#aikibujitsu

An honor received. 1.17.2017 I received the Shidoin instructor certificate during this years Keiko Hajime seminar at the Honbu dojo in downtown Los Angles. I am grateful for this honor and look forward to the challenge of sharing the knowledge that I have grown through our working relationship. As I grow older, I am more understanding of Kaiso Toshishiro Obata's teaching. Through his teaching, I am understanding the relationship between the movements in Shinkendo/Aikibujitsu and the moral parameters of Bushido. It all comes together in a statement he makes often, "Life is Art." I am grateful to him and his family for the organization they have built, a lighthouse that has guided me and many others to a path of inspiration. Their efforts have increased the quality of our lives. We are grateful. Most respectfully, K

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.

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.

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.