The women who shaped this path

Sara wishes to honour the extraordinary women in aikido who have shaped her journey, named here in the order their paths first crossed.

Vanda Fairchild

The first female instructor Sara ever met. A brilliant teacher and fierce, skilful randori player — her friendship has been one of the great gifts of Sara’s aikido life.

Nicole Anson

A phenomenal aikidoka and equally phenomenal friend, whose aikido, weapon work, and dedication to refereeing and judging have inspired Sara for years.

Imogen Burman

A training partner, teacher and friend who pushed her own body to its limits to help Sara reach her 2nd Dan.

Nili Roberts

Sara’s guardian angel in Japan, who taught and supported her — and even offered to uke for her in the match that earned Sara’s only world-championship medal.

Céline Pagnier

A course companion and later teacher whose enthusiasm and professionalism deeply impressed Sara — her teaching style closely mirrors how Sara teaches mathematics.

Rachel Johnson

The main instructor at Shodokan Aikido Leeds — a great aikidoka to train with and learn from, and immensely inspiring to see leading her own club.

Pam Dempsey

Runs Dublin Tomiki Aikido with Keith with exceptional dedication; their thriving club, especially its popular children’s classes, is recognised by this Fund.

Louise Parkin

Sara has been blessed to get to know Louise, whose calmness, wisdom and thoughtful advice have been a steadying, uplifting force.

Share your story

If Shodokan Aikido or this Fund has shaped your path, we’d love to hear it — and, with your permission, share it to bring other women here too.

The Kovacs Fund