Philip Lee founded Aikido Shinju-Kai in April 1988 and has been diligently walking down the path of an Aikido, Budo practitioner for over 50 years. It is his passion within him that till to-date without reservation still actively promoting the Art of Aikido to all of us.
FMoving to half the Century mark training in Aikido.
Founded Aikido Shinju-Kai (E) Pte Ltd under an expansion plan to promote Aikido activities in the east areas. Invited Hombu Japan Dojo-Cho, Mitsuteru Ueshiba to officiate the opening of the new training centre at Bedok Integrated Hub – Heartbeat@Bedok.
Awarded the grade of 7th Dan in Aikido by the Aikido World Headquarters, Japan from the third Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba at the Annual Kagami Biraki Ceremony.
Conferred the Title of Shihan by the Aikido World Headquarters, Japan from the third Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba and was gifted with an 800 years old treasured National Heritage Katana by Mr. Masaki Tani (7th Dan), Director of the International Affairs Department Hombu, Japan.
Initiated the very first International Friendship Seminar (IFS) that sees the forging of an alliance with countries like Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Belgium and Singapore.
Awarded the grade of 6th Dan in Aikido, by the Aikido World Headquarters, Japan from the third Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba at the annual Kagami Biraki Ceremony. Established the first dojo in Malaysia – Johore Bahru and also in Indonesia – Batam.
Awarded the grade of 7th Dan in Kodachi Goshindo by the Founder, Tesundo Tanabe (International Sports Chanbarra Association, Japan) and was then appointed as the official representative for Singapore.
Gave up his Interior & Construction business, Feili Design & Construction and FDC Contracts Pte Ltd to concentrate in promoting Aikido full time.
Established the very first permanent Headquarters at HomeTeamNS – JOM Clubhouse (Balestier) at 31 Ah Hood Road.
Established his first dojo in the People’s Republic of China – Shanghai.
First to introduce and started Aikido classes at the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), another special tailored Aikido program to work on for the guards unit.
First to introduce and started Aikido at the Gurkha Contingent – a special unit of the Singapore Police Force, this is a special tailored practical Aikido program for the police officers in line with their duty’s requirements. Awarded the grade of 5th Dan in Aikido by the Aikido World Headquarters, Japan.
Clinched the Gold Medal in the Open Kodachi Category Championship held in Yokohama, Japan.
The first Singaporean that has been awarded a teaching certificate in Kodachi Goshindo (Defence against short weapons attack) by the Headquarters, Japan – International Sports Chanbara Association, Japan.
Founded Aikido Shinju-Kai with his first dojo at SAFRA Tampines.
Started his own Interior & Construction Company. He also joined the Special Constabulary of Singapore Police Force at the Police Academy as a Physical Training Instructor and also served in the Traffic Management Unit and was put in charge of the Police Task Force Unit. Appointed as the Officer-in- Command (OC) in the Physical Training Department Police Academy in later years of service till 2011.
Founded the first permanent dojo at SAFRA Bukit Merah. Shihan Philip was one of the founding members of Aikikai Singapore where he held the position of Secretary General and members of Board of Supervisors till year 2002.
Was one of the first two Singaporean to have been given the privilege to train at the Aikido World Headquarters, Japan as a live-in student (Uchideshi program) under the second Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba and various Hombu Shihans – Kisaburo Osawa Shihan. Seigo Yamaguchi Shihan, Sadateru Arikawa Shihan, Ichiro Shibata Shihan and others.
Appointed as an Instructor under Aikikai Singapore and was then actively involved in the development of Aikido in Singapore.
Graduated in Architectural Draughtsmanship at the Singapore Polytechnic and worked in Architectural firms till year 1985.
Served his 2 years full time National Service in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) at the School of Combat Engineers.
Started Aikido training with Sensei Harry Ng at the YMCA, Stevens Road.
First started Martial Arts training in Wushu and then followed by the next 3 decades in various form of Martial Arts in Judo, Taichi, Karate and Kodachi Goshindo (defense against weapons attack, nowadays known as Sports Chanbara).