All ranks are certified through Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, Japan　合気会本部道場　東京　日本

Jimmy Friedman – Dojo Cho

六段　Roku dan (6th degree black belt)

Year Started: 1980

Other martial arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Muay Thai kickboxing, Wing Chung

Friedman Sensei began Aikido training in 1980 at the age of twenty at the Oakland Aikido Institute, in Oakland, California. After receiving his black belt in the Iwama style in 1984, he moved to San Francisco and continued his training at Turk Street Dojo. In 1995 he met Kato Hiroshi Shihan at Hombu Dojo, soon inviting him to San Francisco to teach his first San Francisco seminar and becoming one of Kato Sensei’s first American students. Friedman Sensei’s approach to Aikido stresses hard training and conditioning with an emphasis on practical application, while retaining a very relaxed physical state. James has an extensive background in highly competitive sports; he received a brown belt (2017) in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Clovis Silva. He brings that intensity and focus into his teaching style in Aikido. Friedman Sensei received the rank of Roku dan (2011) from Hiroshi Kato Sensei. 

Jimmy Friedman teaches:  Monday, 12:00-1:00 PM & Tuesday and Thursday, 7:00–8:00 AM, 12:00–1:00 PM & 6:00–7:00 PM 

Michael Johnson

五段　Go dan (5th degree black belt)

Year Started: 1987

Michael teaches basics-and-beyond classes, with a strong focus on helping students prepare for tests. He brings an extensive background in dance to his exploration of martial arts.

MIchael Johnson received the rank of Go dan from James Friedman and Peter Ralls Sensei.

Mike Johnson teaches:  Sunday,  10:30–12:00 PM

Doug Uyeno

五段　Go dan (5th degree black belt)

Year Started: 1984

Doug finds his noon classes a perfect balance to his evening work in fine dining. He invites you to spend an hour away from your desk in the camaraderie of Aikido, breaking a sweat and harmonizing with universal ki.

Doug Uyeno received the rank of Godan from James Friedman and Peter Ralls Sensei.

Doug Uyeno teaches: Friday, 12:00–1:00 PM

Ezio "Ace" Gagliardi

五段　Go dan (5th degree black belt)

Year Started: 1987

Other martial arts: Wado Ryu Karate Black Belt and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Ezio welcomes all students, beginners and advanced alike. His classes emphasize proper form and footwork skills for more mobility and effective technique.

Gagliardi Sensei received the rank of Go dan from James Friedman and Peter Ralls Sensei.

Ezio teaches: Wednesdays and Fridays  8:00–9:00 AM

Cheryl Leonard

三段　San dan (3rd degree black belt)

Year Started: 1986

Cheryl's classes emphasize mindfulness, physical presence, and flowing movements.

Cheryl Leonard received the rank of Sandan from James Friedman Sensei.

Cheryl Leonard teaches:  Wednesday ,  12:00–1:00 PM

Carole Snitzer

二段　Ni dan (2nd degree black belt)

Year Started: 2006

Other martial arts: Muay Thai

Carole's classes focus on deliberate body movement, blending, and connection with your partner.

Carole Snitzer received the rank of Nidan from James Friedman Sensei.

Carole Snitzer teaches:  Saturday ,  10:30–12:00 PM