My Practice In Aikibujutsu

March 3rd 2017 18 years ago today I began my training at the Atlanta Budokan. My only formal education, a physical and mental sharpening stone. I have never found comfort here and I am thankful for that.

Our two children with founder Kaiso Toshishiro Obata. I began training both of our children at the age of five.

SHAWN FORRISTALL Shawn and I have trained together for 16 years. He is the head instructor at the Atlanta Budokan in Atlanta. Here is some background on him: Shawn is the owner of the Atlanta Budokan. He joined the school in 1991 and took over the school from his instructor in 2003. Shawn is a 4th degree black belt in Aikijujustsu /Aikido and a senior instructor in Shinkendo (Japanese Swordsmanship) under the direct tutelage of Toshishiro Obata. He also holds the rank of 2nd degree black belt in Kyokushin style karate under Sensei Mel and Cindy Williams. He has trained Alliance Jiujitsu since 2008 having trained directly with Romero "Jacare" Cavalcante, Alliance founder. Shawn is a certified Alliance Jiujitsu instructor for both Adults and Kids.

Doug Harmon has been a certified police officer for 10 years. He is currently employed by a large metropolitan law enforcement agency in Atlanta, Georgia. He has extensive experience with real-world violent incidents and deadly threats. In conjunction to his well-endowed knowledge of federal, state, and local laws he has started criminal investigations and begun the prosecution of convicted felons, fugitives, and organized crime radicals. He is presently assigned to a Special Operations Division S.W.A.T. Team. As a team leader he is tasked with the development, training, and quality of standard for all S.W.A.T Operators. He also creates, implements, and evaluates firearms and tactical training evolutions, which are written into the Standard Operations Procedure (SOP) by the S.W.A.T. Commander. Prior to his employment as a police officer, D.M. Harmon served his country in the United States Marines for 8 years. His primary job assignment was Field Radio Operation/ Security Forces. During the crisis of 9/11 in New York City, he was deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MARSOC) for two terms. He served honorably in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom which he received several unit ribbons, awards, and metals to include a Combat Action Ribbon. The award was approved in reference to actions taken during a firefight in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

This is me and founder Kiso Toshishiro Obata demonstrating a Hiji-Ate (elbow striking) series.

I received my 3rd dan ranking (3rd degree) from our founder Kaiso Toshishiro Obata in the summer of 2016.

In the downtown Los Angeles, Little Tokyo district, we often find some interesting characters.

A family affair. Me in the middle with my brother and sister. Our sister flew at from LA and hit the mats with us. Just like old times.

Thank you Yukishiro Obata Sensei (headmaster) for a memorable training experience at the Honbu Dojo. With 17 years of training under my belt I always manage to leave the Honbu dojo inspired, exhausted and holding a realization of the mountain of knowledge and understanding that's always beckoning me to climb higher. It's always a humbling experience.

I received the Shidoin instructor certificate during the Keiko Hajime 2017 seminar. Shidoin is the third level of instructor accreditation. #honored #humbled #grateful #kaiso #toshishiroobata #martialarts #shinkendo #aikibujutsu #lifeisart #KeikoHajime #shidoin #3rdDegree#Yoshinkan #Yoshinkandojo #dojo #westcoast #socal #danranking # #harmony #Japanese #Japanesemartialart

Me and our founder Kaiso Toshishiro Obata working on a series throwing drills.