Sensei Thomas

Shihan Peter Thomas began Aikido practice in May 1985 with The Institute of Aikido at Treherbert Aikido Club in the Rhondda valley. Early influences at the Institute of Aikido summer schools included Sensei Haydn Foster and Sensei Andy Alan.
In September 1989, Shihan Thomas left Iwama‑ryu as a 3rd kyu (green belt) to join The Aikido Society of Wales, founded by Soke Gwynne Jones, and the newly formed Ton‑Pentre Aikido Club. Shortly after joining, he achieved his 2nd kyu (blue belt) and was appointed uchi deshi.
In March 1991, Shihan Thomas was awarded his 1st Dan by Soke Gwynne Jones at a grading held at the Memorial Hall, Burry Port. Through continued, regular practice he went on to achieve 2nd Dan in September 1993, 3rd Dan in September 1995, 4th Dan in September 1998, 5th Dan in September 2003, 6th Dan in September 2014, the title of Shihan in September 2017, and most recently 7'th Dan In August 2023.
As a kyu grade, Shihan Thomas began teaching regular junior classes at the Treherbert club. This continued at the Ton‑Pentre club as a Dan grade, with the occasional senior class. In October 1994, he achieved his BAB coaching award. In 1999, Shihan Thomas founded the Cilfynydd Aikido Club, which served the community for over two decades.
The New Chapter
In November 2025, Shihan Thomas led the transition into a new era with the founding of Yamatokawa Aikido. This name — meaning mountain and river — reflects both the club’s origins in the South Wales mining valleys and its philosophy. The mountain represents solidity, resilience, and tradition, while the river symbolises flow, adaptability, and the living spirit of Aikido. Together they embody the balance of strength and spontaneity that defines Shihan Thomas’ approach.
Style and Philosophy
Shihan Thomas’ style reflects his traditional roots and his lengthy membership of the Shin Gi Tai Aikido Society. It is a synthesis of martial concepts with the relaxed, flowing but dynamic style championed by Soke Gwynne Jones, blending Traditional and Ki Aikido. Today, his teaching continues to evolve, emphasising mindfulness, calmness, and flow — skills that extend beyond the dojo into everyday life.
Yamatokawa Aikido is thus both a continuation and a renewal: a living expression of Shihan Thomas’ journey, his heritage, and the philosophy of mountain and river.