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 ukemi 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.
Adam developed an interest in martial arts early on in his life. He began formally practicing martial arts at the age of 16 with the study of Jiu-jitsu, which quickly changed into 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 serve under Sensei. Training intensively and never missing a day of practice, Adam became Hagihara Sensei’s fastest promoted student. Adam believes that Aikido is a way towards mental and physical improvement. To him each movement should embody the brilliance of Aikido and he continues to train everyday in pursuit of this elusive goal. Adam also has a Masters degree in Education from Penn State University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education from the University at Buffalo .
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. 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. To this day he trains earnestly in order to further develop and refine his understanding of Aikido’s techniques, philosophy and spirit.
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.
Rich began his Aikido training with Hagihara Sensei and other senior instructors of the Long Island Aikikai in 2002. He is currently ranked 4th 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. Tony started with Yoshinkan Aikido in 1995 and eventually gained 2nd dan rank in this style. After learning that one of Hagihara Sensei’s former students had opened a 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.