Your Instructors

Shihan Hager, Hachidan (8th-degree black belt), has practiced Aikido for 37 years. He studied under Roy Y. Suenaka Sensei for 18 years, who in turn studied directly under Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido.  Shihan Hager is currently the highest ranking instructor in the Kishinkai (New Mind/Spirit/Heart) Style and a Technical Advisor in Aikido for the Associated Schools of Martial Arts, which is recognized internationally for its excellence in martial arts.  

Sensei Thomas, Godan (5th-degree black belt), has practiced Aikido for 17 years under Shihan Hager. He previously studied Shorin Ryu Karate under Frank Piojda, Sensei, and Judo under Mike Braswell, Sensei. He is also a student of historic western martial arts and is a certified demonstrator and safety instructor of historic weapons with the North Carolina Historic Sites.