Our Instructors
All instructors at Kobukan have graduated from a 20-month instructor training course and are certified to teach by AYANA and the Head Instructor, Takashi Kushida-sensei, on an annual basis. The Kobukan is fortunate to have a large number of instructors who each bring their own individual styles to their Aikido instruction, while maintaining the integrity of Yoshokai Aikido techniques.
Kris Nelson, Kobukan Head Instructor – 3rd degree black belt (sandan)
Training in Aikido Yoshokai since 1981 and certified as an instructor since
1988. Participated in and graduated from multiple instructor training
courses as well as hundreds of hours of study with Kushida-sensei.
"I love so many aspects of Aikido – the movements, the ideas, the discipline, the challenges – all of which have shaped my entire view of the world. Teaching helps keep my mind focused and reinforces for me Aikido's message of harmony and outward energy toward the world."
Kristin Maier – 3rd degree black belt (sandan)
Began training in 1988, including graduating from two instructor training
courses under the direction of Kushida-sensei. Certified since 1995 as an
instructor in Yoshokai Aikido.
"Studying aikido under Kushida-sensei has been a source of great joy, peace, and ever deepening challenge. The teaching methodology of Yoshokai Aikido is solid; an emphasis on safety, mutual respect, and technical precision allows students to enjoy authentic and compelling techniques with a spirit of harmony and good feeling."
Ken Fruitrail – 2nd degree black belt (nidan)
Began training in Aikido Yoshokai in 1997, and participated in and
graduated from instructor training courses. Certified instructor since
2003.
"Our teacher, Kushida-sensei, places great emphasis on the concept of
agatsu, or self-mastery. Aikido Yoshokai has shown me that many times
the resolution of conflict is not about how we control others, but it is
about how we control ourselves. This approach to training has provided
countless opportunities for self-development in my life, in and outside the
dojo. Sharing Aikido with others is my way of thanking Kushida-sensei for
this beautiful path he has shown us."
Larry Blackwell – 1st degree black belt (shodan)
Training in Yoshokai Aikido since 1989, certified instructor since 1996.
Participated in and graduated from instructor training courses.
"Teaching is one of the best ways to continue learning. Teaching provides another perspective to learning that helps you continue to improve your own proficiency in Aikido. It is also a way that I can continue to share the wonderful art of Aikido with many others."
Skip Dykoski – 1st degree black belt (shodan)
Training in Yoshokai Aikido since 1996, certified instructor since 2002.
Participated in and graduated from more than three instructor training
courses. Ph.D. in physics helps me understand the mechanics, dynamics,
forces and energy of aikido. 35 years of yoga meditation practice helps me
meld Aikido into meditation in action.
"We stumble through life, fearful of this and attracted to that, never quite sure which way to turn. What I have found helpful in bringing this aimlessness into more order is a practice that day by day, year by year, stabilizes the mind by stabilizing the body. In that calm we can make more sense out of life. Then we can become truly compassionate and sensitive and loving to those around us, and life becomes joyous. Aikido stabilizes the body and thus the mind and allows our hearts to open up."
Jennifer Koper – 1st degree black belt (shodan)
Training in Yoshokai Aikido since 1994, certified instructor since 2002.
Participated in and graduated from two instructor training courses.
"This particular style of Aikido starts with a very step-by-step learning
process, which emphasizes precise, dynamic movement as well as safety. There
are also lectures about Japanese Samurai history and the philosophy of Aikido,
"The Way of Harmony." Yoshokai Aikido has a more formal style of training,
incorporating many aspects of Japanese etiquette. These things combine to
give a very rich, detailed study that feels very complete to me. I really
like that we focus on creating harmony in our relationships and in society,
and not on neutralizing an attack, even though we train hard and can have
very aerobic classes. This is not about self-defense, but about
self-improvement. And we have fun throwing each other around!"
Charles Schmidt – 1st degree black belt (shodan)
Training in Yoshokai Aikido since 1995, certified instructor since 2006.
Participated in and graduated from the instructor training course.
"I enjoy the dynamic and energetic movements that we practice in Aikido. I especially enjoy being able to receive the throws we do in Aikido and know that I can land safely. It is a great feeling to be able to dive through the air and trust one's body to handle the landing. In addition to the physical abilities, Aikido is a good mental study. We learn to push ourselves, but without the feeling of competing against other people. The cooperative nature of Aikido training makes the classes especially enjoying and rewarding."
Ben Fraase – 1st kyu (ikkyu)
Studying Aikido for approximately 10 years and currently holds the rank of
ikkyu or 1st kyu, the last rank before black belt. Graduate of instructor
training course. Certified instructor since 2006. Also have been studying
Genbu Sotojutsu, the Kushida family's
style of sword movement, for the past 3 years.
"I just plain love everything about Aikido. I enjoy the training, the lectures, the etiquette, the philosophy and the history. But one of the things I enjoy most as an instructor is watching students grow and progress. I have been around this Aikido club for quite a while and have seen many students struggling as they first start training. Being by their side and helping them out while they find their way and seeing the progress they make is truly a wonderful and inspiring experience."
Kisha Delain – 1st kyu (ikkyu)
Training in Aikido Yoshokai since 1999. Certified instructor since 2008 and
graduate of the instructor training course. Also studies
Genbu Sotojutsu, the Kushida family's
style of sword movement.
"I started training in Aikido in 1999, when a friend of mine convinced me to come watch a class. Though I was initially unsure about training in a martial art, I quickly fell in love with Aikido's philosophy, as well as the techniques and training. An added pleasure has been all of the wonderful people I have met. I also really enjoy the fact that there is always something new for me to learn through my own training, and through my teaching."