History of Iwama Ryu North West

Iwama Ryu North West was founded in 2005 by Paul Sparks. Paul went to Rennes, France as "uchi deshi" (live-in student) under the tuition of Daniel Toutain Sensei. Paul was so impressed by the teachings of Daniel Toutain Sensei that he changed his Aikido to Iwama Ryu style immediately.Paul found the Iwama style to be so much stronger than the style he had previously practised. To add to this the Iwama style proved to have no openings within practise and the strong Kihon (basics) were just what Paul needed to develop his Aikido.

After several visits to Rennes as uchi deshi, Daniel Toutain Sensei accepted Paul as his student and allowed him to use the name "Iwama Ryu". Iwama Ryu North West has a small following of dedicated adult students who train regularly.

In 2008 Paul Sparks became a representitive of the Daniel Toutain International Academy.