Instructors

Ken Yamazaki, 6th Dan Aikikai, Shidoin

The chief instructor is Ken Yamazaki, 6th Dan Aikikai, Shidoin; he began Aikido and Zen Buddhism studies in 1989 with Reverend Joseph Jarman. Yamazaki Sensei was also a longtime student of Fumio Toyoda Shihan, and uchideshi (live-in student) of Yasuo Kobayashi Shihan; he has also trained with Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba at Aikikai Hombu Dojo. In recent years, Yamazaki Sensei was a direct student of the late Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, a pioneer in introducing Aikido to North America.

Kim Johnston, 4th Dan Aikikai, Fukushidoin

Kim Johnston, 4th Dan Aikikai, Fukushidoin. Kim’s classes are fun and energetic, and focus on the personal development of each student. Kim is also a Shiatsu practitioner (certified by the Ohashi Institute since 1997) and holds an MFA in modern dance.

** All instructors and staff at NYEA are fully-vaccinated from Covid-19.