Our Instructors
Richmond, VA Dojo
McClure Sensei, Chief Instructor and Dojo Cho
McClure Sensei, currently ranked Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt), is the Chief Instructor at our Richmond dojo. He first began his study of aikido in 1994, where he was first introduced to Suenaka Aikido. In 2004, he received permission from Roy Y. Suenaka Sensei to establish a Suenaka Style Aikido school in Richmond, Virginia. The dojo has been opened since July 1, 2004. Although McClure Sensei has a diverse background in other martial disciplines with instructor level ranking, his true passion and enthusiasm is his continuing study of aikido under the guidance of Suenaka Sensei and teaching the Art of Suenaka Aikido.
Michael Perkins Sensei
Sensei Michael, currently ranked Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt), began studying Aikido in 1981 after leaving the Navy. He still has trouble imaging his to luck to have found Sensei Suenaka in Charlston South Carolina on his first venture into the martial arts. Sensei Michael moved to Richmond Va and joined Aikido Richmond in the summer of 2009.
Synergistic Instruction and Training
Although the dojos are independent from the other, we join together for seminars, testing, and other activities throughout the year. Students practice freely at either location while the joint focus of these Chief Instructors is their personal commitment and dedication to their students' personal growth and development. Their respective training and teaching approach is not mutually exclusive of the other. It is a naturally occurring synergistic relationship which fosters a nurturing atmosphere wherein they jointly support and encourage the very best from their students and instructors; while concentrating on the physical, spiritual, and philosophical aspects of study.
Aside from being like-minded in their teaching approach, the ongoing success of their aikido programs in the Central Virginia area can also be directly attributed to the understanding and value of friendship that McClure Sensei and Shihan Legions share outside of the dojo. These two instructors have been steadfast friends for more than 15-years.
What Our Students Have To Say
Joshua "Kuma"
"I love everything about our dojo. We have a great family friendly environment and even though I was a complete beginner they welcomed me with open arms. The work out is challenging but everyone has been really patient with me as I started getting back into shape. I look forward to every class and my time spent with the other students. The teachers are great and gave me the personal attention I needed to get started. I would highly recommend our dojo to both men and women of all skill levels and physical ability."
Christine "Tokon"
My favorite Aikido word would have to be TOKON. Doubling as my nickname at our hard-rock dojo it means fighting spirit. This concept of having a fighting spirit helps me to maintain my focus, and to control my thoughts when thrown into a situation where I need to react quickly. Only when coupled with good basic technique can this energy be positive, this is the purpose of my study.
