Aikido Instructors have received their dan certificates from the Yoshinkan hombu (headquarters) dojo in Japan, and the school itself is registered with the hombu.

Evelyn Dysarz, 6th dan:  My study in Aikido keeps evolving since I began in 1973 looking for good exercise. I continue to work on connecting with the attacker's energy in a no-mind, relaxed kind of way, and taking his balance with the least amount of energy necessary. As a chiropractor, I love how physiologically and structurally sound all the postures and movements are in Aikido, and how the movement with the most impact and least effort is one that naturally focuses the entire body and mind.  Definitely a path with no end in sight...

Christopher Howey, 6th dan: I began my journey on this path in 1973 under the instruction of Takashi Kushida. I have striven to follow his advice to "find your Aikido". I continue my search and try to explain to my fellow students and teachers what it is I discover. This is not a discipline that can be "mastered" - just one that can be explored. I hope I can experience and share that sense of discovery for the rest of my life.

Tim Luley, 5th dan: I started Aikido in October, 1989. I started for the exercise and physical fitness. I have stayed for the form, history, and personal commitment to become more relaxed and focused on techniques of Aikido. The longer that I practice Aikido, the more I learn about myself. I learn something every time that I practice the Art of Aikido.

 

Berk Isaac, 4th dan

Jim VanRenterghem, 4th dan: It was 1998 when I began to study Aikido. I had always been fascinated with martial arts but all the choices made it difficult to decide which one was the right fit.

A friend of mine who was a third degree in karate and an instructor for the sheriff's department told me about Aikido. He was really impressed with the tremendous power for self defense while at the same time causing the least damage to the attacker.

I stay with Aikido because I learn something new every time I practice.