Sensei Foster was introduced to Aikido in 1956.  As he watched Abbe Sensei and his first two students, Ken and David Williams practicing, something about the grace and power of the movement struck a chord within him, and he soon joined this small core of 'original" Abbe students that were to be the source of much UK Aikido for years to come.

He was awarded 1st Dan by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in 1960, and 2nd Dan by Mutsuharu Nakazono Sensei in 1962, one of the oldest Hombu grading certificates in the UK. He was awarded 3rd Dan by Masamichi Noro Sensei in 1969.

Sensei Haydn Foster was the Principal Coach of the Institute of Aikido which is in turn a founder member of the British Aikido Board (BAB) until his death in 2011.

One of his most dedicated and loyal students was Ron Russell who immigrated to New Zealand in 1978