Instructors

*Aikido: (Instructors have received their dan certificates from the Yoshinkan hombu dojo in Japan, and the school itself is registered with the hombu).

Evelyn Dysarz, 5th dan:  My study in Aikido keeps evolving since I began in 1973 looking for good exercise. Now I’m working on connecting with the attacker’s energy in a no-mind, relaxed kind of way, and taking his balance with the least amount of energy necessary. Definitely a path with no end in sight…

Christopher Howey, 5th dan: I began my journey on this path in 1973 under the instruction of Takashi Kushida. I have striven to follow his advice to “find your Aikido”. I continue my search and try to explain to my fellow students and teachers what it is I discover. This is not a discipline that can be “mastered” – just one that can be explored. I hope I can share that sense of discovery for the rest of my life.

Tim Luley, 4th dan: I started Aikido in October, 1989. I started for the exercise and physical fitness. I have stayed for the form, history, and personal commitment to become more relaxed and focused on techniques of Aikido.

Berk Isaac, 3rd dan

John North, 3rd dan: I began my Aikido training in February, 1994. Looking for a martial art to practice, I had seen a few examples of something called Aikido, which had something that fascinated me and I had not seen in the little experience I’d had with karate.  So I came to the Shuwakan Dojo, Aikido and T’ai Chi of Indianapolis, and witnessed a Nidan recital, loved what I saw and began my training in Yoshinkan Aikido. After 15 plus years now, I love the training, especially the emphasis on proper form, correct body alignment, focus, and development of full-body power vs. relying on sheer strength.  The tumbling and core exercises provide excellent conditioning. It is simply a great deal of fun. Furthermore, it is a totally cooperative environment. Everyone supports and helps each other learn and grow as opposed to a competitive scenario that tends to promote secrets and oneupmanship. There are numerous other subtleties that promote great satisfaction and continuous challenge. Hope to see you training with us soon.

Jim VanRenterghem, 3rd dan: It was 1998 when I began to study Aikido. I had always been fascinated with martial arts but all the choices made it difficult to decide which one was the right fit.

A friend of mine who was a third degree in karate and an instructor for the sheriff’s department told me about Aikido. He was really impressed with the tremendous power for self defense while at the same time causing the least damage to the attacker.

I stay with Aikido even after 12 years of practice, because I learn something new every time I practice.

T’ai Chi Ch’uan:

Vinh Tran

Jodo:
Senior student in class