George Ledyard Shihan began his Aikido studies in 1976 under the direct instruction of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan. Ledyard Sensei currently holds the rank of nanadan (7th dan) in Aikido and Shodan in Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu. He has over 35 years of Aikido teaching experience. Sensei Ledyard believes that Aikido should be both a spiritual practice and a martial art. He is known for his work with the staff and sword and also for an innovative approach to applied empty-hand technique.
Ledyard Sensei was recently made a member of the Ueshiba Juku by Saotome Sensei. This connotes a direct line of “transmission” from the Aikido Founder, Morihei Ueshiba, through Saotome Sensei to his personally trained students.