Michael Flynn Shihan began his study of Aikido in 1982 at San Diego Aikikai under the direction of Shihan TK Chiba. He was promoted to Nidan in 1984 and was named Fukushidoin that same year.

In 1985, Flynn travelled to Japan, where he studied Aikido at Hombu Dojo and Muso Shinden Ryu Iai-do with Mitsuzuka Takeshi Sensei.

He returned from Japan in 1987 and served as the Chief Kenshusei at Berkeley Aikikai until December 1990, at which time he was promoted to Yondan and named Shidoin.

Flynn Sensei established Alameda Aikikai in January 1991 which eventually grew to become a major Birankai anchor in Northern California. He served as a member of the Teaching Committee, USAF Western Region, Chairman of the Sub-teaching committee, and member of the Iai Batto-Ho teaching committee until relocating to Scotland in June of 2005.

He was promoted to 6th Dan in 2001, and named Shihan in June of 2005. On 17 November 2006 Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba presented Aikikai Shihan certificate to Michael Flynn Sensei at a ceremony held at Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan. He has also received Iaido Shihan title from Mitsuzuka Sensei.

Since arriving in Scotland, Flynn Sensei has established the Thistle Aikikai.

He has recently been appointed Chairman of British Birankai, and also serves as the Technical Director of both Hellenic Birankai and Birankai Portugal.

He is married to Julie, and the proud father of 3 children, Mitsu, Michael, and Nicole.

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