested in you. Believe me.”
–Cottier Shihan
The Hong Kong Aikido Association Timeline
1966
1969
Late 1960’s
1971
1st July Cottier Shihan opens his Ho Man Tin Street Dojo.
1972
Cottier Sensei demonstrates Aikido to the Royal Hong Kong Police. It is eventually adopted by the police as part of the training at the Police Training School in Aberdeen.
Sensei promotes two Shodan, George Wong (later to become Chief Instructor) and Leonard Leung.
Due to finances, Sensei closes Ho Man Tin Street Dojo and leaves Hong Kong. He returns every year to instruct, sometimes twice per year.
1973
A Dojo is opened at Royal Hong Kong Regiment (RHKR) in Tsim Sha Tsui. Practice is also at YMCA in Tsim Sha Tsui and at Waterloo Road, Yau Ma Tei. (Site of Cityview Hotel).
1976
1977
197?
1979
1980’s
1984
1991
1991
1995
1997
1999
HKAA is incorporated under Companies Ordinance.
2001
2002
2006
2008
2009
2011
2016
2019
2020-2023
2021
2023
2026
Executive Committee (EC)
The Executive Committee is elected annually by members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and is responsible for:
- To execute the administration and operation of the Association, and decide on all Association affairs
- To define, limit, restrict and alter the rights, obligations and privileges appertaining to membership
2026 Executive Committee Members of the HKAA
Chairman
Checky Chan
Vice Chairman
Stephen Kennedy
Vice Chairman
Tony Chan
Secretary
Vincent Chui
Treasurer
Lawrence Leung
Director
Samson Li
Director
Dick Yau
Director
Justin Marchant
Director
Alan Chan
Director
Justina Wang
Director
Olivia Cheung
Director
Ku Yuk Ki
Director
Raymond Wong
Technical Committee (TC)
The Technical Committee is composed of the instructors of the association and is responsible:
