Shindai Aikikai Dojo Yudansha
These ranks are established through the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) testing review process. All have been recorded and certified internationally by the Aikido Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan.
6th dan – Rokudan
- Stephen Fasen Sensei / Ueshiba Juku / Chief Instructor
- Brian Canin Sensei / Ueshiba Juku/ Senior Instructor
5th dan – Godan
- Tim Magill Sensei
4th dan – Yondan
- Kristen Kuebler Sensei
- Ola Karasik Sensei
- Gil Gillespie Sensei
- Dan McCartney Sensei
- Charlie Harney Sensei (at large)
3rd dan – Sandan
- Phil Ott Sensei
- Patricia Wheeler
- Dimitri Deglas Sensei (HO)
- Dana Eckart (at large)
2nd dan – Nidan
- Kip Kiener
- Tim Peters
- Darriel Dilulio
Shodan
- Olga Raieva
- Leigh Yeargin
- Matt Whiting
- Paul H Blanchet
- Michael Perry
- Sean Lear
- Dan Santiago
Yudansha ranks must be active, not just worn. They are milestones of recognition along a path of discipline, determination, effort, and of course capability. The significance however lies in retrospect, looking back on a waypoint from which the next steps are taken on a life journey. The weight and responsibility of each promotion becomes heavier for the individual carrying it, making them stronger. Carried with integrity, through determined continuous training, each rank holds the potential of the next. Our Yudansha proceed always with the heart of a beginner (Shoshin).
“The path only ends if you stop. The most important rank is Shodan. Hajime. The point at which you assume a more personal graduated responsibility for the journey under your own direction.” – Steve Fasen, Chief Instructor
Experience vigorous and spirited learning.