DEREK EASTMAN joined the Abbe school in 1959, becoming Assistant to Sensei H.Ellis in 1961.

He studied Kendo under Tomio O'Tani and Aikido under Sensei K.Abbe, Sensei K.Williams, Sensei M.Nakazono, Sensei M.Noro, Sensei T.Abbe, Sensei Kobayashi, Sensei K.Chiba.

Sensei Eastman was awarded 1st Dan in 1964 from Sensei M.Noro. The Certificate being personally signed by the founder O'Sensei Morehei Uyeshiba.

He was amongst the first Aikidoka after Sensei K.Williams to teach Aikido across the United Kingdom.

Sensei Eastman established the Basingstoke Aikido club in 1968. This club has been running continuously since then, with Sensei Derek Eastman as the Senior instructor.