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Hagihara Sensei, 7th Dan Shihan
Chief Instructor
 As one of the highest ranking instructors in the United States, Hagihara Sensei has helped a countless number of students along the path of Aikido. Hagihara Sensei has dedicated over 45 years of his life to the art of Aikido. As a founding member of the original New York Aikikai, Hagihara Sensei is the longest running Aikido instructor in New York and is thought to be the longest running Aikikai Aikido teacher in the continental United States.
Hagihara Sensei began his Aikido training in Manhattan New York in the 1950's under Yasuo Ohara. In the early 60s Hagihara Sensei returned to Japan to train with the masters at the old Hombu Dojo. In addition to serving as Koichi Tohei (then chief instructor of Hombu Dojo) Sensei’s primary Uke, Hagihara Sensei studied extensively under Kisshomaru Ueshiba Sensei (O’Sensei’s son,) Yamaguchi Sensei, Arikawa Sensei and Ozawa Sensei. 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 the extension of 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).
Additional Information on Hagihara Sensei
http://www.ai-ki-do.org/Dojocho/Spotlights/TCollings.html
http://www.pixi.com/~psmac/dojos/windward/atm/glanstein.html
Adam Pilipshen, 4th Dan Fukushidoin
Dojo-Cho
 Adam Pilipshen has been practicing Aikido for over eleven years. He is a 4th degree black belt and a member of the United States Aikido Federation’s teaching staff. Adam began his Aikido training under Hagihara Shihan in 1997 at the age of 19. At 21 Adam enrolled as an Uchi Deshi (apprentice) to Hagihara Sensei. During this five year period Adam trained intensively, never missing a day of practice. To this day Adam is Hagihara Sensei’s fastest promoted student. In the winter of 2006, with the encouragement of Hagihara Sensei, Adam reopened the Long Island Aikikai in Bay Shore, New York. There he serves as the Dojo-Cho (director), overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the Dojo in accordance with Hagihara Sensei’s wishes.
Additional Instructors
Cal Fromer, 6th Dan Shidoin (Branch Dojo: Long Beach, New York)
Saul Rosenberg, 6th Dan Shidoin
John O’Connor, 4th Dan Fukushidoin
David Norton, 3rd Dan
Christopher Bradshaw, 2nd Dan
Richard Sarris, 1st Dan
Kevin Loughlin, 1st Dan
All instructors at our headquarters train with Hagihara Sensei often and must do so in order to keep up their teaching status.
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