Adult Program Instructors

Our dojo hosts professional instructors that hold senior ranks in Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (“ASU”) and Aikikai Foundation in Japan. Many of our instructors travel worldwide to train in and conduct seminars. They do this to continue growing their skills, knowledge, and wisdom. In addition to Aikido, many instructors also have trained and continue to train in other martial arts to continue honing their skills. We are honored to host them here, and have them on our board.

Some of our instructors have been awarded the Ueshiba Juku. The Ueshiba Juku designation is awarded by Mitsugi Saotome Shihan to selected senior students and instructors in recognition of their loyalty and dedication to building ASU and promoting O Sensei’s vision. It declares that they are not only true deshi (direct disciple) of Saotome Sensei and inheritors of his teachings, but are also part of O Sensei’s own school and pure lineage as only a true Uchi Deshi of O Sensei can recognize. The status is indicated by special kanji worn on the formal Dogi of the authorized individual, and is an honor independent of specific rank or Shihan status.

Eugene Lee Shihan

Eugene Lee began his Aikido study in 1988 and holds a rokudan (6th degree black belt). Eugene works for the EPA’s Office of Emergency Management and is also an avid mountaineer, trekker and cyclist.

Nina Carleton

Nina started training in Aikido in 1980. She currently holds a godan (5th degree blackbelt) and is a regular instructor during morning classes. She and her husband, Thurston Carleton are major contributors to the dojo. Nina’s care in the garden can be seen by all members. She and Patty Saotome shared much history in Aikido and her skill and ability on the mat is known for its joy, attention to detail, and sharpness as a result of her fondness for weapons practice.

Chris Royal

Chris began his aikido training in 1990 and holds a godan (5th degree black belt). He is a mid-morning instructor and is interested in all aspects of aikido. In addition to aikido, he is a professor of Jazz Studies at Howard University. His passion for music, aikido, the arts, and humanity is profound and we are honored to have him here with us at Shobukan.

Robert Deppe Shihan

Robert began his aikido study in 1984 and holds the rank of rokudan (6th dan). He is a personal student of Mitsugi Saotome Shihan and is especially known for his precise and powerful weapons work, graceful movement, and clear teaching. Robert has been training and teaching at Aikido Shobukan Dojo (ASD) since 1994. Robert has studied Shindo Muso Ryu for 25 years as well as Yagyu Shinkage Ryu for 7 years, influencing his precise and powerful weapons work.

John Taylor

John Taylor began practicing aikido in 1991 and is a godan (5th degree black belt). He is a part of regular instructors leading morning keiko sessions. He is a past ASD President and Board Member and he holds dan ranks in karate and judo. He is clear, concise, gentle, and we are pleased to have him join us here at the dojo.

Kamenna Lee

Kamenna started practicing aikido in 1991 and is a godan (5th degree blackbelt). She can be seen contributing to the dojo as an organizational leader and rolls up her sleeves in all things. Her classes are vibrant, dynamic, and most often will generate sweat while focusing on clean lines and technique. It is a pleasure to have the Lee’s as members and leaders in our community.

Nick Kiritz

Nick Kiritz began his aikido study in 1982 at Oberlin College. He holds the rank of rokudan (6th degree black belt), and the Ueshiba Juku designation. In addition to teaching and training regularly at the dojo, he serves as the head instructor for the Georgetown University Aikikai. Nick has cross-trained in a variety of other arts, including Systema, yoga, and Zen. Nick works as a consultant in risk management for US and foreign financial institutions. Nick has served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer and CFO of Aikido Shobukan Dojo.

Chas Poor

Chas is a longtime member of Aikido Shobukan Dojo and is a rokudan (6th degree black belt). He has been a part of and has lead many years of morning classes here. He is an architect by trade and has a keen sense of humor and enjoys nature, art, birds, and all things natural.