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Chief Instructor: Steven KaufmannKaufmann Sensei (6th degree blackbelt)has studied extensively with three of Aikido's great teachers: Y. Yamada, Shihan (master teacher), chief instructor of New York Aikikai; M. Kanai, Shihan, chief instructor of New England Aikikai; and T.K. Chiba, Shihan, chief instructor of San Diego Aikikai and head of the USAF, Western Region. These three Aikido masters were uchideshi students of O'Sensei. That is, as young men they lived in the dojo and trained daily with the founder of Aikido. Open Sky Aikikai takes pride in practicing traditional Aikido. Steve Sensei's daily practice includes Aikido, Zen meditation, and Tai Chi. His model of excellence is Morihei Ueshiba, O'Sensei, the founder of Aikido. Steve's interest is in developing great internal awareness and empowerment in himself and his students. Steve's teaching methods clearly communicate to students how to refine themselves through integrating their body, mind, and spirit in Aikido practice. Increased awareness of internal energy improves sensitivity, power, and health. Steve taught grades K-8 as a licenced school teacher for over 10 years in Orange and Chatham Counties, NC and Oakland, CA. He has certification in Learning Disabilities. He was a specialist for Duke University for two years as a Violence Prevention Trainer for 6th grade students and their teachers in Durham, NC. He now teaches aikido and tai chi full time. Steve's favorite pastime is gardening. |
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Charlie Hileman Charlie started Aikido in 1989 and trained for five years under Paul Sylvain of Valley Aikido. After returning from the Peace Corps in Guatemala, he began training with Steven Kaufmann in 1997 and received his 2nd dan in 2006. He is the Aikido instructor at Chapel Hill/Carrboro Tae Kwon Do. |  |
Jesse Susan Kaufmann Jesse's teaching experience includes nine years as instructor of children's aikido, ten years as an instructor in children's after-school programs, and six years as humane educator for children at the Animal Protection Society in Chapel Hill. She also taught painting at the Arts Center in Carrboro. She is a 2nd dan and the school administrator. |
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Katie Haywood Instructs the Sunday mixed-level class in Hillsborough. Beginners are encouraged to attend her class. Katie has been with Open Sky since our beginnings. Katie received her 2nd dan in 2006. |  |
Josh Lozoff Joshua began studying Aikido in 1978 at the age of 7 and has trained at dojos around the country. He began studying under Kaufmann Sensei in 1996 and received his black belt in 1998. Josh is a magician. His website is deep-magic.com. |
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Alex Hamer Alex has been studying martial arts since 1980. Her background is in karate, si-lum kung fu and Filipino modern arnis (shodan.) Alex received her 2nd dan in Aikido in 1996. She has been practicing with Sensei Kaufmann since 1999. Alex has an orthopedic massage practice in Durham and is an artist. |  |
Andy Wood Andy teaches Saturday Children's classes and weapons. He received his 1st dan in 2005. Andy owns Wood Construction Co. He has two children who study Aikido at Open Sky. |
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Mike Fliss Mike teaches the Duke University P.E. classes and Mike is a substitute teacher for our classes at Open Sky. He holds a black belt in Tang Soo Do with 15 years experience and received his Aikido shodan in 2007. Mike is completing his masters in social work management at UNC, is active in social justice community organizing and does technology/systems consulting for nonprofits. His website is aiki-doing.net. |  |
Sarah Kaneko
Sarah teaches Aiki Intro and Technique Intro classes at the dojo. In addition to martial arts, she has experience teaching both middle school and high school science. Currently, she teaches Biology and Earth Science at Jordan High School in Durham. She has a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Duke University. |
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