Dave Dewberry, 4th Dan, Fukushidoin started practicing Aikido in 1979 in Cambridge, MA with M. Kanai Sensei, Shihan, 8th Dan. In 1996, I was promoted to Shodan by Dennis Abbott Sensei, 6th Dan, of Southwestern Aikikai in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My Nidan promotion was in 2002 and Fukushidoin (instructor) in 2006 by Aki Fleshler Sensei. Since 1997, I have practiced at Multnomah Aikikai under the instruction of Frank Apodaca Sensei, 6th Dan, Aki Fleshler Sensei, 6th Dan and Suzane VanAmburgh, 5th Dan. My practice expanded to teaching Aikido in 1994 when my son began training in Southwestern Aikikai's children's program. Demonstrating techniques in a way that people can parse has helped my own understanding of Aikido. Watching students gain self-confidence as they learn to move from their center and fall safely is continually rewarding. My current teachers are: Darryl Bluhm Sensei, 6th Dan Aki Fleshler Sensei, 6th Dan Suzane VanAmburgh Sensei, 5th Dan We are all members of and certified by Birankai Internantional. |