Past ASU Summer Intensives have typically featured Mitsugi Saotome Shihan’s weapons kata.  Saotome Shihan is the Founder and supervisory instructor for more than 100 affiliated Dojos of the international Aikido Schools of Ueshiba association.

Master Saotome has devoted his entire adult life to the study and teaching of Aikido. He began as a special apprentice with the Founder of Aikido, Ueshiba Morihei (O Sensei) in 1955 and continued for 15 years until the Founder’s death in April of 1969.  Read More

Featuring

William Gleason Sensei, 7th Dan

William Gleason Sensei studied Aikido from 1970 to 1980 at the main world headquarters (Hombu Dojo) in Japan and also with Yamaguchi Seigo Shihan. During that same period, Gleason Sensei studied swordsmanship (kenjutsu) as well as Japanese language, classical music, and Eastern religion. Since 1985 Gleason Sensei has continued to practice and teach under the auspices of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba.

Gleason Sensei founded Shobu Aikido, Inc. in 1980 in Boston, Massachusetts, and there are presently five Shobu affiliate Dojos from the Midwest to the East Coast. His latest book is Aikido and Words of Power: The Sacred Sounds of the Kototama. He is also the author of The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido, which has been translated into four languages.

His first DVD, Aikido and Japanese Sword, shows how the movements in traditional swordwork and those in Aikido barehanded techniques are essentially one and the same. His second, William Gleason at Aikido Eastside, explores the secrets of aiki hidden within Aikido techniques.

And

Ledyard

Stéphane Le Derf Sensei, 5th Dan

Stéphane Le Derf Sensei, godan Aikikai (5th dan), started practicing karate at the age of 10. In 1985, he started to study aikido in the Nice area with several teachers. After a few months of practice, he attended Mitsugi Saotome Shihan‘s Summer seminar in Venice.

In 1993, after a trip to the Hombu dojo in Tokyo in 1990, he decided to leave France for Washington D.C. to attend Mitsugi Saotome Shihan’s classes at the Aikido Shobukan Dojo. He stayed 4 years and met Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan during the Winter and Summer camps organized by ASU.

Late 1997, back in France, he studied under several teachers in Nice and Marseille, and return to attend class of Alain Guerrier, nanadan.

His martial art background includes Tai Chi, Karate and Iaido. In 2007, he passed his Aïkido Professional Diploma (BEES1).

He continues to attend several Japanese master’s seminars in France and particularly Le Vigan International Aikido Seminar, held by Saotome Shihan during 18 years and now conducted by Ikeda Sensei. He has been the translator for this event since 1996.

Stéphane Le Derf is now part of the board of the Côte d’Azur Ligue, local representative of the French federation FFAAA, and was President of Aikido Harmonie, the organization that sponsors the International Aikido Seminar in Le Vigan, France, from 2016 through 2022. He is currently is a Board Member-At-Large of the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba.

http://www.aikidoclubdubaou.com/

 

2024 ASD Instructors

Nina Carleton
Nina started training in Aikido in 1980. She currently holds a godan (5th degree blackbelt) and is a regular instructor during morning classes. She and her husband, Thurston Carleton are major contributors to the dojo. Nina’s care in the garden can be seen by all members. She and Patty Saotome shared much history in Aikido and her skill and ability on the mat is known for its joy, attention to detail, and sharpness as a result of her fondness for weapons practice.

Robert Deppe
Robert began his aikido study in 1984 and holds the rank of rokudan (6th degree black belt). He is a personal student of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and is especially known for his precise and powerful weapons work, graceful movement, and clear teaching. Robert has been training and teaching at Aikido Shobukan Dojo (ASD) since 1994. Robert has studied Shindo Muso Ryu for 25 years as well as Yagyu Shinkage Ryu for 7 years, influencing his precise and powerful weapons work.

Robert was 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. Robert was also a founding member of the ASU Board of Directors and served two years as President.

Nick Kiritz
Nick Kiritz began his aikido study in 1982 at Oberlin College. He holds the rank of rokudan (6th degree black belt), and the Ueshiba Juku designation. In addition to teaching and training regularly at the dojo, he serves as the head instructor for the Georgetown University Aikikai. Nick has cross-trained in a variety of other arts, including Systema, yoga, and Zen. Nick works as a consultant in risk management for US and foreign financial institutions. Nick has served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer and CFO of Aikido Shobukan Dojo.

Eugene Lee
Eugene Lee began his Aikido study in 1988 and holds the rank of rokudan (6th degree black belt). Eugene works for the EPA’s Office of Emergency Management and is also an avid mountaineer, trekker and cyclist.

Kamenna Lee
Kamenna started practicing aikido in 1991 and holds the rank of rokudan (6th degree blackbelt). She can be seen contributing to the dojo as an organizational leader and rolls up her sleeves in all things. Her classes are vibrant, dynamic, and most often will generate sweat while focusing on clean lines and technique. It is a pleasure to have the Lee’s as members and leaders in our community.

Chris Royal
Chris Royal began his aikido training in 1990 and holds the rank of rokudan (6th degree black belt). He is a mid-morning instructor and is interested in all aspects of aikido. In addition to aikido, he is a professor of Jazz Studies at Howard University. He is a master musician and plays trumpet with bands and performers in the DC Metro area, and has played at the Kennedy Center and other well known venues. His passion for music, aikido, the arts, and humanity is profound and we are honored to have him here with us at Shobukan.

Steve Schneid
Steve Schneid began his Aikido studies in 1975 under the direct instruction of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and has continued this association ever since. He currently holds the rank of rokudan (6th degree black belt). In addition to training in Aikido, Steve is an Optometrist operating two office in Washington, DC and Maryland.

Steve has been a major contributor lending a hand in the operations of the dojo, supporting camps, and assisting with Sensei’s accommodations. We are grateful for his expertise and care, especially looking after many members’ eyes. He can often be found during mid-morning classes, seminars, and when he’s helping care for the dojo and its many members.

John Taylor
John Taylor began practicing aikido in 1991 and is a godan (5th degree black belt). He is a part of regular instructors leading morning keiko sessions. He is a past ASD President and Board Member and he holds dan ranks in karate and judo. He is clear, concise, gentle, and we are pleased to have him join us here at the dojo.

Ueshiba Juku

The Ueshiba Juku designation is awarded by Mitsugi Saotome Shihan to selected senior students and instructors in recognition of their loyalty and dedication to building ASU and promoting O Sensei’s vision.  It declares that they are not only true deshi (direct disciple) of Saotome Sensei and inheritors of his teachings, but are also part of O Sensei’s own school and pure lineage as only a true Uchi Deshi of O Sensei can recognize.  The status is indicated by special kanji worn on the formal Dogi of the authorized individual, and is an honor independent of specific rank or Shihan status.