We are very excited to announce Isshinkai Aikido North America will be joining with NOLA Aikido to present a special live-streamed Zoom seminar class taught by Sensei(s) Glenn Leichman, Dan Dease, and Brian Levy on Saturday, October 3rd 12-1 pm CDT | 19:00-20:00 CET | 5-6 pm UTC!

REGISTER to reserve your spot.

Instructor Bios

Glenn Leichman Sensei is the Chief Instructor of Aikido Seattle and Aikido Willapa Bay. He began his practice of aikido after seeing it on his first visit to Japan in 1979. Since then he has studied under a number of Senseis, but his main influences have been Endo Seishiro Shihan from Hombu Dojo and Jan Nevelius Shihan from Vanadis Aikido in Stockholm. He encourages maintaining a calm state of mind and performing unhurried technique.
Dan Dease Sensei, began his training in 1990 at the Winter Park High School Aikido Club under the direction of Edward B. Baker Sensei (5th Dan, Aikikai). In 1996, Dan began training at the Shindai Aikikai Dojo, receiving his nidan in 1999 and sandan in 2002 directly from Mitsugi Saotome Shihan (8th Dan, Aikikai).

In 2001 Dan met Seishiro Endo Shihan (8th Dan, Aikikai) while training at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. Finding an immediate connection, Dan began following Endo Sensei at various seminars in Europe, Japan and later in America. He formed the Central Florida Aikikai in 2004 to pursue Endo Sensei exclusively and to invite his senior students to the US for seminars and workshops. In 2010, the CFA changed its name to Kimusubi Aikido Orlando to better reflect the pursuit of Endo Sensei’s “soft” style of aikido.

Dan tested for and received his 4th Dan directly from Jan Nevelius Shihan (7th Dan, Aikikai), a direct deshi of Endo Sensei in 2014. He was promoted to 5th Dan by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in January of 2020, upon the recommendation of Endo Sensei.

As of 2020, Dan continues his exploration of Endo Sensei’s aikido at the newly built Kimusubi Aikido Orlando Dojo located just outside of Orlando, Florida

Brian Levy Sensei, Chief Instructor / Dojo Cho of NOLA Aikido in New Orleans, has been practicing Aikido for over 25 years in the US, Europe and Asia. He has also pursued in-depth studies of other arts, including Qigong, Tai Chi and Daito-ryu Aikijujitsu. Endo Seishiro Shihan, Jan Nevelius Shihan, and Jorma Lyly Sensei have provided him with guidance, inspiration, and creativity on his Aiki path. He places a strong emphasis on connection, gentleness and effortless natural movements.

Class Descriptions

Glenn Sensei:

I would like to focus on balance and sustainability. as a path for our own practice and as a metaphor for the future of aikido. How do we sustain our own practice and the art we love?

Dan Sensei:

I’m going to explore the concept of using your body to maintain connection as uke. We will do some exercises to be mindful of using our bodies efficiently, so we can continue to attack, while also trying to reduce damage to our joints.

Brian Sensei:

During the past six months of solo and more distanced-connection practice I have been exploring spirals and waves which move the whole body effortlessly and which allow us to invite uke’s movement without acting against them when are able to return to contact practice.  We will explore, cultivate, and deepen these kinds of movements using a combination of qigong, bokken, and other solo practices.

Donations

The seminar is by donation, and all proceeds will go to support Sensei(s) Leichman, Dease, and Levy as we continue to bring this practice into the world.

Suggested donation: $20

Donate via Paypal: paypal.me/nolaaikido

(If that’s too much, pay whatever feels comfortable. If you’re feeling a financial squeeze just come to class.)

What to Bring to Class

Please wear your keiko gi if possible, but comfortable clothing will do.

Please bring a bokken or jo if possible.

We would advise stretching before all of our sessions, just in case.

Beginners are warmly welcome.

We look forward to practicing with you on October 3rd!

Please share this email with any and all you think might like to attend.

Thank you!

Brian Levy

Chief Instructor
NOLA AIkido
New Orleans, LA, USA