O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba
12/14/1883 - 4/26/1969
Founder of Aikido
After intensive study of various sword fighting and jujutsu styles, Morihei Ueshiba became famous as one of the strongest men of Japan. In 1919, he turned towards the spiritual, pacifistic teachings of the Omoto religion and started to develop the Art of Peace. In 1942, in the midst of the chaos of World War II, O Sensei named his new martial art Aikido (Way of Harmony). He moved to the small country town of Iwama, where he continued to practice, teach, and refine Aikido until he passed away in 1969.
Morihiro Saito Sensei
3/31/1928 - 5/13/2002
9th Dan Aikikai
An Iwama native, Morihiro Saito started training in Aikido in 1946 and became not only a student, but a close confidant of O Sensei during the following 23 years. After the Founder's passing, Saito sensei was designated caretaker of the Iwama dojo and became the guardian of the Aiki-shrine. Today, he is also known for his books and videos, his clear and structured way of teaching, and his organization of the huge number of techniques that comprise Iwama-ryu Aikido, his legacy in respect of his teacher.
Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei
2/17/1938 - Present
8th Dan Aikikai
A direct student of O Sensei for more than ten years, is an 8th dan and the chief instructor at the New York Aikikai. Currently, he is Chairman of the Board of the United States Aikido Federation and the Latin America Aikido Federation. Yamada Sensei is well known for his clear and strong basic technique. He teaches seminars all over the world where thousands of students attend his classes.
What is American Butokukan?
American Butokukan is merely Japanese for the American “Institute of Martial Virtue;” a modern, comprehensive, integrated program of instruction in traditional East-Asian martial arts. The training is both mental and physical. Mental aspects of training involve the development of self-discipline, self-confidence, tolerance and understanding. Physical training encompasses aikido, karate (taekwondo), and related weapons. Aikido is the Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba. After the Founder's passing in 1969, his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba was inaugurated as the second Aikido Doshu (Leader of the Way). At present, Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of the Founder, has succeeded his father as Aikido Doshu. |
Dr. H.T. Walker Sensei
1/10/1936 - 4/29/2003
5th Dan Aikikai
As one of the founders of the United States Aikido Federation under Yamada sensei, where he served as its very first vice president, Dr. Walker pioneered the growth of aikido in and around Florida through his Sand Drift Aikikai in Titusville. Dr. Walker began his study of aikido in 1962 under Major George Wilson and continued his studies by supporting Yamada sensei's efforts from 1964 until 1994. A dentist by profession, Dr. Walker was a renowned master of bonsai, ikebana, haiku, and aikido.
Todd D. Jones Sensei
5/27/1957 - Present
5th Dan Aikikai
Fortunate to have studied aikido since 1972 under many of the finest teachers in the world, Jones sensei is a delegate of the Aikikai Honbu dojo (Aikido World Headquarters). As a former national sport karate champion and skilled swordsman, Jones sensei imparts an altogether unique perspective on the martial integrity of the Art of Harmony. Accordingly, Mr. Jones enjoys an international reputation for teaching practical applications and technical excellence in a fun and engaging, yet traditional format.
