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Meiryukan Instructors
Jim Dawes
Aikido Meiryukan Chief instructor/president
Yoshinkan Aikido 6th dan
Born September 9th, 1976
Living in Kasukabe City, Saitama
Began aikido in 1991
Uchideshi for 9 years at Yoshinkan Aikido Ryu
Started Yoshinkan Aikido Meiryukan in April of 2015
Originally began aikido in Ontario, Canada. Moved to Japan in 2004. Trained at the Yoshinkan Honbu Dojo for 2 years before joining Aikido Ryu Tokubetsu Course. Thereafter becoming uchideshi for Tsuneo Ando Shihan. Now based in Saitama, teaching the technique and spirit of aikido as it has been passed down through direct lineage.
Tabata Fumiaki
Saitama club instructor/representative
Aikido Ryu 5th dan
I was planning on just enrolling my son, but ended up taking the trial lesson with him. Next thing you know I was into it more than he was. That was more than 13 years ago.
Weekdays at Ryu Honbu Dojo and weekends at the Saitama club has made aikido a big part of my life. Because of this, I have made a lot of great friends along the way.
Our motto is "Fun aikido". With a wide range of people all training together, you are bound to enjoy yourself.
Why not come and try a class?
Inoue Takao
Kazo club instructor/representative
Yoshinkan Aikido 5th dan
Born in February of 1961
Living in Konosu City, Saitama
Began aikido in 1998
First began just to stay in shape、but soon fell in love with the beauty and depth of the art. Many people have heard the name "Aikido" but other than that, don't know much about it. I hope to try and spread a true undertstanding of this mysterious budo.
Tanaka Takaharu
Noda club instructor/representative
Yoshinkan Aikido 4th dan
Born in September of 1967
Living in Noda City, Chiba
Began aikido in 2004
Starting from Noda City, Chiba prefecture, working to introduce and spread this amazing art of Yoshinkan aikido to as many people as possible. The martial art without competition.
Now's your chance! Why don't you take a step forward and come see for yourself? I guarantee you will discover something new and exciting through aikido.
Saito Kazumasa
Fukiage club instructor/representative
Yoshinkan Aikido 3rd dan
Born in October of 1965
Living in Gyoda City, Saitama
Before joining, I hadn't any interest in or even seen aikido. However, after actually trying a class, I was amazed with the techniques and the mechanics used to control an aggressor and was soon totally in to it. I hope to share that same feeling with as many people as I can, starting here in Fukiage, Saitama prefecture. Aikido is a martial art that requires no previous experience and is irrelevant of age and gender, a martial art that anyone can do. So, when to begin?... right now!
Noda Hiroshi
Aikido Meiryukan instructor
Yoshinkan Aikido 4th dan
Born January 14th, 1983
Living in Nagareyama City, Chiba
Began aikido in 2006
You`ve probably all seen the seemingly fake aikido videos where the teacher mysteriously throws their partner by barely touching them... When I first tried a class I realized there was actually science behind controlling the human body through joint manipulation. Since that day I`ve become more and more fascinated with the art. How about trying a class?
Murakami Daitaro
Aikido Meiryukan instructor
Yoshinkan Aikido 3rd dan
Born in December of 1967
Living in Saitama City, Saitama
Being in my 40's, I thought it was probably a bit too late, however, there happened to be a class near the library I frequent so I went and checked it out. What at first was just a hobby, has now become a huge part of my life. I try to set a fun atmosphere where everyone can train together amongst friends, working on solid basics and the connection to flowing techniques.
Sato Junya
Aikido Meiryukan instructor
Aikido Ryu 5th dan
At the urging of my parents, I started learning aikido from the age of 10. Even now that I'm an adult, as well as an instructor, I still enjoy practicing aikido every day. .I aim to make use of the experience that I have gained from my time in the kids class to convey the charm of aikido to people of various generations and to teach them so that we can continue to share it together. Favorite quote: "Step by step"
Saito Mikiko
Aikido Meiryukan instructor
Yoshinkan Aikido 4th dan
Living in Gyoda City, Saitama
I started aikido in 2011, not knowing anything, but like everyone, began with "kamae" (basic stance).
Now, especially during the kids class, I see the constant growth and am starting to realize the numerous benefits of aikido. Aikido`s breath power and center power are attainable by anyone regardless of age and sex. How about starting with "kamae"?