Your Instructors

Shihan Hager, Hachidan (8th-degree black belt), has practiced Aikido for 39 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 19 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.