Dojo Leadership
Josephine began training at the Long Island Aikikai in 2010 under Hagihara Sensei. She holds 1st dan and, as president, provides the dojo's organizational and financial leadership and manages the dojo's space rentals. She also handles its social media and outreach to new students, and runs the Aikido Dojo Network, an online community of Aikido practitioners on Discord.
Adam began practicing martial arts at sixteen, starting with Jiu-jitsu before discovering Aikido. At nineteen, he began training with Hagihara Sensei and shortly thereafter became one of only two—and the last—uchi deshi to serve under him. Training intensively and never missing a day of practice, he became Hagihara Sensei's fastest promoted student. Hagihara Sensei appointed him Dojocho (Head of Dojo), a role he continues to hold. As the Hombu delegate, he facilitates and oversees promotions. He holds a Masters degree in Education from Penn State University and a PhD in Learning Sciences from the University at Buffalo.
Aikido Instructors
Saul began training at the Long Island Aikikai in 1975 at the Rockville Centre location and started teaching in 1978. One of the dojo's longest-running members, he trained under Hagihara Sensei for nearly fifty years, emphasizing large, dynamic ukemi. He has assisted in countless seminars and demonstrations over the decades. He serves on the panel that oversees promotion demonstrations and continues to teach at the Long Island Aikikai.
John began training at the Long Island Aikikai in 1980 at the Rockville Centre location. He followed Hagihara Sensei to dojos throughout Long Island and assisted with Aikido classes at C.W. Post College through the 1990s. After nearly twenty years of training, he joined Hagihara Sensei's teaching staff. He serves on the panel that oversees promotion demonstrations and continues to teach at the Long Island Aikikai.
Rich began training at the Long Island Aikikai in 2002 under Hagihara Sensei and the senior instructors. He led the dojo's children's program for many years. In Hagihara Sensei's later years, Rich served as his otomo and primary uke. He serves on the panel that oversees promotion demonstrations and continues to teach at the Long Island Aikikai.
Christopher began training in martial arts in 1980, studying karate, kung fu, and boxing. In 1986 he started jiu-jitsu and received his black belt in 1993. He began training in Aikido under Hagihara Sensei in 1998. He serves on the panel that oversees promotion demonstrations and teaches when visiting from New Jersey.
Tony began training in karate in 1972, eventually reaching 6th dan. He started practicing Yoshinkan Aikido in 1995, earning 2nd dan in that style. He now trains and teaches at the Long Island Aikikai.
Graeme began training in Aikido in 2001 under William Andrew of Aikido UK. Since 2017 he has also studied Musō Shinden-ryū and ZNKR Seitei iaido under Billy Smart at the Shonenjiku Glasgow dojo. He values efficiency and a minimalist approach to technique, with an emphasis on safety and longevity in training. Graeme is the lead instructor at Sanchin Aikido in Paisley, Scotland, which has been affiliated with the Long Island Aikikai since 2026.
Iaido Instructors
Greg began training in Iaido at the Long Island Aikikai in 2012 under Kevin Loughlin Sensei, founder of the dojo's Iaido program. He now holds 4th dan and studies under Pam Parker Sensei, 7th dan Kyoshi, head of Iaido at the Ken Zen Institute in Tribeca. He teaches both the All Japan Kendo Federation's seitei curriculum and Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū. For almost fifteen years he has travelled throughout the U.S. to All United States Kendo Federation regional and national seminars and competitions as a student, competitor and referee.
David has trained in Iaido at the Long Island Aikikai since 2012, when he joined the program Kevin Loughlin Sensei had founded there. A 4th dan, he studies today under Pam Parker Sensei, 7th dan Kyoshi, head of Iaido at the Ken Zen Institute in Tribeca, and teaches both the All Japan Kendo Federation's seitei curriculum and Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū. He has taken part in regional and national Iaido seminars and tournaments as a student, competitor and referee. He placed in the top three at the East Coast Iaido Championships every year from 2013 to 2020, winning four times, and took first place at the 2014 All United States National Iaido Championship and third at the 2017 national championship.