Chief Instructor
Hagihara Sensei, 7thDan Shihan

Hagihara Sensei has dedicated over 50 years of his life to the art of Aikido. He began his Aikido training in Manhattan New York in the late 1950's under Yasuo Ohara. After playing an instrumental role in the formation of the original New York Aikikai (circa 1961) Hagihara Sensei returned to Japan to train with the masters at the old Hombu Dojo. Hagihara Sensei's stay at Hombu Dojo was encapsulated by the private teachings and spiritual guidance of O’Sensei, who personally commanded Hagihara Sensei to "go and teach my Aikido". In 1964, Hagihara Sensei returned to New York to open the first Aikido Dojo on Long Island. Known for his soft, yet powerful Aikido technique, Hagihara Sensei has taught a countless number of students, many of which have opened their own schools. To this day Hagihara Sensei stays true to O’Sensei’s message of peace and harmony; teaching Aikido that does not rely on physical strength. His focus on relaxation and Ki,  coupled with his deep knowledge of the inner philosophies of Aikido, continues to be a source of inspiration to many.

In 1997 Hagihara Sensei was promoted to the rank of 7th Dan and in 2005 awarded the title of Shihan (Master Teacher). Still active, Hagihara Sensei is the longest running Aikido instructor in the continental United States as well as a member of the United States Aikido Federation’s Honorary Committee.

Dojocho
Adam Pilipshen, 4th Dan Shidoin

Adam developed an interest in martial arts early on in his life.  He began practicing martial arts at the age of 16 and quickly developed an interest in Aikido. At the age of 19 he began training with Hagihara Shihan and shortly thereafter became one of only two uchi deshi (apprentice) ever to study under Sensei.  Training intensively and never missing a day of practice, Adam became Hagihara Sensei’s fastest promoted student. After almost 15 years of daily service, Adam still acts as Hagihara Sensei’s Uke and Otomo, or attendant companion, and as the principal interpreter of his teacher’s technique. In the winter of 2006, with the encouragement of Hagihara Sensei, Adam reopened the Long Island Aikikai in Bay Shore, New York. There he is the Dojocho (Dojo Head) of the LI Aikikai, overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the organization in accordance with Hagihara Sensei’s wishes.

Despite his relatively young age, Adam is a 4th degree black belt as well as a recognized member of the United States Aikido Federation’s teaching staff. Like his mentor, Adam believes that Aikido is a way towards mental, physical and spiritual improvement. To him each movement should embody the brilliance of Aikido's principles in both form and function and he continues to train everyday in pursuit of this elusive goal.

Chris Bradshaw, 2nd Dan

Christopher began training in martial arts in 1980, studying karate, kung fu and boxing. In 1986 he commenced his training in jiu-jitsu under the instruction of Walsh Sensei (a black belt of Master Bob Malvagno's) and in 1993 received his black belt in this form. Through his experience as a teacher, Christopher realized that his real training had just begun and that he had only taken his first steps in learning all that martial arts had to offer. He began looking to expand his knowledge and in 1995 discovered the art of Aikido. During his research he discovered that Hagihara Sensei was teaching on Long Island.  Christopher immediately decided that, one day, he would be a student of Aikido under Hagihara Sensei, but it was not until Febuary of 1998 that this became a reality and his journey in Aikido began. Chris currently holds 2nd dan and continues to learn and train with Hagihara Sensei, as well as other sempai of the dojo.  Christopher is proud to be a part of the Long Island Aikikai.

Anthony Fitts, 2nd Dan

Tony has a long history of martial arts experience, with 37 years of continuous training.  He originally began studying karate alongside his brother in 1972 and rose to the rank of 6th dan in this eclectic system.  He was introduced to Aikido in 1979 by Yamada Sensei but it wasn’t until 1995 that he began to actively pursue the study of this art form. Tony started with Yoshinkan Aikido and eventually gained 2nd dan rank in this style.  After learning that one of Hagihara Sensei’s former students had opened a USAF affiliated dojo in his area he began training at this new center. Tony now studies at the Long Island Aikikai, where he is able to experience the peaceful art of Aikido directly under one of its great leaders, Hagihara Sensei.

Kevin Louglin, 2nd Dan, 3rd Dan Iaido

Kevin began his martial arts training in 1976, studying Kanzen Gojuryu under Kyoshi Michael DiRaimondo.  He received his 3rd dan in 1993 and has taught Kanzen Goju Karate for several years in Suffolk county.  In the summer of 1991 Kevin was working on a pediatric physical therapy specialization in Burlington Vermont, where he began studying at Vermont Aikido. Upon returning to New York he continued his practice of Aikido at the Bond Street Dojo and later at Aikido of Nassau County.  In 1993 Kevin took up training in Muso Jigiden Iaido, or sword techniques, at the Ken Zen Institute. He now holds the rank of 3rd dan in this art form, which was presented to him in 2006. After a 7-year sabbatical from Aikido, Kevin recommenced training at Long Island Aikikai and received his 2nd dan in 2009.  He is currently the Dojo’s Iaido instructor.

David Norton, 4th Dan Fukushidoin

Although interested in martial arts as a boy, David Norton’s participation in other sports would not allow him to pursue it seriously and he began his Aikido training in 1987 at age 26. After seeing a demonstration that Hagihara Sensei gave at Grumman Aerospace (now Northrop Grumman), David was impressed with the philosophy and efficiency of Aikido, as well as Sensei's teaching approach. Shortly after he began his Aikido training, David was given the opportunity to become uchi-deshi (apprentice) for Hagihara Sensei. He received his black belt in 1992 and continued his apprenticeship with Sensei until work and financial obligations forced him to move out of state in 1995. He practiced intermittently at Dogwood Aikikai and Aikido Center of Atlanta and upon returning to New York in 1997 he resumed his practice with Hagihara Sensei. David also teaches classes at the Northrop Grumman Aikido Club in Bethpage - which remains affiliated with the Long Island Aikikai.
 
David has also had a long time love/fascination with the Japanese sword and in 2008, at the suggestion of Hagihara Sensei, began training in Iaido with Kevin Loughlin at both the Long Island Aikikai and with the instructors at Ken Zen Institute. David currently holds the rank of 2nd kyu in Iaido.

John O’Connor, 4th Dan Fukushidoin

John began his Aikido training in 1980 with the Long Island Aikikai at Rockville Centre, New York.  Years later he followed Hagihara Sensei, helping to spread Aikido and attending classes at all of Sensei’s dojos located throughout Long Island.  Through the 1990's John also assisted Hagihara Sensei with Aikido classes that were offered at C.W. Post College.  He has augmented his regular training by attending seminars organized by the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) and by participating in these seminars, has had the opportunity to practice with numerous high-ranking students and under many different USAF Shihans.

After nearly 20 years of Aikido training, John joined the ranks of Hagihara Sensei’s teaching staff.  He feels that the experience of working with junior students has brought him new insights into both the principles and application of technique, reinforcing the value of understanding the basics. With the reopening of the Long Island Aikikai in Bay Shore in 2006, he continues to support Hagihara Sensei and assist with teaching duties in the dojo.  To this day he trains earnestly in order to further develop and refine his understanding of Aikido’s techniques, philosophy and spirit. John currently holds the rank of 4th Dan, and is also a member of the teaching staff of the United States Aikido Federation.

Saul Rosenberg, 6th Dan Shidoin

In 1975 Saul walked into the Long Island Aikikai at Rockville Centre, immediately fell in love with the Aikido of Hagihara Sensei and began his training that very week.  In 1978 he was assigned a permanent class to instruct at Rockville Centre Dojo, and his teaching duties later expanded to include various branch dojos around Long Island.  Pursuing his Aikido training vigorously and intensely for more than 27 years, he has attended Hagihara Sensei's classes emphasizing large, dynamic and artistic ukeme waza. Over the years Saul has assisted Hagihara Sensei in countless seminars and demonstrations while also serving as one of Hagihara Sensei's primary Ukes.  As one of the longest running members of the Long Island Aikikai he has been instrumental in training a tremendous number of students to promotion.  From 1983 to 2006 Saul was one of the primary assistants to Hagihara Sensei in running The Long Island Aikido Association.  He continues to teach at the Long Island Aikikai and to use the principals of Aikido in his daily life.

Kurt Weber, 2nd Dan

Kurt started studying martial arts in 1987 at Mr.V's School of Self Defense on Long Island. Mr. V's dojo was a mixed martial studio that had relationships with other instructors from various martial arts including Karate, Kung-Fu, Judo and Aikido. During his practice, Kurt was introduced to Aikido by attending private classes taught specifically by Hagihara Sensei. In 1991, Kurt paused in his martial arts studies to attend college and life, spawning two beautiful children in the interim.  In 1996 he returned to martial arts on a quest to find Hagihara Sensei and continue his study of Aikido with him. Kurt also works closely with Dojocho Adam Pilipshen and is his primary uke.  Aikido is also a family affair for the Weber’s; Kurt’s son and daughter are enrolled in the Long Island Aikikai children’s program, where their father is also one of the instructors.